My Commentary on Call Me By No Name's Visual Commentary with Mio Kudo and Ichika Osaki

As some of you might know...I love Call Me by No Name. Like, I really love it. Of an unwavering love. After a way too long wait, I finally received my Blu-ray box. I wasted no time, immediately got to watch the content and thought I'd share something with you, also considering how (as usual, sadly) inaccessible it is to international audiences. I originally intended to make one big post talking about both the Commentary and the Making-of, but...yeah, not possible. It'd turn out too long (there's a short tldr at the end if you want, but I recommend reading!). So let's start with the Commentary! I hope you enjoy. If not...well, I enjoyed writing about it, so all is well.

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First things first! The visual commentary was filmed on the day of the advance screening and talk event (also included among the bonus footage; subbed clips from that from here), which is also the day of the first MioIchi Instagram Live (subbed clips here), which was held on January 7! 
It was filmed in the same place from the InstaLive, so before the event itself (can't say for sure, but maybe while the audience was also watching Episode 1, since the talk part happened after the screening).

Generally speaking, one thing I really liked, is how immersed both Mio and Osaki visibly got into the episode, watching so attentively, completely captivated! Second thing I really liked is...the adorable weird voices Mio let out when she was excitedly reacting to something! But let's get into it!

Of course, almost the first thing Mio does is mention how beautiful Osaki/Kotoha looks in the opening scene, lying on the garbage! Then...how beautiful she looks as soon as the close-up pops on the screen! She like...gasps and then "So pretty! Super beautiful" (Osaki reacts bashfully and looking pleased). Ahhhh, I wanted to shout how beautiful she also is in the close up right after that...

Mio is very easy to read because both her body and face express how she's feeling aaaaaaall the time. She brings her hands to her chest and then gets super excited when Megumi is about to take, and then takes, Kotoha's hand. Then of course she comments on Kotoha's face as she's being brought up by Megumi. "Look at that face!!", "Is it good?", "It is!!!". You can tell Osaki enjoys being showered in compliments!

When we get to that first scene at the apartment, Mio mentions how she was very nervous not only as Megumi, but also as her own self (it was the very first day of filming too). Then when Kotoha approaches her, asking "Something on your mind?", she reacts with surprise, pretty much like Megumi in the show, which was super cute and funny, and Osaki pointed it out! For a moment Osaki seems to feel a bit embarrassed/awkward listening to herself in this scene (from when she asks about the hair dryer) for some reason. Maybe she's the type to scrutinize her performance and be very critical when watching things with her own self (?). Meanwhile, Mio points out Megumi being unable to look Kotoha in the eyes, and being completely incapable of folding her clothes!

Osaki then says she still remembers the lines (this was filmed in November). Mio first is like "Really?" and then "Ah, wait, I also remember them" and actually says the following lines (Megumi's name introduction). Then we find out something new, which is that the scene with Megumi asking multiple times for Kotoha's name, as she dries her hair, is partially ad-libbed. They both look super serious watching the Scheherazade scene, until Kotoha smiles and Mio is "Ahhh! So cute" because...of course!

This is when Osaki tells us about her, as Kotoha, barely wearing any make-up in this scene, which is pretty rare, as from then onward Kotoha always clearly has make-up on. What might Mio comment? But, obviously, that she really likes this Kotoha (the no make-up Kotoha) as well, to which Osaki starts grinning. I myself prefer her that way!! Then, my friends!! Then!! Osaki compliments Mio/Megumi, commenting on how cute she looks in the moment right before she says she's gonna call Kotoha "Chiyako", with that sort of angry-looking expression! And Mio makes a weird impression of the kind of childish way Megumi says that line! Then she smiles super sweetly, and Osaki laughs along to, through the exchange "Your naming-sense isn't much better than mine" "Shut up!!". Which I mention because it was super cute, okay!? It sounds irrelevant but it was cute and I'm mentioning it. OKAY!? Let me be!! 

Even now, Mio can't help but get into how Megumi's feelings, so she mentions how she's nervously trying to fold the clothes, wondering what that girl (Kotoha) is going to do next. Osaki says it's admirable of Megumi to fold the clothes, but Mio points out once again that she's completely failing in that effort! Then Mio compliments Osaki's fingers as they pass through the books, and Osaki mentions how there are many hands shots in the series! Then, there's this Kotoha line that I've always loved the delivery of for some reason (it's the way it sounds, I can't explain) and turns out Mio really loves it too! It's the "There are so many law books" line!! Osaki joyfully smiles and giggles. Such a kid/puppy that loves being praised!!!! 

In commenting what comes right after, they mention how it's very rare for a drama to include such long shots before an actual line is said, especially for series of this format (20 minutes episodes). Indeed. And it's a pity, if you ask me, considering how crucial they can be in communicating emotions and the inner state of the characters (provided that the actresses/actors are good, like in CallMeNo). But hey, this makes this drama even more special!

