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Hanayamata
Cover of the first tankōbon volume, featuring Naru Sekiya.
ハナヤマタ
GenreComedy, slice of life[1]
Manga
Written bySou Hamayumiba
Published byHoubunsha
MagazineManga Time Kirara Forward
Original runApril 23, 2011 – February 24, 2018
Volumes10 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byAtsuko Ishizuka
Written byReiko Yoshida
Music byMonaca
  • Keigo Hoashi
  • Ryūichi Takada
StudioMadhouse
Licensed by
Original networkTV Tokyo, TVO, TVA, AT-X
English network
Original run July 8, 2014 – September 23, 2014
Episodes12 (List of episodes)
Video game
Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live!
DeveloperBandai Namco Games
PublisherBandai Namco Games
GenreRhythm, visual novel
PlatformPlayStation Vita
Released
  • JP: November 13, 2014

Hanayamata (ハナヤマタ; also stylized as HaNaYaMaTa) is a Japanese manga series by Sou Hamayumiba. It was serialized in Houbunsha's seinen manga magazine Manga Time Kirara Forward from April 2011 to February 2018, with its chapters collected in ten tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation by Madhouse aired in Japan from July to September 2014.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Naru Sekiya is an ordinary 14-year-old middle school girl who likes fairy tales, but is worried about her lack of other interests. She has a chance encounter with a "fairy", a foreign girl practicing dance at night. On a spur of the moment, Naru asks to join her and is introduced to the world of yosakoi dancing. The series' title is a portmanteau (combination) of the first two letters of the girls' first names: Hana, Naru, Yaya, Machi, and Tami.

Characters

[edit]

Main characters

[edit]
Naru Sekiya (関谷 なる, Sekiya Naru)
Voiced by: Reina Ueda[3] (Japanese); Caitlynn French[4] (English)
A 14-year-old girl who considers herself extremely average. Aside from reading fairy tales, she doesn't have many interests outside of practising iaido at home. She lacks confidence to bring herself out of her routine life, but upon encountering Hana and taking up yosakoi, she starts to change little by little. Her favorite flower is the cherry blossom.
Hana N. Fountainstand (ハナ・N・フォンテーンスタンド, Hana Enu Fontēnsutando)
Voiced by: Minami Tanaka[3] (Japanese); Luci Christian[4] (English)
An excitable American girl who transfers into Naru's class. Having become fascinated with yosakoi following a trip to Japan when she was young, she decided to move there and form her own yosakoi club, inviting Naru to join her. She lives with her father, who is divorced from her mother who lives in America. She has a tomboyish personality and tends to get a little over excited, sometimes dancing in dangerous locations. Her favorite flower is the bluestar.
Yaya Sasame (笹目 ヤヤ, Sasame Yaya)
Voiced by: Kaya Okuno[3] (Japanese); Monica Rial[4] (English)
Naru's best friend whose parents run a noodle shop. She possesses both brains and beauty, making her very popular at her school, but has messy handwriting. She is particularly clingy towards Naru and gets jealous when she becomes friendly with others. She is initially hesitant towards yosakoi and joins the club in name only, but after her dream of being part of a band falls apart, she understands she has a place to belong and joins the club in earnest. Her favorite flower is the rose.
Tami Nishimikado (西御門 多美, Nishimikado Tami)
Voiced by: Yuka Ōtsubo[3] (Japanese); Cynthia Martinez[4] (English)
The student council vice-president at Naru's school. As both of their fathers were acquaintances, she and Naru grew up together, with Naru regarding her as a big sister. She is quite fond of her father, often being accused of having an Electra complex, and had spent most of her time focusing on becoming a proper Japanese woman in order to please him. However, Naru soon helps her to overcome her worries and she joins the yosakoi club. Her favorite flower is the lily.
Machi Tokiwa (常盤 真智, Tokiwa Machi)
Voiced by: Manami Numakura[3] (Japanese); Carli Mosier[4] (English)
The student council president and Tami's close friend, who is the younger sister of Sally. Whilst generally strict, she is particularly weak to sweet things, as well as Tami's general requests. She is initially hostile towards Sally for leaving home, but she soon comes to understand her true feelings and joins the yosakoi club. Her favorite flower is the sunflower.

Yosakoi Club

[edit]
Sally Tokiwa (常盤 沙里, Tokiwa Sari)
Voiced by: Megumi Toyoguchi[3] (Japanese); Molly Searcy[4] (English)
Sally Tokiwa is Naru, Yaya, and Hana's homeroom and English teacher and Machi's older sister; she is nicknamed 'Sally-sensei'. She originally planned to take over her parents' hospital together with Machi, but after helping Machi with studying, Sally chose to leave home, inspired to become a teacher instead. She becomes the yosakoi's club advisor, initially showing little interest but soon becoming more involved, including trying to make the girls wear cosplay while performing, though she is occasionally shown to be lazy and forgetful.

