The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (Japanese: 薫る花は凛と咲く, Hepburn: Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Saka Mikami. It began serialization on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket manga website and app in October 2021, with its chapters collected in 17 tankōbon volumes as of June 2025. An anime television series adaptation produced by CloverWorks premiered in July 2025.

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Rintaro Tsumugi (left) and Kaoruko Waguri (right)
薫る花は凛と咲く (Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku)
Genre	Romantic comedy[1]
Manga
Written by	Saka Mikami
Published by	Kodansha
English publisher	NA: Kodansha USA
Imprint	Shōnen Magazine Comics
Magazine	Magazine Pocket
Demographic	Shōnen
Original run	October 20, 2021 – present
Volumes	17
Anime television series
Directed by	Miyuki Kuroki Haruka Tsuzuki[a]
Written by	Rino Yamazaki
Music by	Moeki Harada
Studio	CloverWorks
Licensed by	Netflix (streaming rights)
Original network	Tokyo MX, GYT, GTV, MBS, BS11, AT-X
Original run	July 6, 2025 – present
Episodes	3

Plot

Chidori Public High School and Kikyo Private Academy Girls' High School are next to each other with contrasting reputations. Chidori enrolls lower class delinquent boys, and Kikyo is a prestigious academy enrolling honorable, noble girls. The schools have a long-standing rivalry.

Chidori student Rintaro Tsumugi attends to customer Kaoruko Waguri at his family's bakery. He is surprised that Kaoruko sees his kindness, and he later saves her from harassment by delinquents. Rintaro discovers to his shock Kaoruko attends Kikyo Private Academy. They aspire to learn about each other as their friendship grows.

Characters

Main characters

Rintaro Tsumugi (紬 凛太郎, Tsumugi Rintarō)

Voiced by: Yuma Uchida (PV),^[2] Yoshinori Nakayama [ja] (anime)^[3]

A well-meaning, tall student from Chidori Public High perceived by others as intimidating. He has low self-esteem, often assuming he would be seen as a delinquent. He works at his family’s bakery, where he meets Kaoruko and is surprised that she sees his kindness rather than his intimidating appearance and school affiliation. Because of that he gradually and steadily falls in love with her. Since Kaoruko truly enjoys eating the cakes baked at his shop, after the two start dating he tries to bake some for her in order to see her smile.

Kaoruko Waguri (和栗 薫子, Waguri Kaoruko)

Voiced by: Azumi Waki (PV),^[2] Honoka Inoue (anime)^[3]

A beautiful, kind and caring young student from a humble family enrolled at the all-girls Kikyo Private Academy under a scholarship. She excels in her grades and is highly regarded by her peers. After meeting Rintaro one fateful night at his cake shop, when he showed to her in distress overwhelming kindness and consolation, she is a regular customer at the bakery and sees Rintaro's kindhearted nature rather than his intimidating looks, and falls in love with him right after discovering he goes to the school next to her. She is a glutton for the pastries at the bakery.

Chidori Public High School

Shohei Usami (宇佐美 翔平, Usami Shōhei)

Voiced by: Kikunosuke Toya^[3]

Rintaro's outgoing and energetic friend and classmate. Ditzy at times, he is considerate and fosters a positive atmosphere among his friends. He has no grudge towards Kikyo Private Academy students, and even wishes to date one of the girls, though he is often frustrated with how the girls treat the boys at Chidori.

Saku Natsusawa (夏沢 朔, Natsusawa Saku)

Voiced by: Koki Uchiyama^[3]

Rintaro's intelligent friend and classmate who tutors Rintaro and Shohei for their exams. Shy, introverted, and cynical, he makes sardonic remarks about people who mock his friends, though he has good intentions and has difficulty expressing his thoughts. He develops feelings for Subaru later on after spending time with her.

Ayato Yorita (依田 絢斗, Yorita Ayato)

Voiced by: Hiiro Ishibashi^[3]

Rintaro's good-natured and insightful friend and classmate who he sometimes pokes fun at others, but does not hold back against those who hurt his friends. Proficient in self-defense; he tries to avoid resorting to violence.

