The appeal and reviews of "Hanasaku Iroha": A fusion of a moving story and beautiful images

The appeal and evaluation of Hanasaku Iroha

The TV anime series "Hanasaku Iroha" aired in 2011 and is an original anime work created and produced by PAWORKS. The 26-episode series was aired on many broadcasting stations, including TOKYO MX, from April 3 to September 25, 2011. The 30-minute episodes provided viewers with deep emotions and laughter, and won over many fans.

story

"Hanasaku Iroha" is a story depicting the growth and change of the main character, Matsumae Ohana. Ohana experiences a sudden runaway, a confession of love, and a breakup, and her mundane daily life takes a dramatic turn. She leaves the town she has little affection for and starts a new life at Kissuiso, a hot spring inn filled with Taisho-era romance, where her grandmother is the innkeeper. Through the people she meets and the various events that occur there, Ohana is shown reexamining herself and growing.

The appeal of this work lies not only in Ohana's growth, but also in the relationships between the unique characters surrounding her and the dramatic developments in the setting of Kisuisou. The unique setting of a hot spring inn gives the story depth and warmth. In addition, Ohana's side as a dreamer and her strength in facing reality evoke sympathy from the viewer.

Cast and characters

The role of Ohana is played by Kanae Ito. Other than that, a gorgeous cast of voice actors such as Chiaki Omigawa, Aki Toyosaki, Haruka Tomatsu, and Mamiko Noto have gathered. The performances that highlight the individuality of each character make the story feel more realistic.

The main characters are introduced as follows:

• Matsumae Ohana: 16 years old. A high school student who works as a waitress at Kisuisou. She is a dreamer with a loud voice and naturally curly hair.
• Minko Tsurugi: 17 years old. Apprentice chef at Kisuisou. She is clumsy at communicating and easily misunderstood, but she also has a kind heart.
• Nako Oshimizu : 17 years old. A reliable girl who started working part-time as a waitress at Kisuiso. She is good at swimming and has a quiet personality in front of others.
• Yuina Wakura : 16 years old. The daughter of a rival inn to Kisuisou, she is a rich girl who attends the same high school as Ohana and her friends.
• Tomoe Wajima: 28 years old. Head waitress at Kisuiso. She loves to gossip and is caring, but she can also be a crybaby.
• Tanemura Koichi: 16 years old. Ohana's boyfriend in Tokyo. A herbivorous guy who is kind to women.
• Satsuki Matsumae : 38 years old. Ohana's mother. A free-spirited woman who makes a living as a freelance writer.
• Shijima Sui : 68 years old. The proprietress of Kisuisou. A strict but kind and strong woman.
• Shijima Enishi : 32 years old. Head clerk at Kisuisou. He cares about his mother, but has a complex about his older sister.
• Toru Miyagishi: 23 years old. Chef at Kisuisou. He has a strong passion for cooking and is like an older brother to Ohana and the others.
• Renji Togashi: 42 years old. Head chef at Kisuisou. He is quiet and doesn't do well under pressure, but his cooking skills are top-notch.
• Takako Kawajiri: 30 years old. A management consultant hired by En. Although her advice tends to be vague, she believes that 1960s ready-to-wear looks good on her.
• Jiromaru Taro : 31 years old. Unsuccessful novelist. He stays at Kisuiso for a long time and aims to write erotic novels with social implications.
• Sukegawa Denroku : 73 years old (estimated). In charge of maintenance at Kisuiso. He is silent and it is hard to tell what he is thinking, but he knows the history of Kisuiso.

Main Staff

The series is directed by Masahiro Ando, ​​series writer Mari Okada, character designer Mel Kishida, character designer and chief animation director Kanami Sekiguchi, and other talented staff from PAWORKS have come together. Professionals from various fields are also supporting the series, including art director Kazuo Toji, color designer Katsue Inoue, cinematographer Satoshi Namiki, 3D director Yoshimasa Yamazaki, editor Ayumu Takahashi, sound director Jin Aketagawa, composer Shiro Hamaguchi, and music producer Lantis.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode often symbolize Ohana's growth and the events at Kisuisou, drawing the viewer's interest. Below are the subtitles for all episodes.

• Episode 1: Sixteen years old, spring, still a bud
• Episode 2: Revenge is in the staff meal
• Episode 3: Hobbylon
• Episode 4: Blue Heron Rhapsody
• Episode 5: A Tears of Love for the Chef
• Episode 6: Nothing Venture Nothing Win
• Episode 7: All is well on the Kisui front
• Episode 8: Run
• Episode 9: The Longest Day at Kisuisou
• Episode 10: Slight Fever
• Episode 11: Howling in the Night
• Episode 12: See you later
• Episode 13: 400,000 Women ~Heartbroken Mix~
• Episode 14: This is my way of life
• Episode 15: Beans, then sunny skies
• Episode 16: That Sky, This Sky
• Episode 17: Pool on the Hill
• Episode 18: The Little Mermaid and the Seashell Bra
• Episode 19: Mushy Omelette Rice
• Episode 20: Love and Korin Festival
• Episode 21: Resurrect, Die
• Episode 22: Unrequited love and determination
• Episode 23: Paying for a Dream
• Episode 24: The Last Boss is 400,000 Sui
• Episode 25: My Favorite Kisuiso
• Final Episode: Someday the Flowers Bloom

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Hana no Iro" by nano.RIPE, and the ending theme is "Hazy" by Sphere. These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Hanasaku Iroha" is a work that is attractive for its beautiful visuals, deep story, and drama woven by unique characters. In particular, Ohana's growth and the changes in human relationships at Kisuisou deeply move viewers. In addition, the setting of a hot spring inn gives the story a unique atmosphere and has the power to draw viewers in.

This work is highly acclaimed not only as a coming-of-age anime, but also as a human drama. Ohana's side as a dreamer and her strength in facing reality resonate with many viewers. In addition, the subtleties of human relationships depicted through her interactions with the staff and guests of Kisuisou deeply move viewers.

In addition, don't miss the beautiful animation by PAWORKS and the performances of the gorgeous voice actors. The performances that highlight the individuality of each character make the story feel even more real. In addition, the beautiful scenery of Kisuiso and the atmosphere of the hot springs are realistically depicted thanks to the work of art director Kazuo Toji and color designer Katsue Inoue.

Music is also an important element, with songs like "Hana no Iro" by nano.RIPE and "Hazy" by Sphere playing a key role in setting the mood of the story. These songs help immerse the viewer in the story.

"Hanasaku Iroha" is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes youth anime and human dramas. Through Ohana's growth and the changes in human relationships at Kisuisou, viewers will be forced to think about their own lives and relationships. In addition, the beautiful visuals and music make this a work that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people.

If you haven't seen this work yet, please give it a watch. I'm sure you will be moved by Ohana's growth and the dramatic events that unfold at Kisuisou.