Need Cool Quality band

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An anime original band, the Need Cool Quality was the band joined by Yaya, the drummer of the band, Sachiko, Arisa and Yuka before its disbandment due to personal issues of Sachiko, Arisa and Yuka and the failure of the band in a light music band audition.

Sachiko Yamanoshita (山ノ下 祥子, Yamanoshita Sachiko)
Voiced by: Yuki Wakai (Japanese); Brittney Karbowski[4] (English)
Lead vocalist and the guitarist of the band.
Arisa Kajiwara (梶原 亜里沙, Kajiwara Arisa)
Voiced by: Ayano Yamamoto (Japanese); Margaret McDonald[4] (English)
Co-vocalist and the guitarist of the band.
Yūka Komachi (小町 結香, Komachi Yūka)
Voiced by: Maika Takai (Japanese); Juliet Simmons[4] (English)
Bass player of the band.

Supporting characters

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Masaru Ofuna (大船 勝, Ōfuna Masaru)
Voiced by: Tsuyoshi Koyama[3] (Japanese); John Gremillion[4] (English)
A 33-year-old bachelor who runs the Yosakoi Masaru shop. Despite having an appearance like that of a bald yakuza, he is quite friendly and eager to help those learning yosakoi. He is affectionately called "Big Brother" (兄貴, Aniki) by Hana.
Hana's father
Voiced by: Yūji Ueda (Japanese); Leraldo Anzaldua[4] (English)
Jennifer N. Fountainstand (ジェニファー・N・フォンテーンスタンド, Jenifa Enu Fontēnsutando)
Voiced by: Chiaki Takahashi (Japanese); Tiffany Grant[4] (English)
Hana's mother.
Naomasa Sekiya (関谷 直正, Sekiya Naomasa)
Voiced by: Toru Ohkawa (Japanese); David Wald[4] (English)
Naru's father.
Tami's father
Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi (Japanese); David Matranga[4] (English)
Yaya's father
Voiced by: Kōsuke Gotō (Japanese); John Swasey[4] (English)
Ume-san (梅さん, Ume-san)
Voiced by: Toshiko Maeda (Japanese); Joanne Bonasso (English)
Tami's housemaid.

Media

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Manga

[edit]

Hanayamata, written and illustrated by Sou Hamayumiba, was serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine from April 23, 2011 to February 24, 2018.[5][6] It was collected into ten tankōbon volumes from December 12, 2011 to April 12, 2018.[7]

No. Release date ISBN
01 December 12, 2011[7]978-4-8322-4089-6
02 July 12, 2012[7]978-4-8322-4167-1
03 April 12, 2013[7]978-4-8322-4285-2
04 January 10, 2014[7]978-4-8322-4392-7
05 July 11, 2014[7]978-4-8322-4461-0
06 September 12, 2014[7]978-4-8322-4478-8
07 August 11, 2015[7]978-4-8322-4602-7
08 August 10, 2016[7]978-4-8322-4731-4
09 June 12, 2017[7]978-4-8322-4841-0
10 April 12, 2018[7]978-4-8322-4937-0

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation produced by Madhouse[8] aired in Japan from July 8 to September 23, 2014 and was simulcast by Crunchyroll.[9][10][a] The opening theme is "Hana wa Odoreya Iroha ni Ho" (花ハ躍レヤいろはにほ; "Dancing in the Scent of Flowers") by Team "Hanayamata" (Reina Ueda, Minami Tanaka, Kaya Okuno, Yuka Ōtsubo, and Manami Numakura), while the ending theme is "Hanayuki" (花雪; "Snowflake") by smileY inc. (composed of vocalist Yuka Ōtsubo and musician Yuuyu).[3][11] The same ending theme is also performed by Team "Hanayamata" in episode 12. Furthermore, an insert song, "Kodoku Signal" (コドクシグナル; "Signal of Solitude") by Need Cool Quality (Kaya Okuno, Yuki Wakai, Ayano Yamamoto and Maika Takai) is used in the first episode.

In September 2015, Sentai Filmworks announced they had acquired the license of the series in North America.[12] Later that month, it was revealed that the DVD and Blu-ray of Hanayamata would be released on January 19, 2016, as well as getting an official English dub.[13] The series has also been licensed in both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland by Animatsu Entertainment[14] and in Australasia by Madman Entertainment.[15]