Kikyo Private Academy Girls' High School

Subaru Hoshina (保科 昴, Hoshina Subaru)

Voiced by: Aya Yamane^[3]

Kaoruko's childhood friend and classmate. She's usually timid and uncomfortable around boys due to being bullied in her past. She looks up to Kaoruko after she stood up for her and aims to do anything to protect her. Initially hostile to Rintaro and his friends, believing they might end up hurting Kaoruko, she warms up to them after learning of their kindness.

Madoka Yuzuhara (柚原 円蚊, Yuzuhara Madoka)

Friend and classmate of Kaoruko's who does not harbor ill sentiment towards Chidori students, being indifferent to the school rivalry. She becomes close with Rintaro and his friends.

Chisa Minamoto (源 千紗, Minamoto Chisa)

Friend and classmate of Kaoruko.

Ayumi Sawatari (沢渡 亜由美, Sawatari Ayumi)

Voiced by: Saku Mizuno^[4]

Friend and classmate of Kaoruko.

Suzuka Asakura (浅倉 すずか, Asakura Suzuka)

Voiced by: Shino Shimoji^[4]

Friend and classmate of Kaoruko.

Supporting characters

Tsumugi family

Kyoko Tsumugi (紬 杏子, Tsumugi Kyōko)

Voiced by: Yoko Hikasa^[5]

Rintaro's mother who manages the bakery with her husband and deeply cares for Rintaro.

Keiichiro Tsumugi (紬 圭一郎, Tsumugi Keīchirō)

Rintaro's father who is the humble head baker. Although usually lethargic from dedicating himself to his work, he also cares for Rintaro.

Sotaro Tsumugi (紬 颯太郎, Tsumugi Sōtarō)

Rintaro's older brother who works as a beautician.

Waguri family

Fuko Waguri (和栗 風子, Waguri Fuko)

Kaoruko's mother.

Yosuke Waguri (和栗洋介, Waguri Yōsuke)

Kaoruko's father.

Kosuke Waguri (和栗康介, Waguri Kosuke)

Kaoruko's younger brother.

Other characters

Mio Natsusawa (夏沢 美緒, Natsusawa Mio)

Saku's younger sister.

Satsuki Nabata (菜畑 皐月, Nabata Satsuki)

A high school girl who was a classmate of Rintaro in middle school.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Saka Mikami, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity began serialization on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket website and app on October 20, 2021. The series has been collected in 17 volumes as of June 2025.^[6]

Kodansha publishes the series in English on their K Manga service.^[7] At Anime Expo 2023, Kodansha USA announced that the series would be published in print starting in Q2 2024.^[8]

