With the arrival of two real filmmakers in town, the narrative shifts to an interesting exploration of Ainu folktales.

Asirpa and Sugimoto seize the opportunity and have these filmmakers record the folktales of Panampe and Penampe, which revolve around tricks and schemes. The reenactment is a highlight, as Sugimoto and Shiraishi bring the folktale characters to life, showcasing a playful side that adds an extra layer of joy to the events. The episode captivates the audience with this home-video-style storytelling, conveying the essence of these tales.

Asirpa’s concern about the fading of Ainu traditions amid modern technology resonates throughout the episode. She sees filmmaking as a way to immortalize her culture and craft a poignant narrative against the backdrop of government policies aimed at assimilating Ainu traditions into Japanese customs. In her role as director, her burning desire to protect and preserve her cultural heritage becomes evident.

The impact of the cinematograph on Asirpa is a deeply emotional moment. Rather than being awed by the technology, she asserts that her father’s stories had a far deeper influence on her understanding of her mother than the cinematograph ever could. The message underscores the importance of personal experiences and connections in preserving culture and memory.

The episode also hints at growing tension between Sugimoto’s protective instincts and Asirpa’s ambitions. Sugimoto wants to shield Asirpa from experiencing the traumatic aspects of life and war, fearing she might lose her innocence. His revelations about her upbringing as an Ainu leader become a crucial point of contention between them.

Asirpa, on the other hand, continues to advocate for the protection of her culture, which she sees as an integral part of her identity. Sugimoto’s wartime experiences have made him distrustful of everyone, especially Asirpa, who is undergoing similar hardships.