Katawa Shoujo

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"So it's actually not about seducing and nailing disabled girls. The girls happen to have disabilities, but the more you get to know them, the more you come to realise that they are girls just like any other. They are humans with hopes and dreams, and messy, fucked up insecurities about being alive and happy. They are not strange people - they are regular ordinary human beings who feel the way they feel not because they are disabled, but because they are ordinary. They are the universal allegory for humanity; the archetypal human; the mess you become when you feel sad and alone and unworthy. They are the girl next door, the prom queen, the bookworm, the tomboy, and all the baggage that comes with that - nothing more or less. They resonate with you because you recognise your flaws and needs and desires and triumphs and victories, and those of the loved ones you know and care about. You want to make them happy, because you want them to be happy, because you know them and are them, and in some way you believe everyone you love deserves to be happy. You are not alone, and you are not strange. You are you, and everyone has damage. Be the better person."

— Message from Anonymous on Katawa Shoujo

The logo for Katawa Shoujo

Katawa Shoujo (かたわ少女, "Disability Girls" or "Cripple Girls") is a bishoujo-style visual novel by Four Leaf Studios.

The novel tells the story of Hisao, a young man diagnosed with arrhythmia after a heart attack, and transferred to Yamaku, a school specialized in providing education and healthcare for disabled students. The story centers in how he deals with his newfound situation and relationships, in special with five other girls (Emi, Rin, Shizune, Lilly and Hanako) suffering with varying disabilities (Even though Misha is considered one of the main girls, her route is shared with Shizune's).

Katawa Shoujo was inspired by a sketch made by RAITA, which caused a stir in 4chan's /a/ board. Soon after, Four Leaf Studios (4LS) was assembled from various users to make a visual novel from the sketch. The full game had been under development since 2007, with a demo released in April 29, 2009, and finally being released in January 4, 2012, after 5 years under development. It was well-received by the community, even when compared to other, more traditional visual novels. Despite the success, 4LS has already stated they do not intend on taking another project under the 4LS name for now, although it was hinted that it would not be impossible in the future.

The game is composed of a Prologue, which contains two short scenes, a first act (labelled Act 1), in which one chooses the route taken, and 3 more Acts for each route. There's a Good Ending and a Bad Ending for each route too, although some of them also displays a Neutral, mostly bitter-sweet, Ending. The endings are based on the player's choice throughout the chosen route.

While the demo contains no adult content, the full version of Katawa Shoujo contains adult content with the option to skip all sexually explicit scenes. Katawa Shoujo was created using the Ren'Py visual novel engine. The game uses a traditional text and sprite-based visual novel model with an ADV-style text box.

The full game and the demo (which was translated to several other languages), as well as the original soundtrack and other media, are available for download at http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/. It is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND License , thus being free of charge.

Plot

Spoiler warning! This article contains crucial plot details that should not be viewed if you have not seen them in-game. Continue reading at your own risk.

Prologue

Having received a secret message, Hisao Nakai meets its sender, Iwanako, in a wintry forest. After exchanging pleasantries, Hisao's heart starts to beat harder, but he dismisses it as nervousness. The symptoms grow worse and he passes out in the snow as Iwanako makes her love confession.

Hisao spends the next four months in the hospital, during which he becomes numb and distant. Iwanako visits, but eventually stops coming. When his recuperation is finished, the doctor delivers a list of medications, which makes Hisao sick with anger.

The doctor also suggests that he not return to his old school. Instead, he suggests Yamaku Academy -- a school designed for disabled students with 24-hour nursing staff. Hisao reacts cynically, considering it a step down. But he decides having a fresh start may not be such a bad thing.

Act 1 - Life Expectancy

Monday

On arrival at Yamaku, Hisao meets his new homeroom teacher, Mutou, in the lobby. Mutou takes him to class where he meets Shizune, a deaf girl with glasses who is the class representative, and Misha, her interpreter. They enthusiastically welcome him and take him to lunch. However, they have important things to do, so they drop him off at the Nurse for an introduction. At the end of the day, Hisao returns to his dorm, and encounters his hallmate, Kenji, a nearly blind boy who is obsessed with feminist conspiracy theories. Seeing that his parents have unpacked his things, Hisao takes his medication and falls asleep in the unfamiliar room.

Tuesday

In class, Shizune and Misha explain that everyone is focused on the school festival at the end of the week. A shy girl with half of her face scarred leaves class suddenly, piquing Hisao's curiosity. At lunch, Hisao asks about clubs he can join. Shizune and Misha list off some, heavily encouraging Student Council, which they are a part of (in fact, they are the only members). Shizune then challenges him to a game of Risk in the Student Council room after school. She wins, using the victory to again prompt Hisao to join Student Council. Hisao tells them he'll consider it, then leaves for the library before it closes.

After getting lost, he accidentally enters a tea room where a blind woman named Lilly is enjoying some peace and quiet. They have a little tea, then Lilly guides him to the library. While she talks to the librarian, Yuuko, about some new braille books, Hisao goes looking for a new novel. While wandering the shelves, he finds the scarred girl, sitting quietly and reading. Hisao introduces herself to the jumpy girl, whose name he learns is Hanako. After a short conversation, she suddenly excuses herself. Befuddled, Hisao takes his leave back to his dorm, where Kenji encounters him again. Kenji holds Hisao up, ranting how the school is a "site of feminist infiltration", before he can escape to his room.

Wednesday

Shizune and Misha pester Hisao about Student Council. He dodges the question and asks about Hanako. They evade the question, telling him that he wouldn't get along with her. While Hisao ponders this, Shizune and Misha argue about where to eat for lunch. At this point, Hisao can either wait for them to finish, ignore them and read his book, or go talk to Hanako.

No matter which option, on the way to the chosen destination, a girl with twin pigtails running in the halls crashes into Hisao. At first, Hisao is scared for his heart, remembering his cardiologist's warning to "not get hit in the chest". The girl, Emi Ibarazaki, uses prothetic running blades, as she had her natural legs amputated below the knee. (If Shizune is with him, she scolds her for running in the halls.) She apologizes profusely and then runs off again.