Episode list

[edit]
No.Title [16][b]Directed by [c]Original release date [16][a]
1"Shall We Dance?"
Transliteration: "Sharu Wi Dansu?" (Japanese: シャル・ウィ・ダンス？)		Atsuko IshizukaJuly 8, 2014 (2014-07-08)
Naru Sekiya is a middle school girl who, besides a fascination with fairy tales, considers herself average in almost every regard, particularly in comparison to her friend Yaya Sasame, who is the drummer in an amateur band. Whilst walking home from an errand late at night, Naru comes across a blonde haired girl dancing in the moonlight, believing her to be a fairy and asking her to take her to another world. The girl invites Naru to dance with her, but Naru isn't confident enough and runs off, inadvertently taking a paddle with her. The next day, the girl, who turns out to be an American transfer student named Hana N. Fountainstand, starts asking Naru if she would like to partake in yosakoi with her, but Naru is too intimidated by her forwardness and rejects her. The next day, as Hana continues to try to find members for a yosakoi club, she explains to Naru that even though she's having no luck in finding any members, she wants to pursue her dream of becoming a true yosakoi dancer because it is her decision. Naru laments that she has no such interests to speak of and considers herself empty, but Hana tells her that it simply means she has plenty of room to discover new things. Moved by her words and admitting she had fun dancing with her, Naru offers to help Hana recruit members for her club and becomes friends with her.
2"Jealousy Rose"
Transliteration: "Jerashī rōzu" (Japanese: ジェラシー・ローズ)		Kinsei NakamuraJuly 15, 2014 (2014-07-15)
Hana comes over to Naru's house to discuss how to attract more club members, where she reveals a bit more about herself and teaches Naru about the paddle yosakoi dancers use, the naruko. Meanwhile, Yaya becomes noticeably jealous as Naru starts spending more and more time with Hana. When Yaya's jealousy leads her to inadvertently insult Naru, questioning her ability to take yosakoi seriously, Naru argues back at her, determined to prove she is capable of learning yosakoi within a week. Wanting the two to make up, Hana takes Yaya to watch Naru's practice, showing that even though Naru is struggling to get the moves down, she continues to try hard in order to meet Yaya's approval. Realising the error of her ways, Yaya stays to watch Naru's awkward but admirable dance and manages to make up with her.
3"Girls' Style"
Transliteration: "Gāruzu sutairu" (Japanese: ガールズ・スタイル)		Hideki HosokawaJuly 22, 2014 (2014-07-22)
Naru and Hana visit the Yosakoi Masaru shop run by Masaru Ōfuna, who proves to be quite hospitable despite his intimidating appearance and offers some beginner yosakoi tips. Learning of an upcoming yosakoi festival, the girls resume their recruiting efforts, but are informed by student council president Machi Tokiwa that in order to be recognised an official club, they need at least four members and an advisor. Hana approaches their homeroom teacher, Sally, who tells them to get two more members before asking about becoming their advisor. During the weekend, Hana is introduced to Naru's childhood friend, Tami Nishimikado, who shows an interest in their performance. The next day, Hana shows up at Yaya's soba restaurant, crashing in on Yaya's plans to watch movies alone with Naru. Yaya ends up hanging out with Hana, hearing from her about how she wants to make the most out of her life by doing fun things, only to completely miss her date with Naru. The next day, Machi appears before the girls, informing them they are not allowed to use the rooftop to practise without permission.
4"Princess/Princess"
Transliteration: "Purinsesu purinsesu" (Japanese: プリンセス・プリンセス)		Hiroya SaitōJuly 29, 2014 (2014-07-29)
As Tami helps the others with their situation, Hana contemplates inviting her to join the yosakoi club. Later that night, Naru accompanies Tami, mentioning how Hana and Yaya helped give her the courage to move forward. The next day, Naru and Hana show Tami their yosakoi and, upon seeing her ballet skills, ask her to join the club. However, Tami feels obligated to her current lessons and turns them down, believing joining the club would disappoint her father. As Tami becomes more conflicted, having given up many things she loved for the sake of becoming a proper woman to make her father happy, Naru comforts her, wanting to help her and be by her side, giving Tami the courage to talk with her father about what she truly wants.
5"First Step"
Transliteration: "Fāsuto suteppu" (Japanese: ファースト・ステップ)		Kotono WatanabeAugust 5, 2014 (2014-08-05)
After Tami joins the yosakoi club, the group manage to convince Yaya to join in name only, allowing the club to become official with Sally as their advisor. Later, the girls decide to attend a yosakoi festival being held in Shōnan as their first club activity. With some time until the performance, Yaya and Tami spend some time getting to know each other, with Tami explaining how Naru taught her it's more fun to spend time with others than by yourself. As the festival gets underway, with Masaru also taking part, the girls pay close attention to another middle school yosakoi team that Masaru had helped out, inspiring Naru and the others to aim for the Hanairo Festival.
6"Try, Try, Try"
Transliteration: "Torai torai torai" (Japanese: トライ・トライ・トライ)		Akira ShimizuAugust 12, 2014 (2014-08-12)
As the girls are tasked with coming up with a concept for their club, Naru, upon hearing from her father about how flowery she has become lately, decides to base her concept around flowers. Having decided on Naru's theme, Hana asks Sally for permission to perform at a department store event. Sally agrees on the condition that the club both show the results of their yosakoi practice and score high enough in their exams. Despite studying hard, Hana alone falls short on her exam results, upsetting her greatly. Encouraged by the others not to give up, Hana continues to work hard on both yosakoi and improving her worse subjects. When their class expresses interest in yosakoi, the girls put on an improvised performance. Admiring the effort Hana and the others put in, Sally approves of their department event and decides to become a bit more active as their advisor. Meanwhile, Yaya and her bandmates are shocked to learn they did not pass their audition.
