Japanese Drama Review 15 - Hanayori Dango Episode 1 - Makino's Hates

Makino is caught in her own trap – and she hates it. Poise, beauty and glamour were the attractions which drew her to what became a snare – now she is caught. She’s trapped. Not only does she hate the people and circumstances of her trap, she hates herself too. Her statements are bold revealing a deep sad reality:

I hate Eitoku

I hate the arrogant F4’s

I hate my cruel classmates

But to be honest, I hate myself because I can’t say anything

Is it true that she can’t say anything, or has she been conditioned to not say anything? What is the root cause of the fear that silences her? Is her fear real? Is it true? Or, has she allowed her peers to intimidate her, and silence her?

Makino’s emotional response allows me to see her as trapped in her circumstances – she does not see a way out. Consider her use of first person statements. A whole lot of self-focus is in her hate statements. This is what occurs when we are intimidated and allow fear to grasp and silence us. We don’t like it. With no resolution and hope of change, her dislike has grown to hate. Instead of taking action and speaking up Makino is now in a pit of despair.

In our endeavor to counsel Makino we must remain sensitive to the reality of her struggle. Looking in from the outside does not allow for us to be harsh with our comments – she is a young woman, and her situation is real to her. This is hard. It is difficult. We must be sensitive that she will need to face the reality of Eitoku the very next morning.

What counsel can we give Makino to strengthen her to persevere while at school?

Previously, we have discussed the sovereignty of God in where she is placed. What His purposes are for her, and her family. We have discussed what she is to learn, how she is to grow, and in turn encourage her peers. Once again, we need to remind her of this.

Furthermore we need to emphasize the Lord will provide the way of escape whether that be through spiritual growth to establish endurance or her removal from Eitoku. The way out is the Lord’s to determine, and not hers. Nor is it yours or mine as Makino’s disciplers. We must not give her false hope. We need to keep her focused on the Lord. He has her at Eitoku, and her expressions of hate are against His will for her. We need to encourage her to see the Lord’s purpose in this – she needs to repent and change how she thinks of this season of life.

How would you add to this counseling? What further instruction and encouragement would you give to Makino, or any other young woman experiencing similar difficulties?

• We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Romans 8:28-30).

• No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

#hate