Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020 P1: E6 "The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side"

Konbanwa! Another day, another chance to catch up with our friends! This episode mostly revolves around Haruka, but that just means it's full of shadiness and intriguing facial reactions. Let’s dive in! The recap at the top of the show doesn’t reveal anything major, expect for the panel pointing out that Risako puts her all into whatever she does, whether it’s parkour or dating. While I agree, I’m not sure if she’ll always get the results she expects. As we get into the meat of the episode, things start with Haruka and Shohei talking about Ruka, and whether or not he likes Risako. This seems to be a pretty hot topic lately. They also go golfing, and it is kind of adorable just how terrible Shohei is. Haruka even later calls him, “an elderly gorilla,” which was great. Haruka also takes Ruka to the car shop and to get steak, nothing really to note at the car shop, but at the restaurant, she asks if he has feelings for Riasko. He laughs nervously and says, “it’s complicated.” Interestinggggg

Later on all the housemates are together watching the first episode of the show, which is maybe the most awkward thing they do on "Terrace House." It’s fascinating that the show airs just a few weeks after filming so the housemates can get an inside look at things that happened a few weeks ago. They find out that Haruka and Ruka both made an impression on each other that first day. Ruka crumbles from the awkwardness of watching themselves, and honestly, same. It was too much.

They also talk about how Kaori is evasive and wouldn’t say who she liked that first day, so they beg her to tell them who she likes most now. She surprisingly says Shohei, while the other two girls confess being attracted to Kenny. Poor Ruka is getting left in the dust. This is definitely going to lead to conflict. Already, in a scene shortly after, Haruka plots a plan to ask out Kenny. Kaori helps by separating Risako from the group so Haruka can ask Kenny without her around. It’s a pretty good plan, but the panel seems absolutely appalled at that sort of plotting. It didn’t really bother me, which made me think, maybe I’m a bad person? Hmmm, much to think about. In the end, Haruka and Kenny have another concert date set up, and Risako and Kenny are getting lunch. I hope Shohei or Kaori make a move next episode, but I think we're definitely going to get more Riasko vs Haruka. I just can’t believe they both went from liking Ruka to both liking Kenny. What a roller coaster. After the classic *dun dun* at the end, the panel suddenly reappears to announce that Yamasato got married! Wuuuuut. Apparently he married a famous Japanese actress, Yu Aoi, after dating for two months. I am SHOOK. They also stated that he’s the only member of the panelist who is married, which is also kind of shocking to me. They make sure to point out that Yamasato will still be the cynical “loser” we know and love. That’s good at least, but what a plot twist! I never even imagined we’d get such a surprise from the panel themselves.

Highlights: - I still can’t get over Haruka calling Shohei an elderly gorilla.

- Yamasato announcing that he’s no longer a virgin, and also saying he’s, “not a cherry boy” in english. I died.

That’s it for this week. Are you ready for a Risako/Haruka showdown? Who do you think Kenny would choose?