Hyakushou Kizoku [Season 1 Episode 39]

Hyakushou Kizoku Season 1 Episode 39: The Red-Crowned Cranes That Looked Like Cows

If you’ve ever stared at a bird from a distance and thought, “Wait, is that a cow?” then Hiromu Arakawa’s Hyakushou Kizoku (The Farmer’s Noble) has an episode just for you. Episode 39 of this cozy slice-of-life anime dives into the world of red-crowned cranes—those elegant, snow-white birds with crimson caps that grace winter landscapes—and wraps it in Arakawa’s signature blend of humor, heart, and quiet wisdom. For fans of the series, it’s another reminder why this six-minute gem (produced by Pie in the Sky, since July 2023) feels like a warm cup of cocoa after a day in the fields.

Let’s start with the chaos that kicks off the episode: Arakawa, the manga legend behind Fullmetal Alchemist, mistakes a flock of red-crowned cranes for cows. Yes, you read that right. From a distance, their tall, graceful frames and slow, deliberate movements tricked her into thinking they were livestock. It’s the kind of relatable, silly moment that makes Hyakushou Kizoku so endearing—like when you squint at a distant object and get it totally wrong, then laugh at yourself later. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “They’re large enough that from a distance Arakawa-sensei got them mixed up with cows lol.” That line alone sums up the episode’s lighthearted vibe.

But don’t let the cow mix-up fool you—this episode has teeth. Arakawa uses the cranes to tackle a big question: Who gets to decide which animals are “vermin” and which are “beneficial”? She points out that most creatures are just living their lives, yet humans label them based on how they affect our farms or food. It’s a sharp observation wrapped in a soft package, and it hits hard. Another fan on MyAnimeList echoed this: “Arakawa-sensei makes a good point that it’s us humans who decide which animals are ‘vermin’ or ‘beneficial’ when most animals are just living according to their nature.” It’s the kind of line that sticks with you, even after the episode’s short runtime.

What makes this episode special, though, is how it balances humor with heart. The crane dance—those iconic, almost balletic movements they do in winter—takes center stage, and Arakawa’s awe is contagious. She even mentions a postcard from her elementary school science teacher featuring the dance, which adds a nostalgic touch. It’s these personal anecdotes that make Hyakushou Kizoku feel like a conversation with a friend, not a lecture. As one viewer noted, “A good author leaves the audience enough material to be satisfied with, yet yearning for more.” Episode 39 does exactly that: it leaves you smiling, thinking about cranes, and maybe even reevaluating how you see the natural world.

Of course, no Hyakushou Kizoku episode is complete without Arakawa’s editor, Ishii, reacting to farm life like it’s alien territory. While Ishii doesn’t steal the show here, his quiet confusion (and eventual appreciation) for the cranes ties the episode together. It’s a reminder of the series’ core charm: bridging the gap between city folks (like Ishii) and the rural world Arakawa loves.

For anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of big, action-packed anime, Hyakushou Kizoku Episode 39 is a breath of fresh air. It’s short, sweet, and packed with meaning—like a haiku that lingers in your mind. As one fan simply put it, “another good ep about birds this time…” And honestly? That’s all you need. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that make you look at the world a little differently—whether it’s mistaking cranes for cows or realizing that every animal has a place in the wild.

So, if you’re in the mood for something that’s equal parts funny and thought-provoking, give this episode a watch. Just don’t blame Arakawa if you start squinting at distant birds, wondering if they’re secretly cows. Trust me—you won’t be the only one.

Final Thought: Hyakushou Kizoku Episode 39 isn’t just about cranes. It’s about curiosity, humility, and the beauty of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes—even if that someone once confused birds for bovines. And in a world that’s always rushing, that’s a lesson worth savoring.