7"Girl Identity"
Transliteration: "Gāru aidentitī" (Japanese: ガール・アイデンティティー)		Fumihiro YoshimuraAugust 19, 2014 (2014-08-19)
With the girls needing some costumes for their performance, Tami manages to get Machi to let them use some old costumes from the former rakugo club. Meanwhile, Yaya becomes depressed when her band decides to break up following their failed audition and starts avoiding the others. Learning what happened to the band, Naru and Hana try to console Yaya, but she lashes out at them, saying she hates everyone and doesn't want to be friends with Naru anymore. Not wanting things to end like this, Naru and Hana use a bold movement to bring Yaya to the rooftop, where Yaya confesses she was jealous of Naru being able to gain friends. Realising she has a place alongside Naru and the others, Yaya decides to become a more earnest member of the yosakoi club.
8"Mission Event"
Transliteration: "Misshon ibento" (Japanese: ミッション・イベント)		Hideki HosokawaAugust 26, 2014 (2014-08-26)
Naru and Tami start exercising to try and lose weight in time for the event, though they soon learn the extra weight is because of stronger muscles. Meanwhile, Yaya uses her musical know-how to arrange Tami's composition, helping the girls focus on their choreography. On the day of the event, the group discover Sally had accidentally put the CD they need in her personal bag, so she sends her sister, who turns out to be Machi, to bring it to them in time for their performance. As the girls step up on stage to perform, with Machi invited to spectate, Naru starts to panic when the group starts falling off tempo and ends up messing up when she is reminded of a traumatic elementary school event.
9"Sister Complex"
Transliteration: "Shisutā konpurekkusu" (Japanese: シスター・コンプレックス)		Osamu SekitaSeptember 2, 2014 (2014-09-02)
Yaya and the others manage to encourage Naru to finish the performance, but shortly afterwards, Hana collapses. After Hana makes a full recovery after a few days, Naru still feels guilty for letting her fear of an audience ruin the performance, but is encouraged by her friends to keep trying. Later, the group learn from Machi that their club is in danger of being shut down at the end of the term since, as a substitute teacher, Sally can't be an official advisor. As the girls try to think of a way to keep Sally as their advisor, Machi feels hostility towards Sally, who left home when she got tired of trying to live up to her parents' expectations. The next day, as the girls hear rumor that Sally may be quitting as a teacher, Machi assumes she is abandoning them just like she allegedly did with her and badmouthes her. After some stubbornness, Machi eventually learns from Tami that Sally was actually applying to become a full-time teacher, stating that it was Machi who inspired her to become a teacher. Upon hearing this, Machi apologises to Sally, who manages to pass her exam, and contemplates joining the yosakoi club herself.
10"Hot Spring Camp"
Transliteration: "Onsen gasshuku" (Japanese: オンセン・ガッシュク)		Kinsei NakamuraSeptember 9, 2014 (2014-09-09)
Machi decides to join the yosakoi club, determined to help the group get into shape before the Hanairo Festival. Tami proposes they go on a training camp at her family's hot spring inn, so the girls discuss their plans at Hana's house, where they learn she lives with her father after her parents got divorced. After everyone works to update their choreography and rōtines to include Machi, the girls head to the inn and get straight to practising. Later that night, the girls suddenly learn they've missed the registration date for the festival. Nonetheless, Machi is still determined to spend every waking minute practising so she can catch up with the others, encouraging the others to practise alongside her. Their practise soon attracts the attention of the other inn guests, who give the girls their support. The next day, Sally informs the girls that Masaru has managed to get them into the festival thanks to a team dropping out. Back at school, as Naru manages to come up with a theme for their outfits, Hana gets a call from her mother.
11"Smile is Flower"
Transliteration: "Sumairu izu furawā" (Japanese: スマイル・イズ・フラワー)		Kotono WatanabeSeptember 16, 2014 (2014-09-16)
After the girls practise by the poolside, Hana reveals her mother has come to Japan, though seems to be hiding the real reason she is so down about it. Later, Yaya comes up with some lyrics for everyone to sing during their performance, encouraging everyone to work hard, while Hana remains unable to tell them what's bothering her. That night, Hana goes over to Naru's house and tells her she will be unable to participate in the festival because she has to return to America with her mother, who is getting back together with her father. With Hana conflicted over choosing between her friends and her family, Naru tells her to seek out her own happiness. Hana leaves the next morning, leaving Naru a letter which she shares with the others. Determined not to let things end like this, Naru and the others rush to the airport in order to see Hana off. After Hana leaves on her flight, leaving Naru her spare naruko, Naru and the others become determined to practise hard for the festival in Hana's place.
12"Hanayamata"
Transliteration: "Hanayamata" (Japanese: ハナヤマタ)		Atsuko IshizukaSeptember 23, 2014 (2014-09-23)
As the girls practice for the festival, they give a copy of their music composition to Hana's father, inviting him to come to their performance. The next day, as the festival gets underway, the girls try to spend as much time practising before their turn to perform, noticing Naru has begun to sparkle more ever since meeting Hana. Later that day, Yaya's former bandmates pay her a little visit to encourage her. Just before their performance, Naru receives a call from Hana who, having been told about the CD from her father, managed to convince her mother to let her return to Japan to perform with her friends. With her car stuck in traffic with just half an hour until the performance, Hana rushes on foot through the town and, with help from Sally, Masaru, and a policeman, manages to make it just in time to perform alongside everyone. After a successful performance, Hana decides to try and convince her parents to let her stay in Japan, with the group making plans for their next big performance.

