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The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
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Jun 29, 4:39 AM
#1

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Dec 2021
3628
Advanced screening event.
https://kaoruhana-anime.com/news/?article_id=67914

Gosh, I’ve never seen a smile more worth protecting. Just two episodes in and these two absolute sweethearts are already some of the best characters in all of romance. Yeah it’s a cliché, we’ve seen the whole “I thought you wouldn’t do X because I’m from/do Y” thing before, but once again, it’s all about the execution. And here they absolutely nailed it. It’s so sweet (no pun intended) and oomfie you can’t help but smile the whole time.

Speaking of smiling, Rintarou’s mom had me grinning and giggling the whole time she was on screen. She’s already climbing the ranks of best anime moms and wingwomen. The way she gently helps push these two forward and actually clears up the misunderstanding instead of dragging it out like every other romcom is straight queen behavior.

And that ending... Rintarou waiting for Kaoruko outside of Kikyo like that... GAHHHH(>﹏<)(>﹏<)

Anyway, next episode’s bringing in another best girl contender and I’m so ready.
Jun 29, 10:41 AM
#2
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Jul 2023
24
Reply to IzanaSolos
Advanced screening event.
https://kaoruhana-anime.com/news/?article_id=67914

Gosh, I’ve never seen a smile more worth protecting. Just two episodes in and these two absolute sweethearts are already some of the best characters in all of romance. Yeah it’s a cliché, we’ve seen the whole “I thought you wouldn’t do X because I’m from/do Y” thing before, but once again, it’s all about the execution. And here they absolutely nailed it. It’s so sweet (no pun intended) and oomfie you can’t help but smile the whole time.

Speaking of smiling, Rintarou’s mom had me grinning and giggling the whole time she was on screen. She’s already climbing the ranks of best anime moms and wingwomen. The way she gently helps push these two forward and actually clears up the misunderstanding instead of dragging it out like every other romcom is straight queen behavior.

And that ending... Rintarou waiting for Kaoruko outside of Kikyo like that... GAHHHH(>﹏<)(>﹏<)

Anyway, next episode’s bringing in another best girl contender and I’m so ready.
@IzanaSolos wait the episode is out or what???
Jun 29, 1:53 PM
#3
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Jun 2025
3
Reply to Dartsy01
@IzanaSolos wait the episode is out or what???
@Dartsy01 they had an early screening in Japan for the first two episodes
Jun 29, 9:46 PM
#4
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Jul 2023
24
Reply to zaylucki
@Dartsy01 they had an early screening in Japan for the first two episodes
@zaylucki wow and everything is good with the adaptation??? Don't cloverworks ruined it bcz they doing 3 animes now???
Jul 6, 5:43 AM
#5

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Aug 2022
1871
"I felt like a world I never thought I’d be a part of had suddenly gotten a little bit closer.”
Thank you, CloverWorks. You really got me with these first two episodes. Not me getting emotional already—and we’re only two episodes in! I love them so much.

These first episodes do such a great job of laying out the core theme of Kaoruhana: you can’t judge a book by its cover. The tension between Kikyou and Chidori comes from years of misunderstandings—Kikyou girls looking down on Chidori students without ever really knowing them, while the Chidori boys put Kikyou girls on a pedestal, just as blindly.

Kaoruko is the first character who genuinely sees people for who they are—not through rumors, not through social labels, just... as people. That’s what makes her so special to so many, especially Rintaro, who’s spent his whole life being judged for how he looks. The irony is, he ended up doing the very thing he hated—assuming Kaoruko wouldn’t want to be around him anymore and pulling away before giving her the chance to show otherwise.

But thankfully, he figured it out. He apologized. And now, the two of them can start building something real—free of assumptions, just human to human. It’s honestly amazing how the first two episodes form their own little arc, like a prologue that clears the air for genuine connection. It’s a reminder that we’re all more than the labels we’re given. A lesson we could all use now and then.

Also side note—Rintaro was clearly nervous about telling his friends what was going on, and Saku just immediately picked up on it. What a solid friend. Now we just need the rest of the Chidori boys to meet some Kikyou girls so we can break down the rest of these silly walls.

