Ryo and Nozomi

(Chapter 1 | General Series Discussion)

Ryo and Nozomi

Postby ShenmueTree » Tue Jan 08, 2013 11:12 am

Obvious Shenmue One and Two spoilers.

A lot of people seem to be annoyed that Ryo never makes any kind of advances on Nozomi but I've been thinking. From my obsession with Japanese language and Japanese Culture I've learned that Public Displays of affection are not particularly common in Japan and that many people share their first kiss well after 18 years of age. (I also read a recent survey that seemed to indicate this)

What has this to do with anything?

Well, I have always considered Shenmue to authentic in realism in regards to Japan, as especially considering the time frame it takes place in and how it can be compared to other games that share a similar setting. I think that Ryo's stance on love is much like his frustratingly limited social skills (in regards to gaijin) I can understand how foreigners can be annoyed at how Ryo seems to only be able to say "I see" or "is that so?" at times. But in a Japanese mind frame, I find this to be completely normal. (From what I've gathered from my obsession anyway)

For this reason I find Ryo's reaction to Nozomi's confession, given his frustrations at the time to be quite realistic.
I also feel that Ryo share these same sensibilities when it comes to Joy. He doesn't understand the social constructs in Hong Kong and is either oblivious or very reserved towards the obvious hints that she tries to give him because it's just not common to show public displays of affection where he grew up, kissing and holding hands are both rare, especially in the 80s.

I may be wrong about all this but from what I've learned it seems to make sense the way Ryo acts and just adds to the authenticity that I so love about the game. I feel like if I were in Japan in the 80's and walking down Dobuita, I'd feel exactly how I do while playing the game.

In conclusion, I appreciate Ryo's lack of balls. :P

Japanese people, correct me if I'm wrong about any of this.

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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Feelers Rebo » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:58 pm

Ryo just needs to get some nookie. Shenmue is in actual fact a story of a sexually suppressed society and the frustrations of the individuals who constitute this twisted collective.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Rakim » Tue Jan 08, 2013 4:20 pm

I'm still pulling for Martin's theory to be true and Ryo is just sexually confused due to his....y'know "rough childhood".
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Who Really Cares? » Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:12 pm

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P9eecvkhcs[/youtube]

Its the titties
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby shengoro86 » Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:35 pm

i believe you are correct about public display of affection. i was tought in my japanese classes that this is true.
however Ryo would still have been able to talk to her on the phone, given the lack of public surroundings.
In my westernized mind though, I really feel bad for Nozomi and her feelings for him. Hurts to see it everytime I play the game. I really hope they re-connect in Shenmue 3.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Who Really Cares? » Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:46 pm

I doubt the plans were for them to see each other again in III [if ever?]
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby shengoro86 » Tue Jan 08, 2013 6:03 pm

You might be right, however, given her extreme involvement in S1 I feel like Shenmue wouldn't be complete with Nozomi re-entering Ryo's life.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Nankeiro » Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:31 am

I really think that this... thing with Nozomi must have a longer development. Like you said, in S3, hope we can see more.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Axm » Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:11 pm

Shenmue Tree you are correct. And really, playing the game in Japanese and understanding the dialogue emotionally with the characters exemplifies how this is true.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby RyoHazuki84 » Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:47 pm

Living in Japan, I do agree with what you are saying in terms of how social skills work in Japan. Culture and society differences is also why non-Japanese people don't get Evangelion as well lol not that you mention it by calling it emo and all that and why Shinji doesn't really go for Asuka, Rei, or Misato (which is another topic for another time)

Anyway, in addition to Japanese social norms which were more prevelant in the 1980s, keep in mind that Shenmue is not intended to be a story of romance which is why Ryo is the way he is. Also, he had that fight with his friend as a child over a girl which has also made him shy around girls.

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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Yokosuka Martian » Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:55 pm

I don't remember them specifying who he was fighting over in that flashback
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Who Really Cares? » Fri Jan 11, 2013 6:10 pm

Never mentioned just A boy from school.

Might have been mentioned in the guide?

Edit no just says a friend teased him, they had a fight and since then he has shied away from any involvement with girls.
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby SweetYokosuka » Thu Jan 17, 2013 4:52 pm

For some reason I never saw them together , Never wanted to either even till this day. Can't really say why maybe they just never had any chemistry or even a spark between them. It was all one sided really obviously . I Don't know if anyone else has seen this video but I saw it a while back and I don't know what to make of the convo what do you guys think of it. There's some feelings there... maybe.. :-k

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmMydZMvD14[/youtube]
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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby Yokosuka Martian » Thu Jan 17, 2013 5:02 pm

Welcome to the Dojo my friend. I agree Ryo84's view on the situation between Ryo and Nozomi. I do think there are some sort of feelings for her, though. Remember those scenes when he stopped and reminisced back to her giving him the amulet?

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Re: Ryo and Nozomi

Postby south carmain » Thu Jan 17, 2013 5:23 pm

what is it with manchester and shenmue? they're probably the largest group from one area here

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