If Hisao talks to Hanako, they head to the tea room where they have a very proper lunch. Lilly talks about how she and Hanako met. After lunch, Hisao tells Mutou about having trouble talking to people with disabilities. Mutou assures him that things are only an issue if he makes them one. Misha interrupts, looking for plywood for the festival stall they are building.

If Hisao follows Shizune, she decides to go into town, inviting him along. They enter a fancy teashop called the Shanghai where Yuuko Shirakawa, the librarian, works part time. Once again, Shizune and Misha use the outing as an opportunity to manipulate Hisao into joining the Student Council.

Either way, Misha asks him to help her find supplies for the upcoming festival. Hisao enters the art room and sees a girl with short hair eating a late lunch. The girl has no arms, so she holds her fork between her toes. He learns her name is Rin, and that she has been working on a large mural for the festival. Her philosophical and abstract way of talking makes conversation difficult, so Hisao decides to just go about his business. When Hisao takes his leave, she lays out on a table to take a nap. Once outside the door, Hisao runs into Shizune and Misha. They scold Rin for misusing school property (though Rin doesn't seem to care), and question Hisao suspiciously as to the reason for his lateness.

Rin asks Hisao to help her carry some green paint down to the mural. They run into the nurse, who confronts Hisao about his lack of exercise. Hisao asks him how he knows and he confesses to using "a spy" to keep tabs on him.

At the mural, Hisao helps Rin by mixing paint colors, though he can never quite get them right. Rin focuses on her painting, occasionally making confusing comments, but most of their time is spent in silence. Eventually, it gets too late to continue.

Thursday

Early in the morning, Hisao goes to the track to jog and finds Emi. Afterwards, Hisao goes back to his dorm to shower. Kenji interrupts to ask for money, to which Hisao agrees just to get rid of him, then goes to class.

Before the bell, Lilly stops by, looking for Hanako. Shizune and Misha arrive at the same time, and a fight breaks out. Shizune is angry at Lilly for not turning in her budget before the deadline. Lilly explains calmly how there was too much work to do in that amount of time, and several students got sick. It is clear they don't like each other, and this kind of argument has happened before. Shizune then tries to involve Hisao into the argument, accusing him of slacking off as a joke. His response has a strong influence on which girl he gets closer to later on.

Hisao spends the rest of the day in class as usual while Shizune stays late to iron out some festival details with other students. She complains how none of the students have enough appreciation for their leadership. Hanako stops by and asks for Lilly.

If Hisao likes Shizune enough, he helps her and Misha with their festival projects (after a great deal of verbal sparring). They eat delivered food and work late building stalls. Hisao finally agrees to join Student Council before leaving for the night.

If Hisao likes Lilly enough, he takes Hanako to Lilly's classroom (3-2). They volunteer to help with their festival preparations. Being able to see, Hisao being there is a tremendous advantage, since 3-2 is for the visually impaired. Kenji is there too, but barely acknowledges Hisao's presence. They spend the day painting stalls, and he learns that Lilly and Shizune have a back story behind their enmity.

If Hisao doesn't like either girl enough, he sees Rin as he is heading to the dorms. He stops to help her with the mural, as the painting is tiring on her legs. They talk about the meaning of art and a boy in her class that is blind, but still paints. He asks her to dinner, but she declines. He leaves her still painting.

Friday

If Hisao agrees to go running, he meets Emi at the track again and goes for a jog. She provokes him into a race, but he gets a heart murmur and collapses. Emi helps him to the nurse, where she gets a talking-to. Emi invites him to lunch to make up for it. Hisao spends the first part of the day in the infirmary recuperating. Otherwise, he goes to class as normal (possibly encountering Shizune and Misha at his door in the morning). After this, one of two things happens.

In one scenario, Hisao goes to lunch with either Shizune and Misha, eating boxed lunch in a classroom while working on Student Council stuff. They keep him halfway into the first class, laughing at their little trick.

In the other scenario, Hisao joins Emi and Rin on the roof. Emi talks non-stop while Rin says little in her quasi-stoic way. Afterwards, Hisao may go into town, where he finds Lilly and helps her with her shopping. On the way back, they run into Rin who is standing in front of the mural, freaking out in her own special way. She seems to have creative paralysis, but there's nothing they can do to help her.

Saturday

If Hisao is in the Shizune scenario, it continues to this day, where the duo are there immediately at his door in the morning. They ask him to skip class with them and go to the Shanghai. Hisao feels like he has no choice and agrees. They bicker and tease him about his choice of coffee over tea. Time passes and they manipulate Hisao into betting on something, but has no idea what, thanks to their way of communicating. Shizune and Hisao end up escaping, leaving Misha with the bill. When all three reunite, it is in the Student Council room, where they work on the last of the festival activities. Shizune invites him to the festival and Hisao agrees.

If Hisao is not in the Shizune scenario, he attends Saturday session as normal. He may go for a walk into town and find Lilly at the Shanghai with her sister Akira, who is relaxed, laid-back, and a bit irresponsible despite her formal appearance and career as a lawyer. Alternatively, he may go to the library where Hanako is and spend the rest of the day reading with her. Otherwise, Emi may grab him and use him for help getting art supplies for Rin, who is still working on the mural. She runs out of Prussian Blue paint and either Emi goes alone to fetch some, or she takes Hisao with her. If the former happens, Rin's art teacher stops by and Hisao asks to join the art club. If the latter, Emi gets Hisao to agree to a physical training regimen with her.

Sunday

On the day of the festival, Hisao wakes up late, almost at noon. Depending on which girl Hisao favors, he will spend the festival day with one of them. If Emi, he spends the festival day with her trying to eat fried food without her noticing. If Rin, he spends all the festival day by the mural, saying nothing. If Lilly, he finds her at her working at her food stall, then the two of them go to the library to get Hanako. If Shizune, Hisao spends most of the festival trying to win a stuffed cat for her. If Hanako, they go to the tea room and spend the festival in its solitary environment, playing chess. In any case, Hisao realizes that he may be falling for his chosen girl.