And that smile from Kaoruko at the end, It made my week. I love her so much, She's an Angel.
Ricky16Jul 13, 2:48 AM
Jul 12, 8:31 AM
#6
News Team
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Feb 2018
29176
So the episode 2 is telling about Kikyou and Chidori. I still don't understand why Kikyo and Chidori are hostile toward each other. The most reason remains unknown, and in fact, Kaoruko attends Kikyo. Rintarou thinks it would be better not to meet Kaoruko, yet he can't get her out of his mind. Since Kikyo openly hates Chidori. i just like the scene how Usami mocks Kikyou in front of Rintarou. Okay i just like the visuals of the fruit tart and the sponge cake; they almost look realistic. Could this anime take a lot of attention on cakes?

Rintarou is truly a coolboy; I just like the scene how he protects Kaoruko from Usami-kun. But why did Kaoruko come to Chidori Academy? Is it because of Rintarou? Rintarou and Kyouko reaction when they hear the sound of a hungry scene that was so funny, Kaoruko-chan is truly an innocent girl. But why is Rintarou so insensitive? Does he always let Kaoruko go home alone at night?
SyureriaJul 12, 8:50 AM

。。。。。。。。。。。。
Ikan apa yang terindah?
。。。。。。。。。。。。
Jul 12, 8:37 AM
#7
Offline
Jul 2018
561873
Aaaaaaaah! I finally watched the episode! But before that, let me show you how I prepared for it—
and remember: Waguri > My work, of course. Waguri always comes first.
👇


As for the episode, I already commented on it when I read the manga. Yes… I couldn’t resist and read the whole thing!
I also included a few panels from the manga—the manga is so beautiful. Please take a look and help revive the manga’s discussion room with your comments!

👇 Only Chapter 2 was adapted in this episode.
https://myanimelist.net/forum/?goto=post&topicid=2050751&id=72970122
Now about Waguri—she’s pure happiness in itself!
Just seeing her smile or laugh is enough to make your whole week better. No matter how much I praise her, it never feels like enough…
She truly makes me happy—and that was very clear in this episode! She visited Rintarou at school, and then again at the bakery!
She wanted to apologize properly, and even with everything that happened, she kept smiling and laughing.

Of course, the conflict between the two schools is complicated,
but I think the bakery is actually a more fitting place for the two of them.
In my opinion, it’s better this way…

I’m really excited to see what happens next!
I can’t wait until next Saturday!

Here are a few frames from the episode! Enjoy! 👇👇

removed-userJul 12, 12:38 PM
Jul 12, 9:23 AM
#8

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Oct 2011
9381
crying my eyes out for them. I love them so much



Jul 12, 9:31 AM
#9

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Feb 2019
11609
“I felt like a world I never thought I’d be apart of had got a little bit closer” thank you Cloverworks! Excellent you with these first two episodes, not me getting emotional at the end of this ep and we’re only two eps in lol. I love them sm.

So the first two episodes have done a great job of going over the core theme of Kaoruhana which is “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” Kikyou and Chidori have had this longstanding conflict because the girls of Kikyou look down on Chidori students without ever even talking to them, conversely, Chidori students put the girls on a pedestal without speaking to them.

Kaoruko is the first person in the story to actually see people as they are instead of buying into stereotypes or rumors. Which is exactly what makes her special to so many people, especially to Rintaro who’s always been judged for his appearance. It’s ironic he fell into the exact same trap that he’d been complaining about and started distancing himself from Kaoruko because he thought she wouldn’t like hanging with him anymore!

Better late than never though, he realized where he went wrong, apologized and now he and Kaoruko can really get to know one another. It’s awesome how the first two episodes serve as their own little mini-arc, almost a prologue of sorts for the real relationship development between the two of them, putting aside all the bs labels and preconceptions and just getting to know each other as people. A lesson we can all take something from!

Also as an aside I thought it was so cute how Rintaro was feeling a little nervous about telling his boys what was going on, but saku instantly picked up on it. What a friend. Now we just need the other guys to get to know some kikyou girls so we can get rid of these silly labels!