Video games

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An adventure/rhythm game based on the series, titled Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live! (ハナヤマタ よさこいLIVE！), was developed by Bandai Namco Games and released for the PlayStation Vita on November 13, 2014. The game was also available in a limited edition containing a bonus Blu-ray Disc and an original drama CD.[17] Characters from the series appear alongside other Manga Time Kirara characters in the 2018 mobile RPG, Kirara Fantasia.[18]

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hanayamata

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hanayamata (stylized as HaNaYaMaTa) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sō Hamayumiba, serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine from April 23, 2011, to February 24, 2018, and collected into ten volumes. The story centers on Naru Sekiya, a timid second-year student fascinated by fairy tales but dissatisfied with her mundane life, who discovers the energetic world of —a vibrant Japanese style originating from in 1954 that fuses traditional elements with modern music—after encountering the enthusiastic transfer student Hana N. Fontainestand. Together with classmates Yaya Sasame, Tami Nishimikado, and Machi Tokieda, they form the Hanayamata troupe, navigating friendships, personal growth, and performances in a narrative blending comedy, slice-of-life, and themes. An anime television adaptation produced by Madhouse studio aired from July 7 to September 22, 2014, comprising 12 episodes directed by Atsuko Ishizuka with series composition by Reiko Yoshida and character designs by Atsuko Watanabe. The adaptation faithfully captures the manga's focus on the girls' journey from novices to confident performers at local yosakoi festivals, such as the Hanairo Yosakoi Festival, emphasizing themes of self-discovery and camaraderie through yosakoi's rhythmic naruko clappers and dynamic choreography. Music for the anime was composed by the group monaca, with the opening theme "Hana wa Saku" performed by Team Hanayamata (the voice actresses) and the ending theme "Yume no Naka e" by smileY inc.. The series received praise for its uplifting portrayal of yosakoi and character development, contributing to its popularity in the iyashikei (healing) and cute girls doing cute things (CGDCT) genres.

Overview

Premise

Hanayamata centers on Naru Sekiya, a shy 14-year-old girl who harbors a deep fascination with heroines yet struggles with a profound lack of and direction in her own life. She often feels average in every aspect, from academics to social interactions, and yearns for something extraordinary to break her routine. This changes when she has a chance encounter with Hana N. Fountainstand, an energetic transfer student from America who is passionately performing a graceful one night, leading Naru to initially mistake her for a mythical . Inspired by Hana's vibrant enthusiasm for Japanese culture and , Naru is drawn into the idea of forming a dance club at their school. Together with co-founders Yaya Sasame, Tami Nishimikado, and Machi Tokiwa, they establish the Hanayamata club, aiming to practice and perform at local festivals. is a dynamic Japanese dance style that originated in the 1950s in Prefecture as a modern revival of traditional folk dances, incorporating elements of , elaborate costumes, and the use of naruko—wooden clappers—to create rhythmic sounds during performances. The narrative unfolds as a slice-of-life coming-of-age tale, emphasizing the girls' growth through the challenges of learning , building friendships, and discovering their personal strengths while preparing for festival appearances.

Themes

Hanayamata centers on the theme of self-confidence and emerging from personal isolation through engagement in communal activities, particularly dancing, which serves as a vehicle for characters to confront insecurities and discover inner strength. The narrative portrays not merely as a performance but as a transformative practice that encourages participants to express themselves boldly, fostering a sense of radiance amid adolescent doubts. The series examines and as pivotal forces driving individual , with bonds formed through shared pursuits acting as catalysts for overcoming personal barriers. These relationships echo inspirations, where enchanted encounters and collective quests lead to profound personal growth, emphasizing the magic found in mutual support and collaboration. Yosakoi holds cultural significance in Hanayamata as a modern evolution of traditional , originating in 1954 in Prefecture as a initiative to revive spirit and economic vitality through energetic performances. The dance promotes inclusivity by allowing freedom in music, costumes, and movements while using the naruko clappers, uniting diverse participants in vibrant, high-energy displays that transcend linguistic and cultural divides. In the story, it symbolizes joyful communal energy, blending historical roots with contemporary accessibility to highlight themes of vitality and belonging. Motifs of cultural exchange are prominent, exemplified by the influence of Hana's American background, which introduces Western enthusiasm to Japanese customs and enriches yosakoi with cross-cultural appreciation. This dynamic illustrates positive cultural immersion, where genuine passion for another's traditions—such as an outsider's deep study of yosakoi—bridges gaps and inspires broader engagement without diminishing the practice's authenticity. Underlying these elements are subtle undertones of , , and the exhilaration of integrated into daily life, capturing the tensions between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Yosakoi performances become metaphors for navigating youthful uncertainties, offering a where identity is fluidly explored through creative expression and group harmony.