Volumes

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	March 9, 2022[9]	978-4-06-526609-0	June 4, 2024[10]	979-8-88-877138-9
"Rintaro and Kaoruko" (凛太郎と薫子, Rintarō to Kaoruko) "Chidori and Kikyo" (千鳥と桔梗, Chidori to Kikyō) "Exam Crunch" (試験勉強, Shiken Benkyō) "Kaoruko's Friend" (薫子の友達, Kaoruko no Tomodachi) "Study Session" (勉強会, Benkyō-kai)
2	May 9, 2022[11]	978-4-06-527851-2	August 6, 2024[12]	979-8-88-877139-6
"Subaru Hoshina" (保科昴, Hoshina Subaru) "Warmth of the Heart" (心の温度, Kokoro no Ondo) "Their Friendship" (4人の友情, Yon-nin no Yūjō) "Waguri-san's Existence" (和栗さんの存在, Waguri-san no Sonzai) "Self-Loathing" (大嫌い, Daikirai) "I Love You!" (大好き, Daisuki) "Rintaro and Subaru" (凛太郎と昴, Rintarō to Subaru) "Mother" (母さん, Kaa-san)
3	July 8, 2022[13]	978-4-06-528386-8	October 8, 2024[14]	979-8-88-877140-2
"My Beloved Place" (大好きな居場所, Daisuki na Ibasho) "Coolest Guy Ever" (かっこいい男, Kakkoii Otoko) "Sports Festival" (スポーツ大会, Supōtsu Taikai) "Thawing" (雪解け, Yukidoke) "Aquarium" (水族館, Suizokukan) "The Meaning of These Feelings" (感情の正体, Kanjō no Shōtai) "The Rainclouds Pass" (雨雲去る, Amagumo Saru) "Blond Hair and Pierced Ears" (金髪とピアス, Kinpatsu to Piasu)
4	September 9, 2022[15]	978-4-06-529144-3	December 3, 2024[16]	979-8-88-877141-9
"A Mother's Feelings" (母の思い, Haha no Omoi) "Six Person Study Group" (6人で勉強会, Roku-nin de Benkyō-kai) "Beyond the Curtains" (カーテンの向こう側, Kāten no Mukō-gawa) Early Summer Sorrows (初夏の悩み, Shoka no Nayami) "Yorita and Rintaro" (依田と凛太郎, Yorita to Rintarō) "Group Chat" (グループトーク, Gurūputōku) "Waguri-san's Birthday" (和栗さんの誕生日, Waguri-san no Tanjōbi) "July 22nd" (7月22日, Shichigatsu Nijūninichi)
5	November 9, 2022[17]	978-4-06-529641-7	February 4, 2025[18]	979-8-88-877142-6
"The Long-Awaited Birthday" (誕生日当日, Tanjōbi Tōjitsu) "Impressions" (ケーキの感想, Kēki no Kansō) "How to Spend a Summer Break" (夏休みの過ごし方, Natsuyasumi no Sugoshikata) "Bewilderment at the Beachside" (海辺の惑い, Umibe no Madoi) "I Want to Be Here" (ここにいたい, Koko ni Itai) "Sparklers" (線香花火, Senkō Hanabi) "I Like You" (好きです, Sukidesu) "Summer Festival" (夏祭り, Natsu Matsuri)
6	January 6, 2023[19]	978-4-06-530334-4	April 1, 2025[20]	979-8-88-877143-3
"Rintaro’s Feelings" (凛太郎の想い, Rintarō no Omoi) "Confession" (告白, Kokuhaku) "Kaoruko and Rintaro" (薫子と凛太郎, Kaoruko to Rintarō) "The Morning After" (告白の翌朝, Kokuhaku no Yokuasa) "Change" (変化, Henka) "Shopping Together" (二人で買い物, Futari de Kaimono) "Status Report" (報告, Hōkoku) "Natsusawa’s Birthday" (夏沢の誕生日, Natsusawa no Tanjōbi)
7	March 9, 2023[21]	978-4-06-530959-9	June 3, 2025[22]	979-8-88-877144-0
"Birthday Present" (誕生日プレゼント, Tanjōbi Purezento) "Mio Natsusawa" (夏沢澪, Natsusawa Mio) "Saku and Subaru" (朔と昴, Saku to Subaru) "Beginnings of Friendship" (友情のきっかけ, Yūjō no Kikkake) "Friends" (友達, Tomodachi) "Grateful" (有り難い, Arigatai) "Waguri-san's Part-Time Job" (和栗さんのアルバイト, Waguri-san no Arubaito) "A Good Person" (いい人, Ii Hito)
8	May 9, 2023[23]	978-4-06-531601-6	August 5, 2025[24]	979-8-88-877145-7
"Reward Cake" (ご褒美のケーキ, Gohōbi no Kēki) "Waguri-san's House" (和栗さんの家, Waguri-san no Ie) "Proof" (証明, Shōmei) "Kosuke Waguri" (和栗洸介, Waguri Kōsuke) "Budding Feelings" (芽生えた気持ち, Mebaeta Kimochi) "Encounter" (鉢合わせ, Hachiawase) "Kikyo and Chidori" (桔梗と千鳥, Kikyō to Chidori) "Fantasy and Reality" (空想と現実, Kūsō to Genjitsu)
9	August 8, 2023[25]	978-4-06-532607-7	October 7, 2025[26]	979-8-88-877205-8
"Resolve" (覚悟, Kakugo) "Cut from the Same Cloth" (似た者同士, Nitamono Dōshi) "Precious Something" (重要なこと, Jūyōna Koto) "Face to Face" (フェイス・トゥ, Feisu tu) "Ayumi Sawatari" (沢渡亜由美, Sawatari Ayumi) "A Failure" (だめな人, Damena Hito) "Shining Beacon" (憧れ, Akogare) "The Same" (同じ, Onaji)