Then it's time for the chin grabbing scene! As soon as it happens Mio shouts "THIS!!!! THIS!!!!" with a weird adorable voice. We know from previous interviews and lives that the gesture itself was ad-libbed by Osaki. Mio says "I seriously...", to which Osaki says "Did it startle you?", and Mio "That too, but it made my heart pound!". Which we also already knew from the SEEK interview! This one here in the commentary is a bit more precious, if you ask me (and you're asking me!!!) because Osaki was hearing it for the first time! So it was the first time for Mio to say it! Osaki seems pleased, all happily laughing, as she does.

 

 
Bed scene time! They first get very serious watching, then Mio starts grinning a bit but Osaki gets all serious talking about the use of blur, and the way the moments are filmed in such an extended way, which is again rare for a drama. Then they're both serious again for a while, but then Mio can't hold back, starts grinning and weirdly gesturing (as per the screenshot below). Osaki follows, smiling and commenting "we're so close!". They got a bit serious again, then smiling + weird gestures once more, then you can see Mio being pretty tense and embarrassed. I have to say got so sort of nervous/embarrassed too, while watching, which was such a strange experience!!

Then! Megumi takes charge and pins Kotoha down. And this is when she says "I just can't forget your face at that moment!". Who is she, who is she? It's Mio, of course. She can't forget Osaki's face, as seen while being on top of her in that scene. Forever shaken by this bit of information! Osaki is like "Really? I wonder how my face looked", kinda sounding like a cute carefree kid, but then adds how that's an important cut that's going to come back later in the series...

 

They then mention Megumi's kindness for not throwing Kotoha out, and SEKIRO being adapted right from the novel. They're also both super smiley in this scene (not gonna throw you out, but I'm also not gonna do that), and touch upon Megumi's stubborness and how both her and Kotoha are quite strong willed. Osaki then tells us that she wants viewers to also focus on the interior design of Megumi's apartment, though it probably isn't super visible throughout the series. She says it includes some peculiar small items and accessories.

As Kotoha puts on the sleep mask Megumi launches her way, not only Mio, but even Osaki herself says "So cute!", which was...cute!! Then again! A "cute" thrown at Mio by Osaki!!! In that scene where my beautiful Megumi turns back to look at Kotoha. She also comments on the length of Mio's eyelashes; another bit of info we were aware of because Osaki had mentioned it in one of their InstaLives (this happened earlier, though, again). I then laughed at Mio making a random ass comment in the Megumi waking-up scene, saying in a small voice that it'd definitely hurt to sleep like that! Right after that she Megumizes again, wondering if Kotoha's gonna be there, which we know she isn't :')

Osaki gets a bit hyped when the next scene, the lecture one, comes, because she was not there, and I guess this is her first time seeing it! She comments on how sort of rare it feels, to see normal, everyday Megumi. She also mentions how nice it is how Megumi, Tabane and Sanae all have very different personalities. Mio then points out the fact that there's a peaceful background music in this scene, in contrast with (Osaki adds) the kind of ominous and disquieting one that often accompanies Megumi and Kotoha's scenes! Watching the scene right after, with the three friends walking, Osaki comments on the nice color balance of everyone's clothes. She also says that they're all stylish, but well...I mean, I'm not the best judge when it comes to this, so maybe she's right... (?). What Mio points out here is how kind Tabane is for not insisting after Megumi says she's gonna pass on the job hunting, for now. Indeed, angel Tabane!

 

After this, Mio graces us with another great reaction at Murata and Kotoha's kiss, of course! And Osaki repeats Megumi's iconic "Yuck!"! They both laugh and comment on Megumi's expression, with Mio saying that of course she'd make such a face!! Then they watch quite seriously Murata and Kotoha's dialogue, and react to Megumi coming into the picture, Mio cutely repeating Megumi's "Hold up!" in a weird voice! Osaki watches all giggly, pointing out how angry Megumi is! And when Kotoha pushes Murata, Mio looks super surprised, before they both burst out laughing. On Megumi's close up right after the push, Mio says that she was thinking about how strong Kotoha was! Osaki giggles super cutely at Kotoha's line about it being payback for what Murata did to her. 

Then! They both react adorably to the slow-mo hand-holding scene! Mio starts off with letting out a long "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!", Osaki follows suit. She really likes this scene. She tries to express it, and begins saying "I mean, it's...", and Mio immediately gets like "What!?!?!", to which Osaki replies "it's nice!!". Mio laughs lifting her head up, and Osaki continues, saying that the scene kind of allows you to immerse yourself into Megumi's feelings in that moment, and makes your heart beat fast. Mio watches all smiley, holding her hands together, then bringing them up right under her face. When Megumi lets go of Kotoha's hand, Mio repeats the gesture herself, in a cute and funny fashion, which makes Osaki laugh super cutely.

