The upcoming anime adaptation of the manga titled Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku (translated as The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity) has set its debut for July 2025. The announcement was made during the AnimeJapan 2025 stage event held on March 22, 2025, where attendees were treated to a promotional video that unveiled key visuals along with details about the main cast and production staff.
Produced by CloverWorks, a studio known for its work on acclaimed titles such as The Promised Neverland, the anime adaptation is helmed by director Miyuki Kuroki, with Satoshi Yamaguchi serving as the assistant director. Rino Yamazaki is tasked with series composition, while Haruka Tsuzuki acts as the technical director. Character designs and animation direction fall to Kouhei Tokuoka, who oversees the visuals crucial to the series’ appeal. Moeki Harada will provide the score, ensuring that the audio complements the richly crafted animation.
The story follows Rintaro Tsumugi, voiced by Yoshinori Nakayama, a student at the Chidori boys’ high school, a place notorious for low academic performance and social stigma. Living next door is the prestigious Kikyo girls’ high school, frequented by students from wealthy families. Rintaro, whose fierce appearance often leads others to misunderstand him, works at his family's patisserie, where he encounters Kaoruko Waguri, a student from Kikyo, voiced by Honoka Inoue. Their initial interaction is sweet and surprising, as Kaoruko expresses surprise that Rintaro is not as intimidating as he appears, stating, “I never thought you were scary, Rintaro-kun.” This pivotal moment sparks a budding friendship that teeters on the brink of complexity as Rintaro learns more about Kaoruko’s background.
This curious narrative captures the essence of teenage angst and romance, exploring how societal expectations can impact personal relationships. Over time, Rintaro becomes increasingly comfortable with Kaoruko, leading to a close bond amid the backdrop of school rivalry and social segregation. The depth of their connection provides a poignant exploration of youth, identity, and the clashing worlds of the two schools.
The comprehensive cast also features Kikunosuke Toya as Shōhei Usami, Kōki Uchiyama as Saku Natsusawa, Hiiro Ishibashi as Ayato Yorita, and Aya Yamane as Subaru Hoshina, each contributing to a resonant portrayal of characters navigating their socially constructed environments.
The manga series, originally penned by Saka Mikami, has been serialized since October 2021 on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket platform. The ongoing popularity of the series reflects its relevance, and the forthcoming 16th compiled volume is set to release on April 9, 2025, providing new content for fans eagerly following Rintaro and Kaoruko's journey.
As anticipation builds for its summer premiere, the anime aims to capture both the heart and complexities of its source material while introducing the story to a broader audience. This adaptation not only promises visual and auditory delights but also a moving narrative about love and understanding across social divides, making it a highly anticipated title of 2025.
In summary, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity is set to charm its audience with its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, hoping to resonate with both existing fans of the manga and newcomers alike, making its July 2025 premiere a date to mark on the calendars.