That smile from Kaoruko at the end just made my freaking week, I love her sm!!
Marinate1016Jul 12, 4:26 PM
Jul 12, 11:24 AM

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Feb 2021
1528
Been waiting for this exact moment.
The adaptation is so perfect, I just can't.
Jul 12, 11:31 AM
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Jun 2019
2
It's the peak, along with BokuYaba, in the most recent romance anime of the last 5 years.
Jul 12, 12:04 PM

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Jan 2025
276
Another amazing episode.

I really liked the scene where Rintarou protected Waguri from Usami before anything got too bad. it really shows that even when they're from different schools that hate each other, it doesn't stop them from seeing each other everyday. Really glad that Rintarou and Waguri got to make up in the end, they are such great characters and I really hope everything goes well for them. That ending scene where Waguri opened the curtains and smiled was such a beautiful scene, definitely one of my favorite moments so far.

5/5
Jul 12, 12:04 PM

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Sep 2021
656
there it is. the iconic window wave by kaoruko 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸😭💙

this episode fully adapated the 53 page chapter 2 of the manga

next would be manga chapter 3: Exam Crunch.

Indeed their worlds are becoming closer each single day.
AoButa16Jul 12, 12:11 PM
Jul 12, 12:08 PM

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Oct 2017
30032
You can't just help but lover Kaoruko. She's like a bright pure star that puts a smile on your face just by looking at her. Such warmth.
Jul 12, 12:12 PM

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Jul 2017
6868
Yeah this adaptation is really good, some issues I had with Kaoruko's voice felt less distracting this time around - getting used to it helps. And it looks very good too as usual. Sure, it's a little cheesy with the drama this time around but the sentiments are good, and the characters involved are more than charming enough to make it an engaging watch. The little curtain scene at the end there was lovely too. Good to see Rintaro get his head straight there and not make the same mistakes that he has disliked from others. The guy comes across as a bit distant and 'mature' compared to his friends in Chidori but this episode also showed that he has a lot of growing up to do in his own way. Pacing for this feels a tad slow but that actually works well for this series. Very simple episode but it works.
Jul 12, 12:14 PM
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Mar 2025
34
It's 2 episodes in and I'm already thinking this is the anime of the year.
This episode dives a little deeper into the rivalry between the two schools, and wow, that scene where Waguri was standing in front of Chidori was so well executed, and it showed the conflict between the schools pretty perfectly.

When Usami tried to threaten Waguri thinking she was just like all the other mean Kikyo girls he has come across, Rintaro protects Waguri. Kikyo sees Chidori as a school full of "idiots" and "immaturity," as said by the girls dragging Waguri back before she "catches the stupidness." That part made me mad..

I just hope Rintaro and Waguri can maintain their relationship despite the rivalry between their schools.. Rintaro's mom is one of the best anime moms by the way. Great episode! >‿<
Jul 12, 12:31 PM
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Jan 2021
2
peak waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Jul 12, 12:32 PM
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Jan 2024
24
Reply to EmyrDark
It's the peak, along with BokuYaba, in the most recent romance anime of the last 5 years.
@EmyrDark Both series explore the idea of “judging by appearances,” but BokuYaba handles it far better. It presents a misleading image of the protagonist at first, then slowly reveals his kind nature through actions rather than words—unlike Kaoru Hana.

BokuYaba also dives deeper into the protagonist’s emotions, showing his confusion about love and how he mistakes it for hate as a defense mechanism. This emotional depth easily outshines Kaoru Hana’s Rintaro, whose internal struggle feels underdeveloped and shallow.
Jul 12, 12:58 PM
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Jan 2025
3
Manga reader here....Mann....I love this adaptation so much.Overall animation quality and music is 10/10.Even for a romance anime,production quality is peak.
Jul 12, 12:59 PM
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Jun 2025
3
Reply to kleb90
@EmyrDark Both series explore the idea of “judging by appearances,” but BokuYaba handles it far better. It presents a misleading image of the protagonist at first, then slowly reveals his kind nature through actions rather than words—unlike Kaoru Hana.