If Hisao did not demonstrate interest in any of the girls, Kenji invites him to go to the roof for a "manly" picnic. They spend the festival passing a whiskey bottle between each other. Hours pass while Kenji continuously rants and Hisao drunkenly listens, lamenting that he should have asked a girl out and that he squandered all his opportunities. He ends up accidentally falling off the roof to his death (this is a joke ending).

Emi's route

Act 2 - Form

Hisao and Emi continue their morning runs, growing closer each day. As the days go on, he notices she seems like a different person when she runs. At lunch she shows her goofiness, but on the track she shows her stubborn persistence. This comes to a head at her track meet. He sits between Rin and Emi's mother, Meiko, and sees Emi at her "Emiest" (as Rin says). As he's struck by how beautiful she is, he realizes he is falling in love with her. The next day, on a rest from training, Emi takes Rin and Hisao on a picnic. Though Rin and Hisao try to warn her, it rains. They escape into the Shanghai where they have tea and cake instead.

The next day, Emi does not show up for the morning run, Hisao tries to find out, while people like Lilly and Misha tease him about how much time they've been spending together. The nurse tells him she caught a cold from the rain. Hisao drops by her room after class. For the first time he sees her without her prosthetic legs.

In typical Emi fashion, they tease each other until the flirtations evolve into a pillow fight, where Hisao ends up on top of her. A moment of paralysis occurs where Hisao can't figure out whether Emi wants him to go further. They stop. After a little more conversation, she falls asleep in Hisao's arms. Hisao is quite content, until Emi begins to have a nightmare. When she cries out "Dad!" Hisao wakes her up, but Emi says she does not remember her dream.

Emi seems fine the next morning. Hisao contemplates confessing his feelings, but feels stymied by Emi's track captain, who often talks to her. The nurse laughs, and assures Hisao that nether is interested in each other romantically. Alone at lunch on the roof (since Emi gave Rin her cold), Emi admits that she has nightmares quite often. In typical Emi fashion, she prompts Hisao to kiss her, admitting she has a bit of a crush. They do. When he returns to class, Misha teases him about it, but for the first time, Hisao's heart feels light.

Act 3 - Perspective

Hisao takes Emi on their first date -- a picnic in the park. On their way back, Emi stumbles, the same way as she did in the track meet. In the morning, she again collapses during her run, but refuses to tell Hisao what's wrong even as he presses her. Hisao tries to offer support, since clearly something is bothering her both mentally and physically. But she pushes him away.

One day, while Hisao is at the library, Emi calls him via the reference desk phone, asking him to come immediately. Hisao rushes to her dorm where Emi is in a wheelchair. Her leg has gotten an infection from overuse, which caused the stumbling and pain. She is frustrated at not being able to run, but resolved, as this is not her first time in a wheelchair. When Hisao comes to visit, their flirtations turn into wrestling. And for the first time, they consummate their relationship.

The next morning, though Emi can't run, she shows up at the track. They both steal away into a storage shed and get the idea to try anal sex. The experiment is... less than successful, and both end up feeling awkward and sore. Hisao returns to his room and sleeps until lunch. Emi comes by to see him and tells him they need to stop seeing each other so often, given that she needs to concentrate on exams. Hisao agrees, since he can still see her at the track and at lunch.

But Emi's condition is getting worse, not better. She says nothing to Hisao on the track and spaces out during lunch. After exams are over, Hisao confronts her about why she won't talk to him about it. Emi admits that, because the accident ripped everything away from her, she would never let that happen again.. Hisao leaves, feeling heartbroken that Emi will never let him get close to her. If Hisao asks Mutou and the nurse, Emi surprisingly invites him to dinner at her mother's house. Though nervous, they make amiable conversation until Mrs. Ibarazaki brings up the subject of Emi's father. Emi retreats to the bathroom.

If Hisao pursued her, Emi gets even angrier at Hisao and demands that he leave. Later at school, Misha tries to offer advice. If Hisao allows it, she tells him he needs to apologize to her. He does so in a tearful reunion on the track. (Otherwise, Emi tells Hisao that it's over and the game ends.) Appealing to her determinedness, citing examples of how she made sure he was at the track and created a dietary plan, Emi gives in. She tells him she needs time to think... but to show up for their morning run tomorrow.

If Hisao talked to Emi's mother, Meiko talks about how Emi tries to believe that the accident "wasn't a big deal", but -- keeping to Emi's promise -- tells him no details. Emi overhears and demands Hisao leave while she accuses her mother of breaking her promise. Meiko denies it, but Hisao acquiesces to go. Emi immediately regrets kicking him out, but Hisao knows if he stayed, it would only cause more pain. He returns to his dorm where he reads over a letter from Iwanako, the girl from his school before his heart attack, and wonders if he's giving up on happiness.

Act 4 - Motion

Hisao manages to apologize to Emi, saying that he won't stop trying to help her, not even if they break up (which Emi half-heartedly attempts to do) because he cares about her too much. Emi begins to cry and asks why he's trying so hard to help. Hisao says "because I love you." That seems to get through to Emi, as she finally breaks down in Hisao's arms. She asks him to come back to her house tomorrow, so she has time to "do this properly" and think about what she needs to say.

The next day, Hisao and Emi take the bus to her mother's, but all she'll say is they are going to meet her Dad today. They eat lunch and then drive somewhere. They stop at a graveyard where Meiko stays behind and Emi leads him further in. Hisao contemplates his mortality among these gravestones until they stop at one in particular. Emi starts confessing things about herself -- that she doesn't like pink, that she's not as popular as everyone thinks -- and that the accident that took her legs also killed her dad. And as a result, she resolved to stop worrying about the future, because there's nothing you can do about it. Until she met Hisao, who she couldn't keep at a distance anymore. Now she realizes if she is going to live in the moment, she doesn't have to do it alone.

When they return to the dorm, before they separate, Emi grabs Hisao. She asks him not to leave. Hisao doesn't care what context she's talking about, he says "of course". The two make love and fall asleep together. In the morning, Hisao thinks about how close they are now. That no matter what happens, as long as Emi's around, he'll be okay.