10	November 9, 2023[27]	978-4-06-533508-6	December 9, 2025[28]	979-8-88-877261-4
"Inside One's Chest" (胸の内, Mune no Uchi) "Natsusawa's Past" (夏沢の過去, Natsusawa no Kako) "Moving Forward" (前進, Zenshin) "A Long Awaited Date" (久々のデート, Hisabisa no Dēto) "Greeting" (挨拶, Aisatsu) "Mother and Girlfriend" (母と彼女, Haha to kanojo) "Gratitude" (感謝, Kansha) "Just Having Fun" (ただ楽しく, Tada Tanoshiku)
11	January 9, 2024[29]	978-4-06-534168-1	February 3, 2026[30]	979-8-88-877303-1
"School Trip" (修学旅行, Shūgaku Ryokō) "Memories of Their Journey" (旅の思い出, Tabi no Omoide) "Subaru's Birthday" (昴の誕生日, Subaru no Tanjōbi) "Rintaro's Older Brother" (凛太郎の兄, Rintarō no Ani) "Sotaro and Rintaro" (颯太朗と凛太郎, Sōtarō to Rintarō) "He'll Be Fine" (もう大丈夫, Mō Daijōbu) "Rintaro's Worries" (凛太郎の気がかり, Rintarō no Kigakari) "A Classmate from Middle School" (中学の同級生, Chūgaku no Dōkyūsei)
12	April 9, 2024[31]	978-4-06-535156-7	—	—
"Satsuki Nabata" (菜畑皐月, Nabata Satsuki) "First Love and Broken Heart" (初恋と失恋, Hatsukoi to Shitsuren) "Karaoke Party" (皆でカラオケ, Mina de Karaoke) "Career Survey" (進路希望調査, Shinro Kibō Chōsa) "Yorita's Future" (依田の将来, Yorita no Shōrai) "What Must Be Told" (伝えるべきこと, Tsutaerubeki Koto) "Rintaro and Yorita" (凛太郎と依田, Rintaro to Yorita) "Christmas Helpers" (クリスマスヘルパー, Kurisumasu Herupā)
13	July 9, 2024[32]	978-4-06-536120-7	—	—
"Yorita's Past" (依田の過去, Yorita no kako) "Meaningless" (意味がない, Imiganai) "After Everything Is Resolved" (全てが解決した後, Subete ga Kaiketsu shita Nochi) "What It Means to Work" (働くことの意味, Hataraku Koto no Imi) "Yorita's Answer" (依田さんの回答, Yorita-san no Kaitō) "Their Christmas" (彼らのクリスマス, Karera no Kurisumasu) "Special to You" (あなたにとって特別な, Anata ni Totte Tokubetsuna)
14	October 9, 2024[33]	978-4-06-537044-5	—	—
"December 26th" (12月26日, Jūnigatsu Nijūninichi) "Kaoruko's Present" (薫子のプレゼント, Kaoruko no Purezento) "New Year's" (新年の, Shinnen no) "Sotaro and Kaoruko" (宗太郎とかおるこ, Sōtarō to Kaoruko) "A New Year, a New Term" (新年の新学期, Shinnen no Shin Gakki) "Touring the Theme Park" (7人でテーマパーク, Nana-nin de Tēma Pāku) "Rintaro's Birthday" (凛太郎の誕生日, Rintarō no Tanjōbi) "Saku and Subaru's Study Session" (朔と昴の勉強会, Saku to Subaru no Benkyō-kai) "The Courage to Move Forward" (前に進む勇気, Mae ni Susumu Yūki)
15	January 8, 2025[34]	978-4-06-538053-6	—	—
"Their Respective February" (それぞれの2月, Sorezore no Nigatsu) "Valentine's Day" (バレンタイン, Barentain) "To the Mock Exam" ((模試へ, Moshi e) "Scars of the Heart" (心の古傷, Kokoro no Furukizu) "Natsusawa and Hidaka" ((夏沢と飛鷹, Natsusawa to Hidaka) "After the Mock Exam" (模試を終えて, Moshi o Oete) "Horror Movie" (ホラー映画, Horā Eiga) "The Pâtisserie from Back Then" (あの日のケーキ屋, Ano hi no Kēki-ya)
16	April 9, 2025[35]	978-4-06-539040-5	—	—
"Unequal Blessings" (もらってばかり, Moratte Bakari) "Goal" (目標, Mokuhyō) "Natsusawa's White Day" (夏沢のホワイトデー, Natsusawa no Howaitodē) "Pâtissier" (パティシエ, Patishie) "Entering the Third Year" (３年生, San-Nensei) "Putting on a Brave Face" (平気なフリ, Heiki na Furi) "Whining" (弱音, Yowane) "Takoyaki Party" (たこ焼きパーティー, Takoyaki Pātī)
17	June 9, 2025[6]	978-4-06-539745-9	—	—
"Kaoruko's Father and Rintaro" (薫子の父と凛太郎, Kaoruko no Chichi to Rintarō) "The Final Sports Festival" (３年のスポ大, San-nen no Supo-dai) "A Kind Soul" (優しい人, Yasashii Hito) "Kaoruko's Future" (薫子の将来, Kaoruko no Shōrai) "Boyfriend" (彼氏, Kareshi) "Obstetrician-Gynecologist" (産婦人科医, Sanfujinkai) "Their Own Paths" (それぞれの進路, Sorezore no Shinro) "Older Brother Usami" (長男の宇佐美, Chōnan no Usami)
18	August 7, 2025[36]	978-4-06-540356-3	—	—