Characters

Main Characters

Naru Sekiya is the protagonist of Hanayamata, depicted as a shy and unassuming second-year student who leads an ordinary life marked by average academic performance, athletic ability, and social interactions. She harbors a deep fascination with fairy tales, often daydreaming about becoming a heroine in one, but feels overshadowed by more vibrant peers and struggles with a lack of personal direction or standout interests. Throughout the story, Naru evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in dancing, finding confidence and purpose through her experiences. In the adaptation, she is voiced by . Hana N. Fountainstand serves as the energetic catalyst for Naru's growth, portrayed as a determined and outgoing American transfer student from . Having briefly lived in during her childhood, she returned to the country for to immerse herself in its , particularly developing a passion for —a traditional Japanese form—after witnessing it during her earlier stay. Hana's blonde hair, multilingual skills, and exuberant personality make her stand out, though she can be stubborn in pursuing her goals, such as founding a yosakoi club. In the , she is voiced by . The story's emotional core revolves around the initial relationship between Naru and Hana, sparked by a chance moonlit encounter where Naru mistakes the dancing Hana for a from her beloved tales. This meeting draws the introverted Naru into Hana's world of , fostering a supportive that encourages Naru's self-discovery while allowing Hana to share her cultural enthusiasm and overcome challenges from her relocation. Their dynamic briefly extends to interactions with other club members like Yaya and Tami, highlighting themes of mutual inspiration.

Yosakoi Club Members

The club in Hanayamata features three key secondary members—Yaya Sasame, Tami Nishimikado, and Machi Tokiwa—who join after the club is initiated by Naru Sekiya and Hana N. Fountainstand, bringing unique strengths to the group's formation and activities. Yaya Sasame is portrayed as a tomboyish and athletic girl with a cheerful, supportive personality, often displaying overprotective tendencies toward her childhood friend Naru while contributing energy, enthusiasm, and humor to the team. She excels academically, enjoys among peers, and showcases musical talent as a member of the school Need Cool Quality, which adds a dynamic flair to her role in practices. Voiced by Kaya Okuno in the Japanese version and in the English dub, Yaya provides physical vigor and morale-boosting levity during the club's dance sessions and performances. Tami Nishimikado is depicted as a serious and intellectual figure from a wealthy family, embodying a mild-mannered, princess-like demeanor that earns her admiration as an ideal lady among her peers. Her background includes formal training in , , tea ceremony, and flower arrangement from a young age, which informs her refined approach to club responsibilities, such as strategic planning and costume design leveraging her family's resources. As the , she offers logistical support and stability to the group. Voiced by Yuka Ōtsubo in Japanese and Cynthia Martinez in English, Tami's composed nature helps balance the team's more exuberant elements. Machi Tokiwa serves as a quiet and artistic individual with a serious, disciplined personality, focusing on precision and creativity in the club's to elevate their routines. She is the president and the younger sister of the club's advisor, Sally Tokiwa, a detail that underscores her sense of responsibility and maturity. Voiced by Manami Numakura in Japanese and Carli Mosier in English, Machi contributes technical expertise in dance formation and artistic vision, often drawing from her reserved yet dedicated outlook. The diverse personalities of Yaya, Tami, and Machi create a complementary dynamic within the Yosakoi club, where Yaya's energetic humor energizes practices, Tami's strategic intellect ensures organized progress, and Machi's artistic focus refines performances, fostering growth and harmony among the members during their shared pursuit of dance.

Supporting Characters

Sari Tokiwa, often called Sally-sensei by her students, serves as the homeroom teacher for Naru Sekiya, Yaya Sasame, and Hana N. Fountainstand, as well as the faculty advisor to the Club at their . As the older sister of club member Machi Tokiwa, she offers practical guidance to the group during their dance practices and performances, while her eccentric and lighthearted demeanor frequently injects into their interactions. She is voiced by in the Japanese version of the adaptation and by Molly Searcy in the English dub. The band Need Cool Quality, formed by students at the same school, includes supporting members Sachiko Yamanoshita on lead vocals and guitar, Yuka Komachi on guitar and backing vocals, and Arisa Kajiwara on bass, alongside drummer Yaya Sasame. These performers act as friendly rivals to the Yosakoi Club, crossing paths during school festivals and events where their musical acts contrast with the club's dance routines, emphasizing themes of competition and camaraderie among student groups. The characters are voiced by Yūki Wakai as Sachiko, Maika Takai as Yuka, and Ayano Yamamoto as Arisa in the Japanese audio. Naru Sekiya's home life is shaped by her parents, Naomasa Sekiya and Tomo Sekiya, who appear briefly to provide context for her everyday routines and emotional support. Naomasa, a instructor, encourages Naru's participation in extracurricular activities with enthusiasm, reflecting a traditional yet affirming family dynamic. Tomo, her mother, maintains a nurturing household that underscores Naru's sense of normalcy amid her growing involvement in . Naomasa is voiced by in Japanese and in English.