Hanako's route

Act 2 - Hide and Seek

After Hisao accompanies Hanako into town to pick up some food, certain students notice Hisao spending more time with the usually alone Hanako, including Lilly. She invites him to a night tea party with herself and Hanako. Although few words are exchanged, Hisao treats Hanako as if he didn't notice her disfigurement, because it's how he thinks the people at this school would want to be treated. It's clear Lilly is encouraging time together with Hisao and Hanako, and that Hanako is becoming more open to Hisao, little by little.

Hanako spontaneously leaves class one day and Hisao finally asks Lilly why. Lilly says it's not her place to say, but she leaves as a "preemptive strike" before she has to answer anyone about her scars. Hisao finds Hanako in the library and they spend time reading. Hanako blurts out that when she was young, she was in a house fire, and then "she was alone." This confession is because Lilly told her about Hisao's heart condition. Hisao adds that it was because a girl confessed her love to him. With both having given up a little of their secrets, they go back to class.

Act 3 - Castling

Lilly realizes that Hanako's birthday is coming up. The two of them go into town and spend an exhausting day looking for a suitable present. They find what they're looking for in an antique store. Lilly buys a doll to complement the one she gave Hanako last year, and Hisao finds a reproduction of an antique chess set.

During science class, Hisao, Shizune, Misha, and Hanako are paired together for group work. Misha and Shizune's gossipy nature makes both Hanako and Hisao uncomfortable. But the final straw occurs when Misha forces Hisao why he and Lilly were gone yesterday -- birthday shopping. For some reason, this causes Hanako to freeze up. With her completely catatonic, no one is sure what to do. Mutou asks him and Shizune to take her to the nurse's office. After returning, Mutou explains why Hanako is allowed to be absent and truant so often -- that this school is meant to give opportunities these students wouldn't have in normal education -- and students who have special needs need to attend to them.

That night, when Hisao visits Hanako to check up on her, he crosses paths with Lilly who has bad news. Her aunt has become sick, and she and her sister will have to leave school for a week to visit her in Scotland. They decided to combine Hanako's birthday with a small "going away" party.

At the party, Lilly's sister has brought two bottles of wine. Hanako is delighted with her birthday presents and, as the night goes on, the wine has a noticeable effect on her, slurring and stumbling. Hisao ends up carrying her to her room and putting her to bed.

Hisao receives a letter from Iwanako shortly before he, Lilly, Akira, and Hanako spend one last night on the town. He and Hanako spend all night playing billiards while Akira and Lilly stay at the bar. Before they return to their dorms, Hisao promises Lilly that he'll be there to protect Hanako. And Hanako admits that she is there for him as well. After Lilly leaves on a bus, Hisao and Hanako either split up the rest of the day or go into town to visit the antique store where they bought her birthday presents. In either case, Hisao goes to sleep after a tiring day.

Act 4 - Scars

After Hanako fails to show up to class again, Hisao calls Lilly for advice. She tells him, to Hisao's consternation, that she's been concerned his actions have been feeding into Hanako's bad habits, that he's been too focused on protecting Hanako as if she needed special care. If Hisao chooses to ignore Lilly's advice, or if he chose to not take Hanako into the city after Lilly left (regardless as to the decision he makes here), the result is the same: Hanako, feeling suffocated by his need for her approval and treating her like she's helpless, lashes out at him and their relationship ends.

If Hisao listens to Lilly, he decides to focus more on ending his own listlessness he's discovered since moving to Yamaku. After talking to Yuuko while studying at the Shanghai, he returns to Hanako's room. He opens his shirt to display his damaged chest from heart surgery, showing she's not the only one with scars. A few days later, Hanako invites Hisao to her room to do the same. She disrobes and shows him the entirety of her scarring from head to toe. The intimate moment leads to them making love for the first time.

The next morning, Hisao wakes up in Hanako's room, but with no Hanako. She returns with some breakfast, but both her and Hisao are even more aloof than ever before. Hisao believes this is because they had sex before even establishing their relationship. The merest glance from her classmates sends her bolting out of the school. Hisao realizes he has to talk to her.

Hisao walks to a park and texts her to meet him there, doubtful that she'll come. When she does, he asks Hanako how he's supposed to interpret what happened last night. Hanako admits that she was afraid of losing Hisao as a friend. After her accident, she lost so many friends that she stopped being around people altogether, eventually thinking of herself as useless and broken. When Hisao didn't treat her that way, she didn't know what to do. In the middle of the park, she collapses in hysterics. Hisao embraces her from behind and tells her he loves her. Hanako says that she has been waiting to hear that from him for so long, and that Hisao made her feel so happy. After she's calmed down a bit, Hanako gives Hisao her first gift to him: a kiss in public.

Lilly's route

Act 1 - Life Expectancy

Hisao first encounters Lilly in the tea room on his second day at Yamaku while trying to find the library. The two converse over tea and Lilly takes Hisao to the library, only to leave in a hurry after his first disastrous encounter with Hanako. Over the course of the week, Lilly helps Hisao adjust to life at Yamaku and the abnormalities of the students he encounters. Hisao also learns of the strained relationship between Lilly and Shizune. He and Hanako help Lilly and the rest of Class 3-2 prepare their noodle stall for the upcoming school festival. Later in the week the two meet one another heading into town and Lilly leads Hisao to the convenience store.

On the way back they meet a confused Rin wandering in the streets and bring her back to school with them. Lilly notices Hisao's exhaustion and learns about his arrhythmia, making her the second student to know of it - Rin being the first. The day before the festival, Hisao encounters Lilly in town with her sister Akira and learns that Lilly moved into the dorms last year to compensate for Akira's worktime. The day of the festival, Hisao manages to tempt Lilly away from her duties at the stall and enjoy the festival along with Hanako. As they watch / listen to the fireworks from the school grounds, Hisao asks Lilly if he can spend lunchtimes with her in the tea room. Lilly happily accepts.

