Kobato. [TV]
The story follows Kobato, a sweet but naïve girl on a mission to collect and fill a bottle with “konpeito”. In order to obtain a konpeito, Kobato must heal a person’s suffering heart.
Despite her eccentricity and air-headedness, Kobato’s sincerity touches the hearts of the people she meets. However, this delightful gift has a penalty – she is not allowed to fall in love with a person she had “fixed”.
Accompanied by a spirit in the form of a dog plushie, Kobato must fill the bottle with konpeito before the four seasons end.
About the Show
Kobato is an anime adaptation of the fantasy-romance manga series under the same name, written by Clamp. Produced by studio Madhouse under the direction of Mitsuyuki Masuhara, Kobato aired a total of 24 episodes between October 6, 2009, and March 23, 2010.
Season Summary
Episode 1: “…A Girl’s Wish”
Kobato Hanato arrives in the Human World, and is given several tests by Ioryogi to prove her worthiness of the bottle. She has varying success with the tests given to her by Ioryogi, but finally receives the bottle after calming a crying baby.
Episode 2: “…The Shining Kompeito”
Ioryogi tells Kobato that in order to fill the bottle, she must heal other people’s heart. Following the stranger who helped her before, Kobato ends up in a daycare. There, she finds a boy waiting for her mother.
Episode 3: “…A Gift from the Rain”
Sayaka sees Kobato sleeping in a park, so she takes her to a friend, Chitose Mihata, who gives Kobato a room in her apartment building. The next day, Kobato meets a school girl named Mustumi.
Episode 4: “…Spring Green and the Flutter of the Heart”
Kobato meets an angel Kohaku, who appeared to be sad. The next day, she discovers that Kohaku is in love with Shuuichirou Kudou, and thus her quest for another konpeito begins. Later, another angel appears to Kobato, and tells her that she only has a year to fill the bottle, else it will be taken away.
Episode 5: “…Firefly Promise”
Kobato reads a firefly picture book to a group of children, and later meets the author of the book. However, the author asks her not to read anymore, making Kobato wonder about the reason for the strange request. She then sets out to cheer him up.
Episode 6: “…Hide-and-Seek”
Kobato receives a call from a debt collector and discovers that Yomogi Nursery is in a rough financial position.
Episode 7: “…Gentle Person”
While on her way to return Fujimoto’s report, Kobato meets a young man named Takashi Doumoto. He is always prone to help others, even when it can cause troubles for him.
Episode 8: “…A Kitten’s Lullaby”
Kobato finds a stray kitten and took it home with her, but Chitose’s daughters told her that pets are not allowed in the apartment. The three of them then set out to find someone who will adopt the kitten.
Episode 9: “…Memories of Summer”
Kobato meets two girls whose friendship begins to fade, after one dedicates her time entirely to photography.
Episode 10: “…The Boy’s Organ Days”
Kobato learns more about Fujimoto’s childhood, thanks to Sayaka-sensei.
Episode 11: “…Detective Kobato Hanato”
Kobato decides to help out at Tirol Confectionery, and discovers that their employer Hiroyasu in poor spirits. Kobato sets out to investigate, along with Hiroyasu’s assistant, Yumi.
Episode 12: “…Silver Eyes”
Kobato and Ioryogi are in a park when suddenly, Ioryogi’s old acquaintance named Ginsei shows up. Ginsei takes Kobato’s bottle away, prompting a fight against Ioryogi.
Episode 13: “…Angel and the Protector”
Fall season arrives. Kobato and Ioryogi finds a giant Ginkgo tree, and learns that it is set to be cut down. Despite wanting to prevent this from happening, Kobato realizes that the trees life is nearing its end anyway.
Episode 14: “…Twilight Search”
While helping the children pick potatoes, Kobato spots a boy stealing. She follows him, and discovers that he ran away from home due to his grandfather’s yelling. Kobato then makes the boy realize that his grandfather is worried about him, earning her another konpeito.
Episode 15: “…Hidden Prayer”
Kobato, Fujimoto, and Shuuichirou work together to take care of Sayaka who has fallen ill.
Episode 16: “…Mysterious Life-Form”
The due date to pay for the nursery’s debt closes in, but Kobato and the children still haven’t raised enough money. Kobato then launches a bazaar with the children. Later, she discovers that the debt collector is Sayaka’s ex-husband.
Episode 17: “…Mysterious Life-Form II”
Kobato finds a worn down Ioryogi while advertising for the bazaar. The Ioryogi was struggling to protect his box of baumkuchen.
Episode 18: “…Warmth of the Wintry Wind”
The winter season arrives, and Ioryogi reminds Kobato that she must fill the bottle by spring. Later, Kazuto sends a thug to the nursery to intimidate the parents; and Kobato hears a confession from Domoto.
Episode 19: "…White Christmas
Christmas approaches, but Kobato feels troubled after Fujimoto treats her coldly. She confides her problems to Domoto, who then becomes eager to make Kobato and Fujimoto’s relationship better.
Episode 20: “…The Travelers”
Kobato works at Tirol again to earn money for a Valentine’s Day party. After work, she meets world-jumping travelers, and lets them stay in her room. Later, Kobato realizes that she wants to be with Fujimoto.
Episode 21: “…Footsteps of Spring”
Kazuto shows up again to demand payment for the nursery’s debts. Kobato waits outside his office, but passes out due to the cold rain. Later, Sayaka and Kazuto manages to resolve their tension, and Kobato earns two konpeitos.
Episode 22: “…Day to Say Goodbye”
Ushagi-san appears, and with him he brings a message from heaven. Ioryogi gets on his hands and knees to beg for more time, as he believes Kobato will succeed.
Episode 23: “…Kobato’s Wish”
Just before Kobato was about to leave, Fujimoto finds her in a park. He finally learns the truth about her, and Kobato earns a konpeito from him – filling the bottle.
Episode 24: “The Day to Come…”
Everyone seems to have forgotten about Kobato’s existence, except Fujimoto. After seeing her konpeiton, Fujimoto asks the people around him if they remember Kobato. Later, he meets Kobato who has forgotten her previous memories.
