The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Saka Mikami’s manga series, “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” (薫る花は凛と咲く, Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku), is gearing up for its premiere. Recent updates have revealed exciting details, including the theme songs and the official debut date. Mark your calendars for July 5, 2025, as this charming romantic comedy is set to grace screens and capture hearts.
A Blooming Premiere Date
The anime is officially scheduled to premiere on July 5, 2025. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this adaptation, and the announcement of the release date has only heightened the excitement.
Theme Songs Announced
Adding to the anticipation are the newly revealed theme songs:
- Opening Theme: “Manazashi wa Hikari” (まなざしは光, lit. “The Gaze is a Light”) by Tatsuya Kitani.
- Ending Theme: “Hare no Hi ni” (ハレの日に, lit. “On This Sunny Day”) by UshioReira.
These songs promise to set the perfect tone for the anime, complementing its heartwarming story and engaging characters. Snippets of the songs are available in the main trailer.
Production Details
The anime is being brought to life by CloverWorks, a studio known for its high-quality animation and engaging storytelling. The production team includes:
- Director: Miyuki Kuroki
- Associate Director: Satoshi Yamaguchi
- Series Composition: Rino Yamazaki
- Character Design: Kohei Tokuoka
- Music: Moeki Harada
Cast
The voice cast features talented actors who will bring the main characters to life:
- Rintaro Tsumugi: Yoshinori Nakayama
- Kaoruko Waguri: Honoka Inoue
- Shohei Usami: Kikunosuke Toya
- Saku Natsusawa: Koki Uchiyama
- Ayato Yorita: Hiiro Ishibashi
- Subaru Hoshina: Aya Yamane
Story Overview
“The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” tells the story of two high schools with contrasting reputations: Chidori High, a public school for boys with a reputation for being a school for delinquents, and Kikyo Academy, a prestigious private school for girls.
Rintaro Tsumugi, a kind-hearted but intimidating-looking student from Chidori High, works at his family’s bakery. One day, he meets Kaoruko Waguri, a girl from Kikyo Academy, who sees past his tough exterior and appreciates his kindness. Despite the rivalry between their schools and the social barriers that separate them, Rintaro and Kaoruko form a connection and aspire to learn more about each other as their friendship grows.
The series explores themes of overcoming prejudice, finding common ground, and the blossoming of unexpected relationships.
Manga Origins
Written and illustrated by Saka Mikami, “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” began serialization in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket in October 2021. As of April 2025, the manga has been compiled into 16 tankōbon volumes.
Kodansha USA is publishing the series in English, making it accessible to fans worldwide. The English edition of the manga started in June 2024.
Reception
The manga has garnered significant praise and recognition:
- Nominated for the 2022 Next Manga Awards (web category)
- Ranked sixth in the Next Manga Awards
- Nominated for the Tsutaya Comic Awards and ranked second
- Ranked seventh in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2023
- Nominated for the 47th, 48th and 49th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category
As of September 2024, the series had over 3.3 million copies in circulation, demonstrating its widespread popularity. By June 2025, the manga has sold over five million copies.
Where to Watch
“The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” is scheduled to stream on Netflix starting July 5, 2025. Note that regions outside of Japan Standard Time (JST) may have different launch dates.
A Glimpse into the Story
The story unfolds in a town with two infamous schools: Chidori High, known for its lower-class students with poor grades, and Kikyo Girls’ High, known for its wealthy and prestigious students. One day, Rintaro Tsumugi, a second-year student at Chidori, meets Kaoruko Waguri at his family’s bakery. Despite their different backgrounds, they connect, leading to a tale of overcoming limitations and finding their own path.
Additional Information
An advanced screening of the series is scheduled for June 29 at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills, offering fans an early glimpse of the anime.
With its charming story, talented cast and crew, and beautiful animation, “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” promises to be a standout anime of 2025.