Act 2 - Past

The day after the festival, Hisao joins Lilly and Hanako in the Tea Room and observes a game of chess, which Hanako wins. As they prepare to return to class, Lilly requests to feel Hisao's face. Lilly pronounces Hisao to be quite handsome much to the latter's embarrassment. Later in the week, Hisao learns that Lilly used to be on the Student Council, and that she is half-Scottish. She becomes brooding and awkward on the subject of her family but invites Hisao to go present shopping for Hanako's birthday.

That Sunday the pair goes into the city. While buying themselves ice cream, they encounter Akira and Hideaki, Shizune's younger brother and Akira's cousin. Hisao deduces that this means Lilly and Shizune are first cousins. Akira pulls Lilly to the side for a private discussion, leaving Hisao and Hideaki to wander around awkwardly. Hisao finds an antique store and purchases a doll for Hanako, then notices a small music box and buys that as well. After Akira and Hideaki take their leave, Hisao notices Lilly is more subdued than before. To cheer her up, he takes her to a cafe where they enjoy some tea and coffee. Both realize that what just happened qualifies as a date. Recognizing this subtle change in their friendship, Hisao offers to take Lilly out again sometime.

On the night of Hanako's birthday, Hanako is visibly moved after she receives the doll from Hisao and a teddy bear from Lilly. Akira arrives later with two bottles of wine and leaves soon after due to work. The trio give into temptation. Hanako passes out entirely and Lilly falls asleep on the bed, thanking Hisao for being there before passing out.

As they recover the next morning, Lilly tells Hisao that she is returning to Scotland for week because one of her aunts is sick. Lilly's parents left Japan because of her father's job six years ago and she hasn't seen them since. Lilly herself is sad, but seems to accept this part of her life. Hisao gives her the music box from the antique store and listening to its music seems to cheer her up. Before Hisao leaves, Lilly kisses him on the cheek as thanks for the music box.

Hisao doesn't get much sleep over the next few days. Shizune and Misha, after teasing him relentlessly for napping, give him a letter. Before he can open it, Hanako asks Hisao to join Lilly in buying some groceries in town, as she has to study. During the sojourn, Hisao asks Lilly not to treat him differently because of his weak heart. That night, Hisao reads the letter. It's from Iwanako, bringing closure to the relationship they never had.

After a poor showing on his English exam, Hisao joins Lilly, Hanako, Emi and Rin on the rooftop for lunch. Between Rin's abstract butterfly comments and Emi's banter Hisao enjoys himself until he has a slight heart murmur. It passes, but the girls notice and Hisao feels guilty for worrying them. Later when they are alone, Lilly uses some lunchbag paper to make a paper crane. She learned origami to improve her dexterity and compensate for her blindness. Hisao recognizes what she is trying to tell him: pain exists in everyone's lives, and we must teach ourselves to cope with it. The next day, Hisao, Hanako, and Hideaki see Lilly and Akira off at the airport. Hisao resolves to do more to rebuild his life after its standstill in the hospital.

Act 3 - Present

The days following Lilly's departure pass. Hisao asks Shizune about the conflict between her and Lilly. She coldly advises him to ask Lilly herself when she returns. Mutou interrogates Hisao on his plans after graduation, forcing him to confront the fact that he must plan for his future. Hisao hesitantly declares an interest in the sciences.

After class, Hisao takes some papers to Hanako, who was absent from class. Her failure to respond concerns him, and his anxiety increases when she is absent the next day. Worried, Hisao calls Lilly in Scotland for advice. She explains that today is Hanako's birthday, which is also around the time of year when her parents died. The same thing happened last year, and she regrets she can't be of more help. When Hisao prepares to hang up, she seems disappointed. Only afterward he realizes she expected him to call to talk to her, not about Hanako.

Hanako returns to class a few days later, back to normal. Reassured by this, and a "relationship talk" with Yuuko in the library, Hisao calls Lilly in Scotland. The two enjoy some small talk before Hisao tells Lilly that he misses her. Lilly replies in kind, affirming their mutual affection.

Hisao and Hanako meet Lilly and Akira at the airport. Since the Yamaku students have three days off from school Lilly invites Hisao and Hanako to her family's summer home in Hokkaido. Early the next day, the trio boards the early morning train to Hokkaido and arrive at the small summerhouse. As they spend time together, Hisao realizes he is in love with Lilly, and wonders when he should confess it. The trio decides to go into town, a mile and a half walk. Not long before starting, Hisao has an acute heart murmur. He suddenly realizes he forgot to take his medications yesterday. It passes, but the three return to the house.

After waking, he finds Lilly standing outside, alone. Lilly's calm demeanor cracks when she confesses her love for him. Hisao returns her feelings. Later they return to the house and as they talk Lilly insists that Hisao not apologize for his weak heart, as she does not apologize for her blindness. After some tentative invitation from Lilly the new couple make love.

Worried how this may affect Hanako, they sit her down and tell her of their new relationship. Hanako reacts with reserved elation. Later that day, Hisao takes a bath, and is interrupted by Lilly. The two bathe each other and end up having sex again. On the trip home, Hisao realizes how much all three of them have come to depend on each other and wonders what they will do after graduation.

Act 4 - Future

One day until exams, but Shizune and Misha are more interested in what happened to Hisao and Lilly over the holiday. He admits that they are dating. Misha seems happy enough, but Shizune reacts surprised. He and Lilly eat lunch in the Tea Room, reaffirming their mutual love. Later, they have a homecoming party in Lilly's room, with Akira and Hanako. Hanako reveals that she has joined the newspaper club, a welcome sign of her social development.

Later that week Hisao visits the nurse to discuss what happened in Hokkaido and leaves with some reassurance and advice. He and Lilly go to the convenience store and they bump into Akira along the way. She shows Hisao a photo of Lilly, Shizune, and Misha (with uncolored hair), working together at the previous Yamaku festival. Akira then tells Hisao she's leaving for Scotland soon, possibly for good. Lilly, already aware of this, becomes greatly subdued.

On Sunday evening, Lilly takes Hisao to dinner at a fancy European restaurant. Lilly mentions that she previously went to a wealthy, all-girls Catholic school. Despite this, several boys had confessed to her in the past. Hisao (depending on choice) tells her about Iwanako. Lilly reveals that, in middle school, she had a crush on her English teacher but never acted on it because of the social taboos. They both finish their meal and Lilly accepts the bill, saying that though she dislikes throwing money around, she'll make an exception for the special moment.