Chapters not yet in tankōbon format

These chapters have yet to be published in a tankōbon volume.

134. "Subaru's Concerns" (昴の気がかり, Subaru no Kigakari)
135. "Final Exams of the First Term" (1学期期末試験, Ichi-gakki Kimatsu Shiken)
136. "A Day at the Zoo" (皆で動物園へ, Mina de Dōbutsuen e)
137. "Back at the Beach" (1年ぶりの海, Ichi-nen-buri no Umi)
138. "Pounding Feelings" (波打つ思い, Namiutsu Omoi)
139. "More Than Just a Friend" (「異性」として, "Isei" to shite)
140. "What Even Is Love?" (恋とは, Koi to wa)
141. "Words of Affection" (特別な言葉, Tokubetsuna Kotoba)
142. "Visiting Kaoruko's Room" (薫子の部屋で, Kaoruko no Heya de)
143. "Parent-Teacher Meeting" (三者面談, Sanshamendan)
144. "Rintaro's Summer Break" (凛太郎の夏休み, Rintarō no Natsuyasumi)
145. "Rintaro's Path" (凛太郎の進路, Rintarō no Shinro)
146. "Unwinding" (リフレッシュ, Rifuresshu)
147. "Natsusawa’s Path" (夏沢の進路, Natsusawa no Shinro)
148. "First Anniversary" (1年記念日, Ichi-nen Kinenbi)
149. "Job Interview" (面接, Mensetsu)
150. "Girlfriend" (彼女, Kanojo)
151. "To the National Mock Exams" (全国模試へ, Zenkoku Moshi e)
152. "Evaluation" (評価, Hyōka)
153. "The Wall to Break Through" (越えるべき壁, Koerubeki Kabe)
154. "Kyoko and Keiichiro" (杏子と圭一郎, Kyōko to Keiichirō)
155. "Keiichiro and Kyoko" (圭一郎と杏子, Keīchirō to Kyōko)
156. "A Gentle Taste and a Sweet Scent" (優しい味と甘い匂い, Yasashii Aji to Amai Nioi)
157. "This Year's Summer Festival" (1年ぶりの夏祭り, 1-Nen-buri no Natsu Matsuri)

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was announced during the Aniplex Online Fest event on September 16, 2024.^[37] The series is produced by CloverWorks and directed by Miyuki Kuroki, with Satoshi Yamaguchi as assistant director, series composition by Rino Yamazaki, character designs by Kohei Tokuoka, and music by Moeki Harada. It premiered on July 6, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks.^[3][b] The opening theme song is "Manazashi wa Hikari" (まなざしは光; lit. 'The Gaze Is a Light'), performed by Tatsuya Kitani, while the ending theme song is "Hare no Hi ni" (ハレの日に; lit. 'On This Sunny Day'), performed by Reira Ushio. Netflix is streaming the series globally,^[38] and premiered together with their weekly televised airing in Japan, while the worldwide release is on various dates in 2025.^[c]