BokuYaba also dives deeper into the protagonist’s emotions, showing his confusion about love and how he mistakes it for hate as a defense mechanism. This emotional depth easily outshines Kaoru Hana’s Rintaro, whose internal struggle feels underdeveloped and shallow.
@kleb90 have you read the manga or are you anime only?
Jul 12, 1:11 PM

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May 2024
1557
This is so cringely cute, I'm about to cringe in my pants.
Jul 12, 1:32 PM
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May 2021
834
2:47 Shohei? Ohtani? 🤣 jk

Kaoruko MAKING MOVES! 👀🤭🙌🏻

12:30 god she’s so cute

13:50 this is too wholesome and heartwarming man. My heart 💘

Happy ending 🙌🏻
Jul 12, 1:47 PM

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Mar 2025
52
i read the manga for the ep 2 already but oh god the anime is too good everything the animation,lighting,the music the expressions everything is too Kawai !!!! <3
~iska
Jul 12, 1:50 PM
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Jan 2025
1
It is one of the BEST things I have ever watched. ALl throughout my anime waztching career I never sought to believe a series can exists so magnificent and magestic as this one. Rinatro did lowk seell but he turnt up.
Jul 12, 2:00 PM
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Jan 2022
314
I understand the hype for this series
Jul 12, 2:15 PM

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Feb 2025
502
That curtain scene with Waguri being happy was beautiful bru 😭
Jul 12, 2:22 PM
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Aug 2024
33
i wanna die of betes, man. this show is so sweet it should be illegal
Jul 12, 2:44 PM
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Mar 2015
14477
our boi decided that their relationship is just between them Let them eat cake
Jul 12, 3:03 PM

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May 2023
465
so far the thing I like most about this anime romance is the conversation between Rintarou and his mother. I like seeing his mother very supportive of Rintarou's relationship. the presence of a parent in anime romance is something that I always feel is lacking in most anime romance, it's nice to see more scenes with Rintarou's mother.

maybe this is just a matter of preference but I feel something empty or lacking from this anime is the OST which makes a moment that can give a lot of moments that become really impactful but I just feel uninteresting. but this is only 2 episodes, something is being built from here and hopefully the story or the characters can carry this anime.
Jul 12, 3:16 PM

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Nov 2016
32891
The principals of both schools should plan some joint activities. Like boys and girls working together for a cultural festival. Or maybe organize a ball. Hilarity ensues.

Rintarou got a W mom. Tough, yet also gentle.

Another great episode. The window scene was so delightful. As good as this adaptation is, I may have to pick up the manga after all. One episode per week ain't enough.
FMmatronJul 12, 3:20 PM

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Jul 12, 3:17 PM
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Feb 2021
22
That window scene tho 🌸💘
Jul 12, 3:37 PM
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Jan 2021
2
Yo soy Kaoruko Waguri
Y tu eres Rintaru Tsumugi
Jul 12, 4:20 PM
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Jan 2024
24
Reply to zaylucki
@kleb90 have you read the manga or are you anime only?
@zaylucki I read the manga but ended up dropping it because it felt repetitive to me. While it does delve deeper into Rintaro’s character later on, I felt the initial execution of both his development and the overall events wasn’t convincing. Personally, I can’t enjoy a romance without a solid introduction.

Let me explain it better: Am I supposed to feel sorry for a 6'3", handsome, blond guy who’s supposedly isolated because he scares people? He’s constantly depressed, yet he has a group of friends who care about him and an amazing relationship with his mom.

Nothing in his environment truly reflects his trauma; it just feels like an empty attempt to evoke pity. Again, it’s the execution that keeps me from connecting with the character. He has a nice development, but that’s about it.
Jul 12, 4:55 PM
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Jul 2025
1
The artwork was just amazing, the detail of the faces are just perfect. So cute and wholesome, I was giggling so much while watching this episode especially at the end with Waguri jumping lol
Jul 12, 5:07 PM