 

They stay pretty serious during Kotoha's introduction scene, until Mio starts grinning at the line about there being no point telling your name to someone you're having a one night stand with. Then reacts frustratedly, saying "I even let you spend the night!! ("and this is how you treat me?" implied). I always find it so cute when Mio gets back into Megumi's perspective, which is...all the time!
After this, they both mention how peculiar the atmosphere of the library scene is. Osaki even says that, while filming, they didn't imagine it would turn out that way. And that she'd like to peek inside Eda's head. Mio agrees. They watch seriously, as Megumi and Kotoha talk, then Osaki comments on how stylish the scene looks, and the attention to angles and lights!

Meanwhile, Mio's seriousness of course, of COURSE comes to a halt when she has to grin and let out an "Ahh, so nice" at Kotoha's naughty smile when she says that up until then, those she had spent the night with (both girls and boys) would end up feeling good... (and as usual, Osaki cutely laughs at Mio's reaction!). Osaki starts grinning at the shot with Megumi wondering to herself about those words! She then says she likes it when she shakes her head, and that it's cute (third time Osaki saying cute to Mio, my friends!!). Meanwhile, Mio shakes her head herself, together with Megumi, and Osaki does so too, though only slightly! They smilingly comment about Megumi having a pure side to herself (together with the hairstyle, it's also why Mio's character in the short drama Omamagoto reminded me and other Mio fans!)! Mio mentions Megumi trying her best to convey her thoughts and feelings to Kotoha, and Osaki adds that the scene makes you feel like rooting for Megumi!

 

Osaki smiles at Megumi's "What!?" after Kotoha asks her to date her, saying "Like, for real, one would be like what the hell!?", but ultimately they both end up sort of going with Kotoha's rationale ahah (of a friend having no right to say anything about how she's living, while a girlfriend would). They both laugh at Kotoha rejecting Megumi's friend request, and at Megumi's "Eh!?". They keep laughing adorably, while Osaki says she never really got the chance to see Megumi go after her (since...well, she was in front of her), and comments on how cute she is! Meanwhile Mio does an impression of Megumi going after Kotoha (she constantly does this and I love it). 

They again watch quite seriously for a bit, Mio comments on how she's never seen a shot like that (it's the library scene), Osaki adds that she really likes what she called the "bookshelf showdown" (it's such a perfect scene, oh god...), Mio agrees, then mentions the ominous music. Osaki looks quite pleased watching the scene, then Mio's sublime taste (yes, I'm biased, I know, shut up, let me be, and she does have great taste anyway!!!) lets itself be known again as she says she loves that beautiful moment in which Kotoha turns her head toward the bookshelf, and her eye is the only part touched by light. Osaki giggles! 

Mio tells us (both with her voice and her gestures ahah) that she finds absolutely irresistible the way Kotoha stares at Megumi in that scene. Osaki laughs again, commenting about Kotoha playing with Megumi, to which Mio says "Yeah, I'm definitely being played with" (for Mio, Megumi has been "I" since the very start; considering things haven't changed months later), and again holds her hands together and brings them close, under her chin. Interestingly, at the close up on Megumi when Kotoha talks about the destiny decided at birth etc, almost at the same time Osaki says "She looks so uneasy", while Mio says "Can't help but being super intrigued by her!!". Well, let's meet in the middle and say Megumi was uneasy and super intrigued by Kotoha! 　

Osaki mentions another rare thing, drama-wise, which is having to speak directly to the camera (as she's doing in this scene, when she says that if Megumi doesn't want to date her it's fine, but she then she will have to stay out of her business). They're both serious, moving to Megumi as she then agrees to date Kotoha, then Mio starts grinning, and then Osaki points out the fact that Kotoha's heart must've skipped a beat in that moment, surprised by the fact that Megumi would accept her proposal! She keeps smiling through the scene. When Megumi explains she's never really dated anyone up until then, a smiley Mio gently claps, mentioning this being her "first romantic relationship". Osaki quickly adds that's pretty insane, to have one's first relationship with someone like Kotoha (indeed, what a first relationship)! Mio also adorably comments on Megumi hurrying to brush everything off, as she tells Kotoha she can come stay at her place when she doesn't have anywhere to go, and Osaki laughs and says "so cute" at Megumi's "Bye, then!". Then she adds "Not gonna let you get away!! Gotcha!"

