The highly anticipated adaptation of the romantic manga The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity made its debut last weekend. Serialized since October 2021, this manga caught my attention primarily due to the announcement of its anime adaptation. Diving into the manga was undoubtedly one of the best choices I’ve made recently. In this review series, I will focus solely on the anime’s offerings without revealing any major plot spoilers or engaging in thorough comparisons between the manga and its animated counterpart. At its core, this story, crafted by Saki Mikami, revolves around a high school romance that encapsulates the everyday challenges faced by relatable characters, rather than complex twists or comedic slapstick.
The adaptation is brought to life by CloverWorks, a studio known for its impressive portfolio. This summer, they are tackling an ambitious lineup that includes The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, My Dress Up Darling, and Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus. After watching the initial episode, I feel reassured that the studio is poised to deliver a faithful and emotionally engaging adaptation—one that perfectly complements Mikami’s artistry.
Rintaro Tsumugi: A Gentle Giant
The anime opens with the introduction of Rintaro Tsumugi, a high school student whose intimidating appearance causes others to fear him. Tall, blond, and adorned with an ear piercing, Rintaro’s looks suggest he’s a delinquent. However, as the story unfolds, we learn about his true character. Despite the tough exterior, Rintaro is actually kind-hearted and a bit shy. His struggle with the perceptions of those around him adds depth to his character.
Rintaro grapples with insecurities stemming from comments made by others about his supposed "menacing" look. Interestingly, he harbors a passion that starkly contrasts with others’ assumptions: he works at his family’s bakery. Within just a few moments of the anime, viewers gain insight into Rintaro’s internal conflict, as he deals with society’s preconceived notions versus his genuine, gentle nature.
Supporting characters play an essential role in showcasing Rintaro’s true self. His friends, who understand his kind personality, contribute to the narrative’s richness. These interactions are unexpectedly poignant, especially in a romance anime context, highlighting the importance of friendship and acceptance. Furthermore, CloverWorks has paid special attention to the food animation in the series, particularly the bakery’s delicious offerings, ensuring viewers are treated to visually stunning depictions that are bound to leave them hungry after each episode.
Kaoruko Waguri: The Sweetheart
Next, we meet Kaoruko Waguri, the quintessential "best girl" of the series. A frequent visitor to Rintaro’s family bakery, Kaoruko serves as a refreshing presence. There was much anticipation regarding her adaptation from the manga, which devoted numerous panels to her charming design. Fortunately, the transition to anime has done her justice.
Kaoruko’s voice actress, Honoka Inoue, perfectly encapsulates her character—innocent yet brave, and deeply caring. Inoue is also known for voicing Anne Shirley in the recently aired Anne Shirley (2025) anime adaptation. Defying typical romantic tropes, Kaoruko boldly invites Rintaro to share a piece of cake, showcasing her proactive nature despite them being strangers. The contrast between their heights adds a humorous touch to their first encounter, as Rintaro mistakenly assumes she is a middle school student.
However, Kaoruko is far from just a sweet face; she demonstrates remarkable strength when she comforts Rintaro. Her refusal to judge him based on appearances speaks volumes about her character, quickly establishing her as more than just a cute girl in the narrative.
A Tale of Two Schools
You might be wondering about the overarching story of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity. The plot intricately weaves Kaoruko’s role in recognizing and supporting Rintaro, while navigating the complexities of their social environments. The anime introduces a significant barrier between them: Rintaro and his friends attend Chidori Public High School, which has a notorious reputation, while Kaoruko is a student at the esteemed Kikyo Private Academy. This juxtaposition raises questions about class and societal expectations that influence their budding romance.
The Kikyo students perceive Chidori as a school for delinquents, creating an atmosphere rife with tension. Although this element of the plot may feel exaggerated at times, it effectively conveys the message that societal labels can be damaging. As the first episode draws to a close, Rintaro finds himself lost in thoughts of Kaoruko when he sees her across the street—revealing that she is indeed a Kikyo student. This revelation serves as a pivotal moment, heightening the emotional stakes of their developing relationship.
What to Expect from the Series
As we move forward, it’s crucial to note that The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is not a typical romantic comedy. Instead, it presents romance in its purest form, which is a refreshing change amid the plethora of rom-coms currently saturating the genre. While some scenarios may evoke familiar tropes, such as the school rivalry setup, the focus remains steadfastly on character development rather than predictable plot lines.
The narrative effectively immerses viewers in the lives of Rintaro, Kaoruko, and their friends—Subaru, Sako, Ayato, and others—ensuring that audiences are engaged and invested in their journeys rather than simply awaiting plot twists.
Overall, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity has the potential to resonate with both longtime fans of romance anime and newcomers to the genre. The premiere episode skillfully sets the stage for the main characters, providing insight into their personalities and the emotional landscape of the series. As the story unfolds, it promises to capture the hearts of many, just as it has captured mine.
The anime is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix in Japan, with plans for availability in other regions starting July 13, and a U.S. release set for September 7. Join me as we embark on this romantic journey together!