Production

Manga Development

Hanayamata was written and illustrated by Sou Hamayumiba, who drew inspiration from festivals to center the story around a group of girls forming a yosakoi dance club at their school. The began in the June 2011 issue of Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine and ran continuously until its conclusion in the February 2018 issue, spanning over six years without major interruptions. Houbunsha collected the chapters into ten volumes, releasing the first on December 12, 2011, and the final on April 12, 2018. Hamayumiba conducted research on techniques and festivals to ensure authentic depictions of performances and cultural elements throughout the series. The artwork employs a cute and expressive style characteristic of the publication venue, with character designs highlighting fluid, dynamic poses to convey the vibrancy of yosakoi movements; over the serialization, the illustrations evolved to incorporate more intricate details in group sequences and emotional expressions.

Anime Adaptation

The anime adaptation of Hanayamata was produced by the studio and directed by Atsuko Ishizuka as a 12-episode television series that aired from July 7 to September 22, 2014. The project drew from the ongoing by Sō Hamayumiba as its source material, focusing on the formation and growth of a dance club among middle school girls. Key staff included series composition by , who handled scripting for all episodes; character designs by Atsuko Watanabe, adapting the manga's soft, expressive style for animation; and music composition by the group monaca, contributing to the series' energetic soundtrack. These choices emphasized the cultural and emotional aspects of dancing, with the production team prioritizing dynamic visuals to capture the performances' vibrancy. To suit the 12-episode , the condensed several early arcs, streamlining character backstories and club activities while enhancing the dance sequences through fluid and detailed animation that highlighted movements and costumes. featured as the protagonist Naru Sekiya, whose performance conveyed the character's shy-to-confident emotional range, particularly in dance-focused scenes. The series incorporated original elements such as insert songs like "Kodoku Signal" and ending themes performed by the main cast as "Team Hanayamata," directly tied to in-story routines for added immersion.

Video Game

Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live! is a adaptation of the Hanayamata manga and series, developed and published by Games exclusively for the . It was released in on November 13, 2014, with no international version produced. The game combines elements with rhythm action gameplay, simulating dances through timed button inputs synchronized to music. The core story mode features an original narrative depicting the five main characters—Naru Sekiya, Hana N. Fountainstand, Yaya Sasame, Machi Tokiwa, and Tami Nishimikado—as they form the club and prepare for a cultural festival performance over a 10-day period. Players experience branching narratives from each character's daily perspective, where choices influence club activities, relationships, and overall outcomes, emphasizing teamwork and overcoming challenges in practice. The adventure portions feature full voice acting by the anime's cast, including as Hana and as Naru, along with event CG illustrations for key scenes. A system enables players to revisit and explore different story paths. Rhythm segments intersperse the progression, requiring players to perform dances alongside the characters using approximately 12 original songs composed by Monaca, the anime's music team. These mini-games focus on timing and accuracy to replicate dance movements, contributing to an overall score that affects story progression and endings. Club management aspects are integrated into the narrative through decision-making on practices and preparations, simulating the group's dynamics without dedicated separate mini-games. Development involved collaboration with the staff to ensure authenticity in depictions. The limited edition includes a drama CD with an original scenario scripted by , the anime's series composer, and a special illustration by mangaka Sou Hamayumiba. Players can unlock additional content such as bonus scenarios, extra dances, a , BGM player, and as they complete routes and achieve high scores. Costumes for characters are featured in unlockable CGs and dance visuals, tying into the festival theme.

Media Release

Manga Publication

Hanayamata was serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine from the June 2011 issue to the April 2018 issue, comprising 77 chapters collected into ten tankōbon volumes. The series concluded its run in print after the 2014 anime adaptation, extending the narrative beyond the animated storyline. The volumes were published between December 2011 and April 2018, as detailed below:
VolumeRelease dateISBN
1December 12, 2011978-4-8322-4089-6
2July 12, 2012978-4-8322-4204-3
3April 12, 2013978-4-8322-4312-5
4January 10, 2014978-4-8322-4420-7
5July 11, 2014978-4-8322-4531-0
6September 12, 2014978-4-8322-4642-3
7August 11, 2015978-4-8322-4760-4
8August 10, 2016978-4-8322-4731-4
9June 12, 2017978-4-8322-4841-0
10April 12, 2018978-4-8322-4937-0
No official English-language licensing or publication has been secured for the , though unofficial fan translations are accessible online via communities. Digital editions of the volumes are available for purchase in Japanese through platforms like .

