Are you a fan of Clannad and Clannad After Story? If so, get ready for a deep dive into the world of this beloved anime series. WARNING: Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t watched these shows yet, proceed at your own risk!

Notes on the Ending

Many viewers have expressed mixed feelings about the ending of Clannad. While it may not be considered a “bad ending” per se, some find it unsatisfying, almost like a deus ex machina. Interestingly, those who played the Clannad game before watching the anime tend to have a different perspective. The game’s interactive nature allows players to work towards a “true ending” after experiencing a “bad ending” first. This new understanding sheds light on the complexities of adapting a visual novel into a linear television series.

However, in the anime, the lack of player input presents a challenge. Tomoya must navigate the story, accumulating “points of light,” without knowing their significance or even their existence. While a diagram circulating on the internet attempts to map out the anime’s events based on the game’s sequences, it doesn’t fully align with what we see on screen. The anime successfully presents the story as a cohesive whole, rather than splitting it into separate arcs.

The Metaphysics of it All

To truly grasp the story’s essence, we must delve into the symbolism of the grove of trees where Akio prayed for Nagisa’s recovery. In the bad ending, the trees are cut down to make way for the hospital, potentially causing Nagisa’s demise. In contrast, the grove survives in the good ending, suggesting that the hospital was built on an adjacent site.

It’s possible that the sacred grove in the game is equivalent to the sakura tree grove that Tomoya helps Tomoyo save. This meaningful connection between the two plotlines enhances the emotional impact of the good ending. However, in the anime, this can be confusing as Tomoyo’s efforts to save the trees seemingly go in vain before miraculously reappearing after the reset.

Furthermore, Ushio is depicted in three incarnations: Tomoya and Nagisa’s daughter, the girl in the empty world who sees the dreams of the townspeople as points of light, and the goddess of the grove who watches over the townspeople’s dreams. This overlapping of incarnations adds depth to the narrative and solidifies the interconnectedness of the characters’ journeys.

My Timeline

Based on my interpretation, the timeline of events in Clannad can be outlined as follows:

1. Ushio is born as Nagisa and Tomoya’s daughter but tragically dies at age five.
2. She is then reborn as the girl in the empty world, initially feeling lonely and desolate until Tomoya, in the form of a junk doll, reaches out to her. Eventually, she attains enlightenment and comprehends their true identities. Determined to protect the dreams of the townspeople, she observes their aspirations as points of light.
3. Traveling back in time, she becomes the goddess of the trees. Ushio heals a young Nagisa and imparts the story of the girl in the empty world. Altering her own past, Ushio ensures that Tomoya, Nagisa, and she can live a full life together. This requires not only the points of light collected by Tomoya but also their consent, leading to the poignant scene where Tomoya and Nagisa reunite in the afterworld, triggering the reset.

Though this time loop introduces a paradox, Tomoya justifies its existence by acknowledging the truth in both the good and bad endings, as revealed in the recap episode.

Notes on the Girls

As with many visual novel adaptations, fans often debate the romantic choices made by the protagonist. In Clannad, it’s worth noting that the game follows a consistent pattern: the true love interest is not necessarily the sexiest, wealthiest, or smartest girl, but the one who offers the hero something they’ve unconsciously yearned for all along. Let’s explore what each girl represents for Tomoya:

• Kyou: Passion. If they end up together, their relationship would be marked by intense arguments and even more fervent lovemaking.
• Tomoyo: Success. She pushes Tomoya to achieve his full potential, leaving no room for anything less.
• Kotomi: The opportunity to serve humanity. Tomoya would provide emotional support as she unravels the universe’s secrets, although he might never fully comprehend her research.
• Fuuko: A bounty of starfish. Yes, you read that right—starfish galore!
• Ryou: A questionable choice. Tomoya isn’t particularly drawn to her, but due to lingering self-esteem issues, he may go along if she makes the first move. In the game, choosing Ryou always leads to a bad ending.
• Nagisa: The embodiment of Tomoya’s deepest desire—to be part of a joyful, supportive family. (Hence, the series’ name, derived from the Irish word for “family.”)

Random Notes

Now, let’s address a few intriguing tidbits from Clannad:

Contrary to popular belief, Tomoya and Nagisa do not consummate their relationship on their wedding night. Nagisa subtly hints at her desires, given her shy and reserved nature, but Tomoya is too preoccupied with his own feelings of unworthiness. Eventually, Nagisa must ask him directly.

Ushio’s actions in the bathroom episode aim to encourage Tomoya to embrace his role as a true parent. Each effort she makes serves as a clever strategy to draw out the parent within him.

When Tomoya initially agrees to help Nagisa, it remains unclear whether he remembers the cruel prank he and Sunohara played on her the previous year. Although he never explicitly acknowledges it, it’s entirely possible that he feels a sense of guilt and desires to make amends.

How abusive was Tomoya’s father? While the anime offers limited details, it is implied that his behavior was quite severe. We witness Naoyuki’s drunken episodes and subsequent remorse, but it’s reasonable to assume that his anger and violence manifested even more when sober. The fact that he broke Tomoya’s arm speaks volumes. If Tomoya perceived these actions as accidental or out of character, he might have been ashamed but not resentful. Additionally, Tomoya’s attitudinal problems suggest he may have endured verbal abuse during his vulnerable childhood.

Lastly, Sanae’s claim of being 17 years old when introducing herself to Sunohara serves as an insider joke. Kikuko Inoue, the voice actress, perpetually claims to be 17 years old during interviews and public appearances, regardless of her actual age. Therefore, whenever Inoue portrays a character who couldn’t possibly be 17, writers often insert lines alluding to her age.

So, my dear friends, we’ve uncovered the heart-wrenching secrets of Clannad’s bad ending. Delve into the metaphysical undertones, explore the alternate timelines, and ponder the significance of the girls in Tomoya’s life. Remember, Fecomic is your go-to source for all things manga and anime. Dive deeper into this incredible world at [Fecomic](http://fecomic.xyz)!