Episodes

No.	Title [41][42]	Directed by [41]	Written by [41]	Storyboarded by [41]	Original release date [43][b][c]
1	"Rintaro and Kaoruko" Transliteration: "Rintarō to Kaoruko" (Japanese: 凛太郎と薫子)	Miyuki Kuroki	Rino Yamazaki	Miyuki Kuroki	July 6, 2025 (2025-07-06)
Rintaro Tsumugi is a student who attends Chidori Public High School, an institution for delinquent boys. Situated beside his school is the prestigious Kikyo Private Academy Girls' High School, whose students look down on Chidori with disdain. Rintaro also works at his family's bakery with his mother Kyoko. He attends to a young girl who is a regular customer, though the girl quickly leaves. Rintaro learns from Kyoko that the girl's name is Kaoruko Waguri, and fears he may have frightened her due to his intimidating appearance. The next day, Kaoruko asks to talk to Rintaro, and she reveals they had met before and that she does not find Rintaro intimidating, surprising him. Rintaro suddenly finds Kaoruko being harassed by a group of boys who owed Rintaro a debt, and they claim she should not get close to him. Kaoruko calls them out on only knowing him at face value, as Rintaro comes to her defense and scares off the boys. Kaoruko thanks him and promises to visit the bakery in the future. Rintaro thinks back on Kaoruko's care for him and wonders on her next visit, when he sees to his shock that Kaoruko is a student at Kikyo.
2	"Chidori and Kikyo" Transliteration: "Chidori to Kikyō" (Japanese: 千鳥と桔梗)	Haruka Tsuzuki	Rino Yamazaki	Haruka Tsuzuki	July 13, 2025 (2025-07-13)
Rintaro listens to his friends Shohei Usami, Saku Natsusawa, and Ayato Yorita express dismay on Kikyo's students loathing them, causing Rintaro to believe he and Kaoruko will become distant due to their school affiliations. After school, Rintaro and a group of Chidori students find Kaoruko waiting by their school's gate. Shohei threatens Kaoruko, forcing Rintaro to defuse the situation. Rintaro believes that Kaoruko was expecting him, leaving him unusually warmed. Saku later asks Rintaro on his recent behavior, assuring him they will listen. Rintaro refuses to divulge information, disappointing Saku. Rintaro returns to the bakery and sees Kaoruko waiting. Kaoruko affirms Rintaro's assumptions and remarks she can be able to know him better, before leaving with a sullen expression. Kyoko stresses to a confused Rintaro that Kaoruko sees him beyond his affiliation, giving him clarity. Rintaro meets Kaoruko by Kikyo's gate the next day, apologizing and promising to set aside his biases and learn more about Kaoruko as a person.
3	"A Kind Soul" Transliteration: "Yasashii Hito" (Japanese: 優しい人)	Satoshi Yamaguchi	Honoka Katō	Satoshi Yamaguchi	July 20, 2025 (2025-07-20)

Reception

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity was nominated for the 2022 Next Manga Awards in the web category and was ranked sixth out of fifty nominees.^[44] The series was also nominated for the Tsutaya Comic Awards and ranked second.^[45] It ranked seventh in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2023.^[46] The series was nominated for the 47th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2023;^[47] it was also nominated in the same category for the 48th edition in 2024,^[48] and the 49th edition in 2025.^[49]

The series had over 4.3 million copies in circulation by March 2025.^[50]

Notes

1. Series episode director (シリーズ演出).
2. Tokyo MX lists the series premiere on July 5, 2025, at 24:30, which is effectively July 6 at 12:30 a.m. JST.
3. Netflix Japan premiered the series simultaneously alongside their televised broadcast on July 6, while subsequent international streaming releases are premiered weekly on July 13 (for Asia and selected non-Asian territories),^[39] and September 7 (for the rest of all other regions including the United States).^[40] As such, the episode table uses the former dates.