This ep was really pro-found in terms of understanding Kousuke

The claw-machine, his american psycho suit, Yui's horrible yet marvelous advice, Rand's early 2000s bluetooth headset, the stunning tokyo backdrop

Lots of stuff to take in: low-key a philosophy lecture

Also Kou was such a polite, precocious little boy ( what did Rand/Yui do to him )

The claw machine: Society?

It's a giant metaphor for a lot of things but I think it illustrated the startling difference between class

Rand's advice:

- Saw claw machine as "rigged" --> Society is unfair

- Making a big sacrifice for a prize that's not worth much

- 'Need' vs 'Want'

Kousuke already has a lot of toys but he "wants" a new one // he doesn't 'need' it

I think it also parallels to current Kousuke who "wants" this new job but does he "need" it

Also another part of Rand's mindset is

"We don't always get what we want"

Rand didn't set any type of elitism in Kou because well from the clues gathered Rand didn't seem to have come very much so obviously he'd understand the value of money/struggles of poverty. But I think this message is some what healthy because it ultimately conveys that it's okay fail at something/ that it's not the end of the world.

Rand would also have been the type of player in claw machine who'd spend all their money playing it multiple times and then finally get their prize. Basically making a giant sacrifice for something at the end that's not worth it. That's Rand's way of playing life, making big risks for little gain.

How Yui would play it: Is exactly how Kousuke did in the most recent ep:

Wait, watch someone else play it multiple times

then when the other person has invested too much

-steal the winning chance

Basically take advantage of what you've already received/got or take advantage of someone's weakness/misdirection.

Ultimately, Kou found Yui's advice much more appealing

Yui's advice:

She kept inflating Kou's ego by never saying no to what he wanted and then backed it up with a false sense of entitlement such as "you are the son of a very important man" // you deserve everything in the world. Basically saying that if Kou wants something, he'll 100% guaranteed get it. It's something he's entitled too. He IS better than everyone else.

The saddest part of it, is that Yui used Kou's absolute pure love for his father as a carrot. Kou would become great/amazing/impressive/accomplished to please and finally get his father's attention ( KOU LITERALLY JUST WANTS A CHILL DAY TO SPEND WITH HIS DAD )

IDK this all reminds me of the great gatsby when Gatsby ( Kou ) tries to win Daisy's attention/love ( Rand ) after he amasses a whole bunch of wealth to impress her. I digress but... you get my point

This makes Rand bringing back Nol such a bigger issue, especially for an already attention deprived Kou

Anywho....

The fact that Kou was happy because he won a claw toy was so bittersweet because he felt genuinely happy/proud that his mother's twisted words were right. The claw machine situation gave him confidence that just like that he'd get the job and there was nothing to worry about. He always gets what he wants.

Also Kou's line about Japan

"Though I'm not sure if I like it but I should" kind of sums up his attitude towards for pursuing things

the end