“The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” continued its compelling narrative with Episode 9, titled “Blond Hair and Pierced Ears,” which premiered on Netflix in English-speaking regions on October 26, 2025. The episode offered a significant look into protagonist Rintaro Tsumugi’s emotional state and past, while further solidifying the burgeoning friendships among the main characters.
Rintaro Grapples with New Feelings
Following a pivotal date, Rintaro Tsumugi (voiced by Yoshinori Nakayama in Japanese and Robbie Daymond in English) finds himself in a state of internal turmoil, visibly distracted and clumsy due to his undeniable feelings for Kaoruko Waguri (Honoka Inoue in Japanese, Bijou Middlebrooks in English). His friends, Shohei Usami, Saku Natsusawa, and Ayato Yorita, notice his unusual demeanor, prompting them to suggest a get-together at Rintaro’s home. This invitation, initially met with Rintaro’s apprehension, marks a crucial step in their friendship.
An Unexpected Gathering at the Patisserie
The casual invitation turns into an unexpected joint gathering when Kaoruko and her friend Subaru Hoshina (Aya Yamane) also join the group at the Tsumugi family’s patisserie. This unusual meetup brings together students from the rival Chidori High (Rintaro’s school, known for “delinquents”) and Kikyo Girls’ High (Kaoruko’s elite academy), highlighting the series’ central theme of overcoming societal divisions through personal connection.
Revealing Rintaro’s Vulnerable Past
During the gathering, the episode masterfully peels back layers of Rintaro’s past. It’s revealed that Rintaro harbored deep-seated anxieties about his family’s cake shop, having been teased and bullied in his younger years for not fitting the “tough guy” image. This past trauma explains his reluctance to invite friends home and his outwardly intimidating appearance.
A particularly touching moment arrives with the revelation of why Rintaro adopted his distinctive blonde hair and piercings. His mother, Kyoko Tsumugi (Yoko Hikasa in Japanese, Stacie Bongo in English), supported his desire for self-expression, recognizing his longing for connection and happiness. She even mirrored his choice, dyeing her hair and getting piercings to show solidarity, a testament to her unconditional love and support.
Deepening Friendships and Future Plans
The episode underscores the growing strength of the group’s bonds as Rintaro’s friends react with genuine enthusiasm and acceptance upon discovering his family’s patisserie, contrasting sharply with his past experiences. The shared meal and relaxed atmosphere further cement these relationships, moving beyond the initial school rivalries and biases.
As the episode concludes, the friends discuss their plans for summer break, with Kaoruko proposing they study together, signaling continued closeness and development for the ensemble. This episode reinforces the series’ reputation for authentic character interactions and emotional depth, celebrating the power of friendship and burgeoning romance.
Cast and Production
“The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” is an anime adaptation of Saka Mikami’s popular manga series, produced by CloverWorks. The main cast bringing these characters to life includes:
- Rintaro Tsumugi: Yoshinori Nakayama (Japanese), Robbie Daymond (English)
- Kaoruko Waguri: Honoka Inoue (Japanese), Bijou Middlebrooks (English)
- Shohei Usami: Kikunosuke Toya (Japanese), Aaron Yamawaki (English)
- Saku Natsusawa: Koki Uchiyama (Japanese), Aaron Fors (English)
- Ayato Yorita: Hiiro Ishibashi (Japanese), Skylar Silverlake (English)
- Subaru Hoshina: Aya Yamane (Japanese)
- Kyoko Tsumugi (Rintaro’s Mother): Yoko Hikasa (Japanese), Stacie Bongo (English)
New episodes of “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” are released weekly on Netflix.
