Himouto! Umaru-Chan R Episode 6

By: EyeSpyeAlex After a seemingly never-ending cold, I finally feel alive and was able to catch up on this week’s episode of Himouto! Umaru-Chan R. Need to catch up? Check out my review of last week’s episode here.This week’s episode had a major focus on Kirie and Ebina, which was a nice shift from last week’s filler. As it turns out, Kirie has a lot of talents. While the world knows her as a great swimmer, Kirie is also a great artist, something she hopes to pursue as an adult. Because Kirie is self-conscious of her own talent, she keeps her passion for drawing to herself.When Umaru sees one of Kirie’s drawings, she praises Kirie for her ability, and allows Kirie to sketch her in her natural habitat. As Kirie is observing, Umaru takes a nap, and transforms from her chibi self to her normal self, then back again. This moment doesn’t go unnoticed by Kirie, but before she can investigate, Taihei comes home.Later on, Kirie goes out to buy markers to create more vibrant pictures of Umaru. She is spotted by Ebina and Taihei, who bumped into each other whilst grocery shopping. When Taihei asks Kirie why she is purchasing markers, Ebina notices Kirie get visibly upset. With quick thinking, she offhandedly mentions that Kirie needs them for art class. This lie is challenged when Umaru shows up and has no idea what Ebina is talking about, something that Taihei notices. Rather than call Ebina on her lie, Taihei compliments Ebina on being a good friend.The major takeaway from this episode seems to be that we should accept our friends for who they are. Umaru and Ebina are both extremely supportive and accepting of Kirie. They both make an effort to ensure Kirie feels supported and safe with her secret hobby. The trio even indulges Sylphyn on wearing kimonos, accepting her for embracing their culture. All of this acceptance and show of support makes me think of Umaru transforming in front of Kirie.While this isn’t the first time Umaru has transformed in front of her friends, it is the first time one of her friends has noticed. Kirie doesn’t mention it to Umaru in this episode, but that doesn’t mean she won’t later. If Kirie asks Umaru, will Umaru admit to her secret lifestyle? Is Umaru worried her friends won’t accept her if she isn’t the paradigm of shojo high schoolers? We’ll just have to keep watching to find out!New episodes of Himouto! Umaru-Chan R stream every Sunday exclusively on Anime Strike.