Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku

Most shows generally have a very clear path for the main characters to follow. Usually in any given show you can think ahead to how that chunk of story will likely go.

This show manages to thread the needle of not going too slow on character development while still making it feel normal and human the length of time needed to make certain decisions.

You get guys and girls becoming better friends separately and together. You also get true character growth with noticeable changes to the characters' thought processes and actions in the following episodes. But most importantly, you end up with something quite human that I haven't felt or seen in anime in a while. And I've jumped across all sorts of different genres.

This isn't so simple as to say it's a very plain story that you would expect. It involves all aspects of every character's daily life. It's got love, friendship, and a very genuine feel without a lot of the standard tropes.

"The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity" (2025) is a super cozy romantic comedy anime that'll warm your heart, make you smile, and maybe even tug at your heartstrings.

If this show sticks closely to the manga, it's got serious potential to be one of the best rom-com anime out there.

The opening and ending songs are pretty catchy-give them a few more watches, and they'll probably grow on you and can even become your favourite.

The animation and art style? Straight-up gorgeous! It's some of the best I've seen in the rom-com genre, with stunning visuals that pop off the screen.

Characters like Rintaro and Waguri are total standouts-you'll love them instantly. I haven't read the full manga, but I'm betting the side characters will get solid development too, as long as the adaptation stays faithful and perfect.

The show's super heartwarming and wholesome, with clean, laugh-out-loud comedy that hits just right.

If the show successfully adapts the manga perfectly, that this anime will be 10/10.

Overall , if you're craving a top-tier rom-com anime, this one's a must-watch. It's already shaping up to be a gem !

It's a school romance anime, but not a shallow one. It discusses relationships from a psychological perspective, delving deeply into the characters. Love here has reasons; it's not just something that appears out of nowhere.

In the end, it shows that people may not always agree, and that's okay. Still, the anime doesn't leave anything up to interpretation - it always explains the characters' motives and feelings after presenting them, from a follower's perspective.

The anime feels fresh and different, though there have been other romance anime that achieved a similar balance before, but not many.

Overall, it's not your typical romance anime - rather, it's nice and cosy.

Final Rating: 8.5/10"

A love story between an intimidating-looking introvert and a cheerful girl, going to schools that despise each other. They are judged when seen together.

Main character Rintaro Tsumugi gets A+ character development. From being an NPC in his own life, not caring about tests, just go school then home and repeat. Now he puts in effort after meeting Kaoruko Waguri, which sparks passion and desire to enjoy life.

Funny interactions, likeable side characters, my favorite Rintaro's passionate mother, Kyoko. There is just something magical about this anime's simple plot. Go watch this now.

I know, a 40+ dude probably isn't the target audience for this, but I just can't help it.

I'm sitting here watching every episode with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes looking forward for the rest of the show to release.

I think what gets me is that the communication in this show is just what I'd want the real world to be like, but it never is. The characters actually think about the intentions of others and interpret things charitably. While they are filled with self doubt, they express their love and gratitude in a genuine way and I think everyone who's ever felt like Rintaro or Subaru wished they had someone like Kaoruko in their lives.

Most of all it's just so nice to see an anime where you don't spend five seasons of people not talking to each other and instead just assume everything all the time.

It's the type of story that's made for anime, because you get the perfect balance of inner monologue and interaction with others, that would be very hard to pull off in another medium.

Do yourself a favor and check it out, but bring plenty of tissues unless you're made of stone.