REVIEW: ‘Hana-Kimi’ Episode 1 – “Please Be My Friend!”

Based on the popular and formative shojo manga by writer and illustrator Hisaya Nakajo, Hana-Kimi Episode 1 arrives with some anticipation. Directed by Natsuki Takemura and adapted by the studio Signal.MD (The Fire Hunter), “Please Be My Friend!” is a solid, if muted beginning to the story, as we get a swift introduction and push into this world. 

Hana-Kimi (short for Hanazakari no Kimitachi e) follows Mizuki (Aya Yamane), a track-and-field star who makes the impulsive yet planned-out decision to transfer to a high school in Japan. The goal? To befriend her idol, the high jumper Izumi Sano (Taku Yashiro). The first twist, announced early, is that the school in question is an all-boys school, meaning she’ll be pretending to be a boy throughout the duration of her stay. The second is that Sano doesn’t do the high jump anymore. 

The main setup occurs in the early moments of Hana-Kimi Episode 1 as we watch Mizuki cut off her hair to help herself blend in. However, it seems that it isn’t quite enough to make for a seamless disguise. The first thing Sano says to her, before they know one another or realize they will be roommates, is that she “looks like a girl.” It’s something that plagues Mizuki throughout the entire premiere, as her classmates continue to comment on her looks. 

Nakatsu and his friendship with Mizuki are an early highlight. 

Some of which lend themselves to entertaining interactions, such as her conversations with Nakatsu (Kikunosuke Toya), a star soccer player who is too honest and forward with Mizuki because he believes she’s a boy. Nakatsu, in general, is a strong supporting character from the jump, even when Mizuki’s talent momentarily throws him off. The jealousy is brief, however, and their friendship allows for some sweet, easy back-and-forth. 

However, not all of the dynamics are easy. For instance, Mizuki’s fawning over Sano elicits many, many cringe-inducing interactions. From her very public declaration of being a fan of his, to sneaking up to him as he’s resting not once, but twice, and seemingly even contemplating kissing him while he sleeps in the second instance, her adoration goes a bit too far. Granted, therein lies the premise: Mizuki’s affection drives her to switch schools and dress as a boy. 

Ideally, the over-the-top fangirl moments die down as the series progresses, especially if the point is to have the two become actual friends. It’s fun enough for setup and for really fleshing out the tone of this world, which is rooted in its initial release (there’s a very distinct ’90s feel to it, even if the animation itself leans more modern).

Hana-Kimi Episode 1 has plenty of charm but could benefit from more lively animation.

While it’s nice to see a shojo adaptation anytime, ever, it’s a shame that Hana-Kimi doesn’t quite possess a smooth animation style. There are moments, such as an early rush as Mizuki races to school, late on her first day, that allow for some dynamic direction. And the character acting is strong at times, especially anything to do with Nakatsu, whose physicality is used to showcase his boyish charm. But there are also moments where things read a little flat and devoid of life or personality. 

There’s promise here, but for a series where the manga had such distinctive character designs, it’s a shame that some of the renderings here lack that same quality. There needs to be a bit more dynamic direction or art style to make it more than a simple adaptation and elevate it to something that fits the medium. 

Regardless, Hana-Kimi Episode 1 is charming, even if it struggles in certain areas, such as the overall animation and pacing. Mizuki is a delightful protagonist, and Aya Yamane is superb, imbuing the character with enough confidence and bluster to make us believe in her decision to transfer schools, even if it feels like more trouble than it’s worth. She alone is worth watching the series, though the eclectic ensemble promises more. 

Hana-Kimi Episode 1 might not reach its full potential straight out of the gate, but there’s definite promise thanks to the strength of the narrative and the engaging lead character. 

Hana-Kimi Episode 1 is available now on Crunchyroll.