Of course, as soon as Kotoha asks Megumi to kiss her, Mio does one of her faces, letting out a "Ehhhhhh!?!?", and Osaki points out that Megumi says "Ah!?!" a lot of times in the series! Very true! Check out my Megumi reaction compilation! Mio is grinning super hard while Kotoha goes on about the kiss as a proof of them dating, meanwhile Osaki is watching quite seriously! It's so cute that Mio nods while Kotoha is saying "I'm your first lover, right?", once again "being Megumi". Then her grin escalates A LOT, she gets clings a bit to Osaki, and says that her heart started pounding (!!!!!). Osaki agrees that the way they slowly get closer to each other is quite palpitation-inducing. Mio's grin then is joined by...Mio's super quick breathing (she kind of sounded like an excited puppy!). Osaki also looks super nervous, and she moves her hands, kept together, frantically! Like in other scenes, she seems to watch more from Megumi's perspective, and she cheers on her, then mentions Kotoha not closing her eyes. Mio is super nervous/excited, as in you can even visibly see her breathing faster!

 

 
While Osaki soon joins in shouting too, Mio starts letting out a weird voice as soon as MeguKoto's lips touch, and gets extremely close to Osaki! The fact that the shot turned into a long distance one very soon, seems to have felt a bit anticlimactic, especially for how worked up they had gotten! When the camera gets back to close-ups, Mio is still sticking herself close to Osaki and, as Megumi comments about not knowing when she was supposed to stop, she once again Megumizes and, while gesturing, repeats "I don't know. I don't know. I don't know!!". They both laugh at Megumi's line about Kotoha informing her in advance about the number of seconds it should've lasted. Mio finally lets go of Osaki at this point, then points out Megumi being stubborn and not wanting to lose (when she says "anyway, with this I've proven to you that we're dating!").

 

Osaki lets out a sigh, as Without You starts playing. They both mention how good it is. Then Mio lets us hear her adorable passionate voice once more when she almost angrily comment about Kotoha looking like she couldn't care less (as she rubs the finger she wiped the lip gloss from Megumi's lips with). They're all cutely smiling, right now, as the scene goes on to Megumi asking Kotoha if she might actually like her. Osaki mentions, in a praising manner, how straightforward Megumi is! And after Kotoha's iconic "I don't dislike this side of you", Mio lets out a sighed "Ahhh", pulling herself back, and then enlightening us once again about Megumi's mind, as in that moment she's thinking "So, which is it? What does it mean that you don't dislike that!?!?". Osaki says that, despite Megumi being so upfront with her questions, Kotoha never provides clear answers!
 

 

Time for the preview for Episode 2, and of course, of course Mio immediately reacts to the scene on the bed (that perfect, perfect & oh, so perfect scene), with a inhaling "Ah" plus bringing her hands to her chest. Then the both of them laugh out loud at Megumi's legendary "no physical contact!!", and they both imitate Megumi shaking the scallion. They also both react to the bloody hand scene! After it's over, Osaki asks Mio for her opinions, and Mio comments about being really at the mercy of Kotoha, being super intrigued by her, wanting to know more about what kind of person she is, what sort of things she thinks about, what kind of expressions she makes. Ahah she really experiences it as Megumi even while watching! Speaking of which, Osaki says she imagines that viewers would watch while empathizing with Megumi's feelings. And well, that's what she also appeared to be doing while watching.   

 

 
Lastly, Mio says "So beautiful", apparently referring to the show, but then she looks at Osaki, points both hands at her, and says "You're beautiful" (as stubborn as Megumi, and also as straightforward as Megumi is). Osaki looks, once more, very pleased, smiles, says she's happy and tells Mio she's cute. Mio thanks her, they're all smiley, and Osaki says she feels embarrassed. This was very nice to see and got me Mio-level grinning myself!! The final comment is them thinking it would definitely be enjoyable to watch the series with someone else, hoping they would get as excited as they did. WE DID!

 

 

Honestly, my fellow Takuanuos (if you're here, you like CallMeNo but don't know what a Takuanuo is because you're not in the X fandom space, it's just how the CallMeNo fans are called. Chinese fans initiated it and it was then adopted "officially"), this was extremely entertaining and made me wish we could see them react to other episodes as well. At the same time, I would worry about Mio's health during that Episode 5 scene. 🤭
It was really interesting and nice to see and hear the individual perspectives they were watching from and the ways they reacted. You get to see them both get nervous, excited and embarrassed but they express it sometimes very differently due to the differences in their personalities. Buying the BD was worth it even just for this, honestly! Oh, look at how long this got!! But well, nobody would expect me of all people to write something short, so...I just hope you enjoyed!

TLDR: 25 minutes of Mio being overly excited + being Megumi and Osaki rooting for Megumi and giggling when she is praised.

If you haven't yet, and if you have the possibility to, I invite you to buy the BD Box yourself.
I personally used FromJapan this time, and bought from Rakuten. There are often coupons that might help with getting a better price so keep an eye out for those, too! Fees are not high, and the shipping can be quite convenient too! The BD is region free so you'll be able to watch it with no issues! Please consider this, also as a way to encourage the production of a special episode, short season or another form of continuation! Thanks! I'll be writing a post about the making-of as soon as I can!