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Mar 2012
2877
AW this is such a cute anime. LOL the part where he turns around in the cafe and his mother says "I don't remember giving birth to a skeleton" had me cracking up.
"People die if they get killed" who knew.
Jul 12, 5:10 PM
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Mar 2021
975
This anime feels so much like a movie rather than a 13 episode tv show. I love how the composition of the series has that "perfect touch" feel to it. Also, I guess if folks still aren't aware, this series is basically an adaptation Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
Jul 12, 6:00 PM
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Jul 2020
2
This anime is super sweet.
Jul 12, 6:24 PM

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Aug 2020
7593
greatep

waguri san is so cute
PLEASE STOP RATING!!!

less than 4 means that you don't know how to judge an Anime or Manga!!!

join me on IG https://www.instagram.com/otakuweek?igsh=em5kY3Q4NTVtNXlh

or Discord https://discord.gg/vbZrk64uH7

Jul 12, 6:27 PM

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Sep 2022
401
I have read some comments about why manga readers love it and I believe it will get better.
But as anime only viewer, first two episodes were honestly painful to watch.
Jul 12, 7:14 PM

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Aug 2022
2269
Just trying to gauge how close Rintaro is with his friends based of the karaoke scene I would assume their not super close. Kinda feels like a friend group he just drifted into. Though it seems like at least Saku kind of wants to be closer since he was the one who clearly noticed something was up with him.

Honestly it feels like they just shoved Rintaro and Kaoruko into a over the top visual novel, Like come on no way a rich prestigious school would act that badly to the other school, Like dam they act like these dudes are wanted criminals. Regardless Kaoruko was very brave waiting outside like that for him and Rintaro was also brave doing it at the end especially after they left on a awkward note.

I'd say im curious to learn more about Rintaro and Kaoruko as well, Like more about their family's and I suppose if Kaoruko has any friends since for now we've only been shown Rintaro's side really.


I'd say what I love about this so far is that it just feels like a romance, no dumb plot lines or overdramatic characters. Yeah the conflict between Chidori and Kikyo is kinda over the top but It don't affect the blossoming dynamic growing between Rintaro and Kaoruko and I quite like the idea behind them becoming friends and saying f you to all the hate between both schools.


EDIT: I also do feel like this anime is moving really slow, its not a bad thing but I fear it could be bad if the anime don't get a season 2 in the future. I mean Im really enjoying it but I do feel its moving a little slow.
Jul 12, 7:36 PM

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Jan 2012
141
are heterosexual people okay? because the hell is this?
Jul 12, 7:48 PM
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Aug 2019
151
I love rintarou's mother so much
Jul 12, 8:03 PM

Online
Jul 2016
3561
The expression of raw joy on Kaoru's face is precious enough by itself, but for it to come from finally getting to see Rintaro "at school" really is the sugary sweet bow that ties it all together.


And man, Rintaro's mom is awesome.
Jul 12, 8:04 PM

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Mar 2007
1831
Squee, she was waiting for him!

Then that idiot just messed up and hurt her!

The mom wondering how she raised such a dense son. When he realized he was judging her when he hates being judged, he punched himself! Bro's collecting yet another bandage on his face!!!?? "you should see the other guy!" He means the other wall, and his own fist.

It's going to take a bit of time but I cannot wait to see this tentative romance blossom. Squeee!

Jul 12, 8:08 PM

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Jun 2023
764
Holy shit that smile. Peak adaptation
Jul 12, 8:10 PM

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Feb 2025
542
Kaoruko is just so cute I will keep on living

Imouto suki

Tsundere-Chuuni-Imoutos save me...

Jul 12, 8:36 PM
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Oct 2024
224
Reply to neonstripedzebra
are heterosexual people okay? because the hell is this?
@neonstripedzebra This question should be meant for homosexuals.
Jul 12, 8:56 PM

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May 2015
1780
Reply to neonstripedzebra
are heterosexual people okay? because the hell is this?
@neonstripedzebra This is class war, man. War between the schools of the sons of the proletariat and the daughters of the bourgeoisie.
Jul 12, 8:57 PM

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Jun 2014
11
It was thoroughly explain, the order of the feelings that came from each situation. I am touched, almost cried.
Jul 12, 9:13 PM

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Jan 2023
209
Must protect that smile
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