Japanese Drama Review 22 - Hanayori Dango Episode 1 - Makino's Severe Bullying

With concern for Makino her friend counsels her to ‘transfer to another school’. Furthermore, Makino is warned about the possible dangers she may face in retaliation. They may ‘erase’ her. She is cautioned to ‘be very careful’.

From what we have observed of the F4, and of Tsukusa, we know this is solid counsel. However, I am greatly concerned that Makino did not discuss the Eitoku incident with her parents. She should have gone to them directly and not to another young woman. Without the correct measures being taken for Makino’s safety it is foolish of her to return to school. She knows further torment awaits her.

Makino returns to Eitoku. Slowly she walks toward her locker. She opens it – snakes tumble out. She moves away and falls to the floor. The three young men whom Tsukusa intimidated and tortured surround Makino – they take her to the science room and pin her down. With a knife they cut away her buttons and open her blazer – she shouts and screams ‘stop it’. They don’t!

‘What are you doing now,’ a familiar voice states. Rui had sought respite in the class-room and gets up from his reclining position. ‘Let her go,’ he says. One of the attackers says, ‘No, I have to … because she never gives up.’ Rui responds, ‘shut up. I said, let her go’. They do. Rui removes the stool used to pin Makino to the floor, and sits on it. Makino covers herself and weeps.

Rui says, ‘the cleaning lady is cleaning the fire escape. Finally, I thought I’d found a quiet place’.

‘Thank you. Thank you,’ Makino whimpers.

‘Don’t misunderstand me,’ Rui says. ‘I just hate this’. Rui walks away and leaves Makino.

I’m sure that you too were relieved at this amazing providence. I was so very relieved that a stop was put to the rape of Makino. We all know that is what was intended at that moment.

But, what if the fire escape was not being cleaned and Rui had not sought an alternate quiet escape? What would have happened to Makino?

We already know Makino should have discussed the red notice with her parents. Previously we discussed the essential actions needed when confronted with bullying and with bullies. None of the counsel changes – it is applicable here – more so than before – and so we will not address it again.

Let’s discuss the possible act that could have occurred against Makino. Rape happens. We all know it does. None of us want this for another, but it is reality. How would you prepare young women whom you disciple to be aware of what is occurring around them – to prevent this happening to them? And, if it does, when it does, what counsel should we be giving them? What information do we need to give them if they have been raped?

Are you prepared to discuss this hard and difficult topic with those whom you disciple?

Some considerations:

1. Be wise when you are out – don’t separate from your friends – don’t stay alone.

2. Don’t hang out in dark and unfamiliar areas.

3. If abandoned by your friends - call someone.

4. Always carry extra cash for a very expensive cab ride home.

5. Don’t go to strange places with someone you’ve just met.

6. If attacked, fight back but don’t risk your life

7. Heed the threats made to you.

8. Remember your Lord and the abuse he suffered, the flogging, the spitting, the insults, the slurs.

9. Call someone.

10. Call your family

11. Seek medical attention.

12. Know your rights – Biblically.

13. What is abortion, when is it an abortion – know this. Teach your youth groups and young women about this.

What counsel and instruction would you add to this? What would you share with young women? How would you instruct them?

• You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there (Psalm 139:5-8).

• Please read all of Psalm 139

#Psalms #Japanese #drama #family #bullied