During an evening tea party with Hisao and Lilly, Hanako talks about plans to travel over summer with some members of the newspaper club. Hisao tells Lilly he plans to become a science teacher. After Hanako leaves, he asks Lilly if her blindness will affect her teaching. Lilly proves she will be fine by blindfolding Hisao and making him search for her. One thing leads to another and the two have sex with Hisao still wearing the blindfold. In his excitement, Hisao overexerts himself and collapses. Fortunately, he recovers and the two manage a moment of peace. However Hisao feels Lilly growing more distant despite their relationship.

Hisao receives a call from Akira to meet her in the park. Akira talks about her resentment toward her family, that they were rarely around for her and Lilly. She reveals that, while away, Lilly's family invited her to join them in Scotland. Odds are if she leaves, Lilly and Hisao will be unable to maintain their relationship. Hisao confronts Lilly about this on their date at the Shanghai. Lilly tells him that she plans to leave shortly after summer holidays begin. Hisao realizes how utterly futile their relationship was.

The day of departure arrives. Hisao voluntarily helps Misha and Shizune in the Student Council office. Lilly joins them one the last time, making a touching moment between cousins. After packing her things, the two of them meet Hanako and Akira at the front of the school gates. Lilly consoles Hanako and promises to keep in contact with her, and Hisao reminds her that she has her own life to lead. The Satous depart and while Hisao and Hanako prepare to move on, both are aware that something irreplaceable in their lives is now gone.

If Hisao was forthcoming and honest with Lilly in his choices, Hisao lays in his room, holding the paper crane Lilly had given him. He realizes how much he became dependent on her, yet failed to ever ease her burdens. Suddenly, Hisao gets up, determined to catch Lilly before she leaves. He takes a taxi to the Hakamichi residence, hoping they haven't left yet. Hideaki greets him, meaning they have already gone. However, he points out they only left recently and points in the direction of the airport. The taxi rushes to the airport. Hisao struggles through the crowds. Just as he spots her and Akira, his heart begins to fail. Hisao collapses, alarming various bystanders, and everything goes black.

Two days later, Hisao awakens in the hospital. The doctor explains that the attack wasn't as severe as the first, but he has had keyhole surgery to install a temporary pacemaker. With despair and angst at having ended up in a hospital again, Hisao falls asleep. He awakens to the sound of the music box he had given Lilly beside his bed. Lilly enters the room and emotionally breaks down. Hisao apologizes to Lilly for failing her and asks her to stay in Japan. The two promise to go to the next year's Tanabata festival together.

Some time later, Hisao is out of the hospital and sitting with Lilly and Akira on a hill near Yamaku. Akira plans to go to Scotland, but Lilly intends to stay in Japan. After Akira leaves, Hisao and Lilly return to Yamaku, ready to face their future together.

Rin's route

Act 2 - Disconnect

The next day, Emi collides with Hisao once again, this time bringing papers to a teacher. To apologize, she invites Hisao for lunch on the rooftop again. When Hisao arrives, Rin is lying on the roof, watching the sky. She tells him that sometimes she skips classes to experience things she wishes. Hisao joins her and finds himself relaxing, his thoughts slowing down to calmly drift by like the clouds.

At his first art club meeting, the first assignment is to partner up to practice sketching one another. Hisao is left with Rin, the only other person he knows. His own artwork is clumsy, but Rin's is amazing. When asked about the gloomy expression on his portrait, she answers that she's never seen him smile. Hisao starts to reflect on his negative outlook on life since his heart attack.

Later, after another art club session, Nomiya tells Rin about a friend of his who might be willing to display some of Rin's work. Rin says she'll think about it and goes for a walk, which Hisao accompanies her on. They stop at a large maple tree which Rin calls the Worry Tree. Rin feels that, to display her work for others, she'd need to become an entirely different person. She isn't sure whether becoming a career artist is something she wants for herself. Hisao shares with Rin his own negative feelings towards the circumstances that lead him to Yamaku, but resolves to stop "wallowing under the weight of all the crap in his life" and change for the better.

Hisao receives a letter from Iwanako, in which she hopes he's gotten back to his feet in his new life. Resolved to change, Hisao observes other students and how they cope with their difficulties. When Rin paints, she goes into her own world that he cannot breach. To her, painting is a way of capturing what she cannot say. Looking at her old paintings reminds her of what she was thinking at the time she made them, and are proof of her existence. She fears she cannot become the person that Nomiya wants her to be.

Emi makes good on her promise to celebrate finishing her track meet and the three head out for a picnic. However it begins to rain and they are forced to wait out the storm in the Shanghai. Emi decides to hike back in the rain, but knowing he can't keep up, Hisao walks Rin back with his umbrella. The next day, Emi is absent from lunch due to a cold, and Rin mentions that she might have it too. She sneezes suddenly and Hisao helps wipe her nose with his handkerchief. She hugs him (in her own way) and leaves as lunch ends.

Hisao bumps into Emi a few days later who sheepishly tells him Rin caught her cold. It takes a few days for Hisao to work up the courage to visit Rin, but when he does, Rin answers the door in an unbuttoned shirt and underwear. Speaking very strangely, Hisao figures out that she's taken too much codiene-based cold medicine. As he's about to leave, she falls into him and kisses him on the lips. A bewildered Hisao tucks her in, pondering whether to call a nurse, and pockets the rest of her medication.

The next day Rin waits outside Hisao's classroom with no recollection of previous day's events. But she does recall wanting to bring him somewhere, so they walk through the forest to a dandelion-covered hill. Rin apologizes for being so bad with people and confides that her pencils and paints are the only friends she's ever had. Hisao declares that he's her friend. Rin announces that she'll give the gallery a try, realizing change was inevitable so she might as well embrace the opportunity.

