My Dress-Up Darling (Episode 8) - Backlighting Is the Best

Warning – This post is Not Safe For Work! Proceed with caution!!!

While scouting some locations for the group cosplay, Juju told Gojou that it was love at first sight when she saw his costume. That’s why she had to have him make it.

My Dress-Up Darling (Episode 8) – Backlighting Is the Best

What happened?

Shinju tells Marin and Gojou all about photography, explaining the equipment and such things. However, Marin and Gojou soon learn that it was Shinju that created the cosplay account for Juju. She even came up with the name. All because she wanted the world to see how beautiful her sister looked. Marin understood and quickly developed a bond with Shinju.

The next thing was to scout out some locations for the photoshoot. One place was an abandoned hospital which seemed like it would be perfect for the tone of the show they were cosplaying from. Marin and Shinju ran inside and explored. Gojou followed behind, but then he noticed that Juju was not looking too confident.

As they looked around, he asked Juju why she wanted a costume made by him. Juju told him that she saw the pictures of Marin in his costume and got jealous. She needed to have one. It was love at first sight. Gojou suddenly broke down in tears as he remembered the time his grandpa first showed him the Hina dolls. He thanked her and promised to make the best costume ever.

My Dress Up Darling Episode 8 Marin Kitagawa and Shinju Inui talking

A little while later, Gojou relaxed into his chair at school as it was over for the summer. Marin appeared beside him and asked if he wanted to go to the beach. Like, right now! The next thing he knew, they were at the beach, Marin munching on a burger. He assumed it was to practice photography, but Marin simply wanted to go to the beach. Then, a hawk stole her burger.

They tried to find somewhere else to sit, but the bird followed them. Eventually, Gojou threw the fries at it, which it caught and then flew away. After that, it left them alone, allowing Marin to slip off her socks and run into the water. She yelled for Gojou to come with her. He did and was a little put off by the sand moving beneath his feet. It was as if it was his first-ever time at the beach.

Marin was shocked to learn that it was. Since he was a young boy all he wanted was to perfect the art of Hina dolls. As such nothing else really interested him. However, his grandpa told him to broaden his experiences so he wants to visit everywhere he failed to see. Marin loved that idea and invited him to go everywhere with her, just the two of them.

My Dress Up Darling Episode 8 Gojou Wakana and Marin Kitagawa at the beach windswept

What did you think?

I just want to make a quick note about the animation of this series. I love how fluid it feels. The movement is spectacular and feels incredibly natural. That scene on the beach was amazing and it just got better as we learnt that Gojou had never been there before and that Marin was excited to spend the entire summer with him. As different as they are from one another, I think they are a perfect match and I love the way Marin laughs at him.

So, I’ve been wondering if Gojou will make a step towards making costumes instead of Hina dolls and I feel like we might be seeing the beginning of that thought process. Juju telling him that she fell in love with his costume was a big moment for him. That is the feeling he’s been after since he first saw a Hina doll, and I think that’s what he’s looking for. It’ll be hard to change his focus when he’s been so determined, but if anyone can help him do it, it’s Marin. I love this series. I can’t stop smiling.