I'm surprised no one sees this as a trans allegory!
I think a huge part of transitioning is finding the way you present yourself and coming to terms with growing up knowing something is wrong in your own body, and having that realization be met with fierce resistance. Hodaka, to me, represents that journey. I see her smoking and gambling as trying to force herself to be someone she isn't, in a similar way that a trans person might try to force masculinity or femininity when it feels unnatural, as way to rebel against her traumatic upbringing. But after rooming with Kano for a bit, she settles on being Hodaka, resembling her old self but being distinct and content. And I think that's quite nice!
last edited at Aug 4, 2026 7:42AM