Act 3 - Distance

Nomiya is overjoyed at Rin's decision and drives the two students to the 22nd Corner Art Gallery. They meet the owner, Sae Saionji, who thinks her technique needs a little refinement, but that she'd be willing to host an exhibit if Rin is willing to add more works. Rin commits herself wholeheartedly, and Nomiya arranges for Rin to be exempt from classes for the rest of the trimester. Saionji arranges the atelier above her gallery for Rin to do her work in, even letting her stay overnight.

On her last day, Hisao finds Rin at her desk napping, crying in her sleep. She explains that crying is something she's learned from others. She also tells Emi not to distract her by visiting while she focuses on painting. Hisao still wants to become close to Rin. He confesses his feelings in the atelier, but she cuts him off and tells him she can't think about it right now. Heartbroken, Hisao turns to leave, but Rin asks him to visit again tomorrow.

Thus begins a pattern where Hisao visits her in the evenings, watching her paint or reading in silence. He brings her some oranges when he realizes she hasn't been eating properly and gently feeds them to her. Rin begins to struggle--she cannot inspire herself to paint using new methods nor old. She concludes that changing is not enough. First, she must destroy the "old her". She asks Sae for cigarettes and Hisao reluctantly shares the pack with her.

Upon seeing that smoking is only increasing her melancholy, Hisao takes her into the city at night, taking random turns and discovering new views. She suddenly asks him to stop visiting her for reasons she won't explain.

Within a few days, Hisao finds himself heading back to the gallery, unable to stop thinking about Rin. He runs into Nomiya and Sae who talk about the challenges of a gifted career artist. While the two old friends reminisce, Hisao makes his way into the atelier. He discovers Rin is pleasuring herself on the floor. Realising she's been seen, she rambles about the shame and frustration of pursuing a path as an artist. She asks him to help her finish and he does. In the morning, Hisao wonders whether it crossed a boundary in their friendship. Rin responds in emotionless circles and Hisao gets frustrated trying to connect with the woman he loves.

Bad Ending

Hisao demands that Rin explain what he means to her, but she is unable to do so. He yells at her about how selfish and unhealthy she's being by devoting herself to her art, treating him only as a source of inspiration and not as a person with feelings. Rin coldly demands that he leave. Hisao returns to his dorm. Before falling asleep, he notes how much time he wasted chasing things out of his reach.

Act 4 - Dream

Hisao returns to school. The day before the exhibit, Hisao encounters Rin on the way to his room and realizes his frustration has not left. He demands that Rin explain what he means to her, but she is unable to do so. He yells at her about how selfish and unhealthy she's being by devoting herself to her art, treating him only as a source of inspiration and not as a person with feelings. Upset, Rin leaves and Hisao becomes even more frustrated for hurting her.

The next night Hisao goes to the exhibition to apologize to Rin. Rin is not there, but Emi is, to support her friend. Nomiya finally appears with Rin, who pointedly ignores Hisao. The many guests begin asking questions of Rin, about her disability and how it affects her painting, her inspiration and technique. Rin is so overwhelmed that she sinks to her knees. Hisao escorts her outside to calm down. Rin realises she isn't ready to cope with so many questions.

Good EndingNeutral Ending

Rin admits she wasn't ready for the gallery and walks back to school. Nomiya is outraged when he learns what Rin has done. Emi suggests she and Hisao find her and "kick her ass", but Hisao persuades her against that. The two return to the dorms to prepare for exams.

Nomiya interrupts Mutou's final exam to talk to Hisao. He has been unable to find Rin since she left. When prodded on why he pushed Rin into it, Nomiya explains that he saw it as his duty to ensure her talents didn't go to waste. Hisao leaves Nomiya and finds Rin in the unused classroom where they first met. Rin continues to hold herself at a distance. Hisao explains that Sae and Nomiya believe Rin is throwing away everything she has been working towards. He convinces her that she needs to apologize to Nomiya.

Hisao waits outside as the art teacher scolds Rin, lecturing her throwing away a promising career. She states, in her detached way, that the exhibition was a mistake. Nomiya frustratedly tells her she might not be an artist after all and storms out. When Hisao goes in to comfort her she pushes him away. Hisao tells her that Nomiya was trying to make her into someone she wasn't ready to be, and that in a way he was doing the same thing by trying to make them "more than friends". She cries in his arms, and Hisao holds her until she's done, realizing he fell in love with her a long time ago, even if he isn't able to connect with her well.

Rin explains it's easier to express herself with art than with words. She's trying to get people to understand her so she doesn't feel so alone. Hisao realizes she's been reaching out to him like he's been reaching out to her. She accepts that it's okay to never be completely understood, but dares to trust in Hisao a little more.

On the first day of summer vacation, a heavy rain pours outside. Hisao hears a thud at his door. Rin stands in the hallway, soaking wet. She's gone for a walk in the rain and, since Emi has gone home for the summer, she needs help changing into dry clothes. Hisao nervously agrees to help. As he dries and undresses her, one thing leads to another. Making love is a transformative act for both of them: Rin discovers what it feels like to not be alone and Hisao learns to stop worrying about the future.

Afterwards, Rin takes him back to the hill of dandelion flowers which are now in full bloom. She asks Hisao if he loves her. He isn't sure. Rin tells Hisao "I love you" anyway, describing the phrase as "a weird taste". She admits that she's a little bit afraid of Hisao, because he makes her feel like she should be someone else. She starts to cry.

But the things about her that frustrate him are also what he admires most about her. Rin decides it's okay not to change. Hisao asks Rin if she still plans to become an artist, but Rin asks him to watch the sky with her instead. She asks him "What's the right word for when it feels inside your heart that everything in the world is alright?"

Hisao tells Rin that she should be happy so many people are interested in her art and convinces her to go back inside. Nomiya brushes off Rin's collapse as a spell of dizziness and Hisao loses her to the crowd of art enthusiasts. After finishing his final exam, Hisao has an abundance of free time. But all he wants to do is see Rin. At the art gallery, he runs into Nomiya and Sae who are still enraptured by the success of the showing. Rin enters the gallery but stops upon seeing Hisao and leaves again. He chases after her for an explanation. She tells him that talking to him hurts her. The two of them wander the streets in silence, until eventually Hisao asks Rin about how she felt the exhibition went. Rin says all she wanted was for someone to look at her art and say "I understand how you feel". Hisao tells her nobody will ever understand her because human beings experience life uniquely. This hurts Rin deeply, who asks "Why do you say that when you made me feel otherwise?" She announces that Nomiya has helped her with a scholarship to an art university in Tokyo, leaving before the final trimester at Yamaku. Hisao is shocked how ready she is to leave him, but Rin states that she must go her own path, even if it changes her. She tells him to forget about her, then walks out of his life.

