by The first episode of the TV anime Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (also widely known as Hana-Kimi) aired on Tokyo MX and other stations on January 4, and it left a deep emotional impact on viewers. At the end of the episode, a memorial message honoring the original author, Hisaya Nakajo, was displayed prompting an outpouring of heartfelt reactions online.
Comments such as “I was moved to tears,” “I wish the author had been able to watch this anime,” and “Her youthful, emotional storytelling still shines through” quickly spread across social media, showing how strongly the work continues to resonate with fans even decades after its original serialization.
A Beloved Shōjo Classic Returns as an Anime
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e is based on the legendary shōjo manga serialized in Hana to Yume from 1996 to 2004. The story follows Mizuki Ashiya, a girl raised in the United States who transfers to an all-boys boarding school in Japan. Disguising herself as a boy, she enrolls for one reason only: to meet her idol, high jump athlete Izumi Sano.
By a twist of fate, Mizuki ends up sharing a dorm room with Sano himself, leading to a whirlwind of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and the thrilling tension of keeping her secret identity hidden. The series balances romance, comedy, and youth drama, making it one of the most iconic works of its era.
The manga’s popularity was immense, selling over 17 million copies worldwide, and it went on to become a cultural phenomenon through multiple live-action adaptations.
From Manga to Drama — And Now, Anime
Before its long-awaited anime adaptation, Hana-Kimi was adapted into hit TV dramas:
- 2007 live-action version, starring Maki Horikita, Shun Oguri, Toma Ikuta, and Hiro Mizushima
- 2011 remake, featuring Atsuko Maeda, Aoi Nakamura, and Shohei Miura
Both adaptations achieved strong ratings and introduced the story to new generations of fans. However, this is the first time the series has been adapted into an anime, making the 2026 broadcast particularly meaningful—especially given the circumstances surrounding its creator.
Remembering Hisaya Nakajo’s Legacy
Hisaya Nakajo passed away in October 2023, before she could see the completed anime. According to the editorial department of Hana to Yume, the anime project had been in development for quite some time and was discussed directly with Nakajo-sensei during its planning stages.
Editors shared that:
- Nakajo-sensei reviewed early character designs and scenario drafts
- She looked forward to seeing Hana-Kimi expressed through animation, different from the manga yet faithful to its spirit
An editorial representative commented:
“It is deeply regrettable that Nakajo-sensei could not watch the finished anime with us. However, thanks to the continued love of readers, more than 20 years after the manga concluded, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e has been brought to life once again. We are truly grateful.”
They also emphasized that the production team is working with great care to honor both Nakajo-sensei’s vision and the expectations of longtime fans.
The Memorial Message That Touched Viewers
At the conclusion of Episode 1, after the main story ended, the screen displayed the following message:
“We express our deepest respect and gratitude to the original author, Hisaya Nakajo, and sincerely pray for her soul to rest in peace.
From the entire production committee of the TV anime ‘Hanazakari no Kimitachi e’.”
This quiet yet powerful tribute became one of the most talked-about moments of the premiere.
Fans React: ‘It Never Fades’
Viewers responded emotionally across social platforms:
- “Ending the episode with a memorial message was the right choice. I couldn’t stop crying.”
- “Hana-Kimi was a huge part of my youth. Seeing it animated with such care makes me grateful—and sad that Nakajo-sensei couldn’t see it.”
- “The anime feels modern, but it still carries her unmistakable style. You can feel the respect in every scene.”
- “Sensei, your work lives on. Thank you for Hana-Kimi.”
Many fans expressed that the anime felt not just like a new adaptation, but like a love letter to its creator.
Why the Anime Matters Today (Beginner-Friendly Insight)
Even for viewers discovering Hana-Kimi for the first time, the anime offers:
- A timeless story about youth, identity, and first love
- Classic shōjo humor mixed with emotional sincerity
- A respectful modern adaptation that preserves the original’s warmth
For longtime fans, it serves as both a nostalgic return and a moving tribute.
Final Thoughts: A Youthful Story That Lives On
The anime adaptation of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e is more than just a long-awaited project—it is a celebration of Hisaya Nakajo’s enduring legacy. The memorial message at the end of Episode 1 reminded viewers that while creators may pass on, the worlds they create continue to inspire, comfort, and move people across generations.
As many fans poignantly wrote online:
“Hana-Kimi never fades.”
