Watch Hanasaku Iroha
- TV-14
- 2011
- 1 Season
-
7.7 (845)
Hanasaku Iroha is a 26-episode slice-of-life anime series that aired in 2011. Produced by P.A. Works, the same studio that brought us Angel Beats! and Shirobako, the show was directed by Masahiro Ando and written by Mari Okada. The story follows Ohana Matsumae, a 16-year-old girl who lives in Tokyo with her single mother. One day, her mother runs away with her boyfriend and sends Ohana to live with her grandmother, Sui Shijima, who owns a hot spring inn called Kissuiso in the countryside of Japan. Ohana has never met her grandmother before, and she is taken aback by her strict demeanor and the difficult work she is assigned to do at the inn.
Despite the harsh initial reception, Ohana starts to settle into her new life at Kissuiso, making friends with the other employees and discovering the beauty of the surrounding area. Along the way, she learns about the challenges and rewards of working in the hospitality industry, develops romantic feelings for one of her co-workers, and uncovers family secrets that have been kept hidden for years.
The show's cast of characters is diverse and interesting, with each person having their own unique personality, backstory, and motivations. Ohana is a determined, hard-working girl who wants to make the most of her new situation and build a better life for herself. Nako Oshimizu, one of her closest friends at Kissuiso, is gentle, kind, and shy, but also has a secret ambition to become a singer. Yuina Wakura, a wealthy and spoiled classmate of Ohana's who comes to visit the inn, is also struggling with issues of responsibility, identity, and purpose in life.
Other notable figures at Kissuiso include: Minko Tsurugi, a skilled but temperamental chef who clashes with Ohana at first but eventually becomes her loyal ally; Tomoe Wajima, a pretty and flirtatious waitress who harbors a tragic secret; and Renji Togashi, a talented photographer who comes to stay at the inn and helps Ohana discover new facets of her own creativity.
Throughout the series, Hanasaku Iroha presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the challenges and joys of working in the hospitality industry. From dealing with demanding guests to mastering the art of Japanese tea ceremony, each character learns valuable lessons about patience, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. The show also explores themes of family, tradition, and generational differences, as Ohana and her grandmother clash over their different beliefs about the inn's legacy and future.
One of the standout aspects of Hanasaku Iroha is its gorgeous animation and art direction. The lush countryside of Japan is lovingly rendered in stunning detail, and the character designs are both attractive and expressive. The show also features a lovely soundtrack, including the catchy opening theme song "Hana no Iro" by Nano Ripe and the haunting ending theme "Hazy" by Sphere.
Overall, Hanasaku Iroha is a charming and heartwarming anime series that combines elements of drama, comedy, and romance in a beautifully realized setting. With its engaging characters, compelling storylines, and immersive world-building, it is a must-watch for fans of slice-of-life and coming-of-age anime.