Chapter 45

Chapter 45
Celebrating Obon
Cover	Komi Shouko
Volume	3
Pages	20
Anime Episode	Episode 8
New Character(s)	Komi Yuiko Komi Ryouko Komi Sadayoshi Komi Akira
Komi's Friend Count	11/100
Chapter Guide
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Celebrating Obon is the forty-fifth chapter of Tomohito Oda's Komi Can't Communicate.

Summary

Komi and her brother, mother and father leave home for Komi's grandma's house, to celebrate Obon. Everyone apart from Komi's mom is silent, which is not unusual for the family.

When they arrive, they pay respects to their ancestors, then catch up with Grandma Yuiko, Auntie Ryoko and Uncle Sadayoshi. Grandma is stern and wise, and shows irritation at Mom's excessive poking. Auntie Ryoko and Uncle Sadayoshi are both very similar to Mom and Dad, Ryoko being extroverted and energetic, while Sadayoshi being silent and stoic. Komi quickly escapes being cuddled by Ryoko, her brother Shosuke is not so lucky.

Akira, Komi's little cousin, hides timidly from Komi, as they haven't caught up in a while. Komi sneaks up behind her, accidentally terrifying Akira. Komi gets an idea, and tickles Akira until she laughs, bonding the two closer. Throughout the day, Akira followed Komi around (even in the bathroom), and invited her to play a board game. When Komi nods, Akira breaks down into tears, explaining that she's glad Komi will play with her, as in other visits Komi would usually just stare silently. Komi notices how she's improved at social interactions since then.

Later, Komi reports to Grandma about various happenings, as Dad leaves before Komi; it is clear that Grandma was hard on him. Grandma asks Komi if she's enjoying high school (nod) and if she's had any difficulties (shake). Grandma continues asking questions, such as if she's made any friends (nod) and that if there's a boy she likes (Komi gets flustered). Grandma, like a bloodhound, interrogates Komi, looking at her phone's contacts and sees Tadano's name, which she thinks is weird, and that she disapproves.

Tadano, far away at his home, sneezes, as if by causation.

Characters in order of appearance

• Komi Shouko
• Komi Shousuke
• Komi Shuuko
• Komi Masayoshi
• Komi Yuiko (Debut)
• Komi Ryouko (Debut)
• Komi Sadayoshi (Debut)
• Komi Akira (Debut)
• Tadano Hitohito
• Tadano Hitomi

Events

• Komi and her family visit her grandma, auntie, uncle and cousin.

Trivia

• There's a recurring saying/gag in Japan that is that when you sneeze, someone is talking about you. If you sneeze once, someone is gossiping about you; if twice, it’s a bad rumor; three times, it’s just a cold.