Shizune's route

Act 2 - Learning to Read

After Hisao runs into Shizune alone at the Shanghai, he realizes he would like to learn sign language to communicate with her as an equal. While the student council prepares a stall for the upcoming Tanabata festival, he signs up for a course in sign language. Although he struggles, he begins to understand the conversations between Misha and Shizune, thanks to some after-school tutoring from Misha. But he wants to keep it a secret until he can communicate on her level. After Misha tells Hisao that she'll have to be away for a few days to catch up on schoolwork, she confesses that she already told Shizune everything, thinking it would be better this way. Hisao is angry that Shizune knew he could understand them all the time. But since Shizune's growing more comfortable around Hisao, he can hardly complain.

After much preparation, Tanabata comes. Misha, Shizune, and Hisao attend together. The two girls wear traditional Yukata, which Hisao can't stop staring at. Before long, Misha admits that she's tired and leaves. Shizune and Hisao find a space on a field and look up at the night sky. In the romantic moment, Hisao asks Shizune if she wants to be his girlfriend. She says yes.

Act 3 - Sleight of Hand

Shizune is leaving for a week to visit her family in a nearby province. But Hisao is hurt that Shizune hasn't invited him, especially since Misha is coming too. All three board a train and arrive at Shizune's father's house, which looks like a mansion. Hisao first meets Hideaki, Shizune's younger brother who Hisao mistakes for a girl due to his androgynous appearance. Strangely enough, Lilly is there too, with her sister Akira, an androgynous woman dressed as a lawyer. All six of them decide to go fishing on the opportunity to have Lilly cook some fresh fish for dinner. But they spend more time deciding on rules and teams than any actual fishing.

Shizune's father, Jigoro Hakamichi, makes his presence known the next day. He is a boisterous, loud, angry man who wears a Hawaiian shirt and a big beard. He constantly berates Hisao (and most everyone else) for being weak and girly and often says hypocritical or insulting things. One day, when Jigoro is haranguing Hisao that he should be more like him, Shizune and Misha return from shopping. Misha has gotten a drastic new haircut--shorter and sportier. While Jigoro and Misha argue, Shizune and Hisao sneak off. They retreat to Hisao's room and have sex that night.

Misha and Shizune go into town to pick up some last minute souvenirs, leaving Hisao alone with Jigoro. The obstinate man continually provokes Hisao into arguing and defamation, almost causing Hisao to lose his temper. Thankfully, this is the last day of vacation and, despite a harrowing train trip, they return to school. At first, it seems like Shizune is mad at Misha because she's spending all her time in her work. Then Shizune worries that Misha is mad at her because she hasn't been working on Student Council stuff much lately. This all culminates when Misha follows Hisao back to his dorm one night. She feels depressed because she thinks she's been a bad friend and asks Hisao to "comfort her."

The next day, Hisao finds Misha on top of the roof, looking depressed. She confesses that she's been in love with Shizune since she arrived at Yamaku. Once, she confessed her love, but was rejected. Nevertheless, Shizune still sought out Misha because they were friends. She admits some jealousy of Hisao, because he has what she can't. Shizune, oblivious, interrupts and asks them down for Student Council.

Act 4 - To My Other Self

After confessing her feelings towards Shizune to Hisao, Misha makes a point to keep distant from the couple. Shizune takes Hisao on a picnic, but can't stop thinking about Misha. Her younger brother, Hideaki, and father, Jigoro, visit Shizune at school to tell her they are going on a trip, which is certainly unusual given their confrontational relationship. Shizune declines, given that she hasn't finished Student Council elections, nor has she cheered Misha up. Hisao realizes Shizune's actions haven't indicated anything that she's concerned with how Misha feels. Hisao comes up with a plan. He takes Misha to the Shanghai for a parfait, then takes her on a tour of the school grounds -- much like Shizune and Misha did on his first day -- while confronting her about her feelings. Misha sees that she's pushing her friend away.

If Hisao did not sleep with Misha, Shizune and Hisao make love again in the Student Council room. Later that night, they sneak though the school building and discover that Misha taking supplementary classes with Mutou. When Shizune realizes that her translator has passion for something, she admits to herself that she's been taking Misha for granted. She tells Hisao of her own goals of becoming a businesswoman and philanthropist. Hisao realizes he has no goals of his own past high school. As graduation ceremonies abound, Hisao says goodbye to people he's known. He, Shizune, and Misha gather for a picture in front of the gates and promise to reunite again sometime in the future.

If Hisao slept with Misha, Shizune acts incredibly aloof toward both Hisao and Misha. Lilly and Kenji try to give him some advice, but Hisao can't help feel regret for every decision he's made since Misha. Eventually, Shizune comes to his dorm one morning. She admits that she feels like a failure for putting her desire to "beat" everyone else before her relationships. She's realized she needs to spend some time away from people. And that includes Hisao. Implying she knows what transpired between him and Misha, she leaves.

Sequel

"Still, there never will be another Katawa Shoujo. But that‘s okay, because the original one already exists. And I really like it that way."

— Delta's thoughts, Tomorrow/Today

It has been confirmed by various writers that there won't be a Katawa Shoujo sequel, it has even been said that future material that they write themselves have to be considered as fan-fiction work and not canonical to the game.

Trivia

• The main menu of the game changes as you progress through the storyline and start new Acts.

• 
  The splash for Katawa Shoujo when you open the game
• 
  The main menu after you have started Act 3 for Emi
• 
  The main menu after fully completing the game
• 
  Bonus gallery picture for completing the game

Videos

File:Katawa Shoujo Opening-0

File:Katawa Shoujo - Opening-1