Anime Broadcast and Episodes

The Hanayamata television series aired in from July 7 to September 22, 2014, consisting of 12 episodes broadcast weekly on Tuesdays across networks including , , , and AT-X. Sentai Filmworks acquired the North American licensing rights in September 2015, releasing the series on Blu-ray and DVD as a complete collection on January 19, 2016. The series received a simulcast stream on Crunchyroll during its original broadcast and is available for streaming on HIDIVE. The series follows the formation and growth of a high school dance club led by protagonists Naru Sekiya and Hana N. Fontainestand. Episode 1, "Shall We Dance?", introduces Naru, an ordinary girl fascinated by fairy tales, who encounters the energetic American-Japanese dancer Hana under the moonlight, leading her to join a yosakoi club. Episodes 2 through 5 focus on recruiting club members Yaya Sasame, Tami Nishimikado, and Machi Tokieda amid interpersonal challenges and initial practices. Episode 6, "Try, Try, Try," centers on the group's first public performance, testing their budding teamwork. Later episodes build toward preparations for the , with episode 10 depicting a training camp and episode 11 exploring emotional resolutions. The finale, episode 12 "Hanayamata," culminates in the club's festival performance, showcasing their transformation and bonds. The opening theme, "Hana wa Odoreya Iroha ni Ho," was performed by the main voice cast—Aoi Yūki, Tsubasa Honda, Minami Tsuda, Saori Hayami, and Kanae Itō—as Team "Hanayamata." The ending theme, "Hanayuki," was sung by the group smileY inc. for episodes 1–11, while episode 12 used a version of the ending theme performed by Team Hanayamata.

Video Game Release

The Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live! video game was released exclusively for the PlayStation Vita in Japan on November 13, 2014, available both physically and digitally through the PlayStation Store. Developed and published by Bandai Namco Games in collaboration with guyzware, the title remained platform-exclusive with no international localization or releases outside Japan. The standard edition retailed for ¥5,690 plus tax (approximately ¥5,800 including tax), positioning it as an affordable entry in the adventure-rhythm genre. A limited edition, titled Colorful Bunkasai BOX (カラフル文化祭BOX), was offered at ¥9,980 plus tax and included exclusive extras such as a special box illustrated by original manga author Sou Hamayumiba, a Blu-ray disc with over 80 minutes of bonus content (featuring music clips, original videos, special interviews, and footage from the cast's debut stage event at 2014), an original drama CD, a visual book showcasing in-game illustrations and setting materials, and five reversible large-format bromides with cast photos and signatures. These editions catered to fans seeking deeper immersion in the series' yosakoi-themed world. As of November 2025, no ports, remakes, or re-releases of Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live! have been announced for other platforms such as , PC, or modern consoles. However, the game remains playable on legacy systems and through community-driven emulation software like Vita3K, which lists it as compatible for modern PCs running Windows, macOS, , or Android. Tie-in promotions enhanced the game's launch by integrating it with the concurrent adaptation; the limited edition's Blu-ray specials featured content with the anime's main voice cast performing as Team Hanayamata, including their first live stage appearance, and were bundled as exclusive perks in select Japanese retail packages alongside anime Blu-ray volumes to cross-promote the multimedia franchise. The , centered on rhythm-based dance sequences, directly drew inspiration from the anime's portrayal of the activity to extend its vibrant, team-building narrative.

Reception

Critical Reviews

The anime adaptation of Hanayamata garnered praise for its visual execution, particularly the fluid animation of yosakoi dance sequences produced by . Anime News Network's review of episodes 1-8 highlighted the studio's detailed costuming and soft color palette, which effectively conveyed the emotional depth of the performances, assigning an overall A- rating. Similarly, preview critiques on the site commended the exquisite pastel backgrounds and gentle musical score that enhanced the story of personal growth through dance, with one reviewer rating it 4.5 out of 5. Critics also pointed to strengths in character development and interpersonal dynamics, noting how cast's chemistry drives the narrative despite familiar tropes. The same review emphasized the adorable ensemble, including shy protagonist Naru and energetic Hana, as sufficient to overlook the show's triteness in later episodes. Upbeat music and playful humor further bolstered positive responses, contributing to the series' warm, charming tone. However, some reviews critiqued the simplistic and predictable plot arcs, viewing them as formulaic within the slice-of-life genre. THEM Anime Reviews described the cast as stereotypical—such as the wishy-washy Naru and hyperactive Hana—and faulted the animation for poor quality, ultimately deeming it a weak entry raised only slightly by minor humorous moments. The original received acclaim for its charming artwork and authentic depiction of traditions, blending cute character expressions with dynamic paneling to capture the joy of friendship and performance. User aggregated scores on reflect this, averaging 7.21 out of 10 as of November 2025 (scored by 742 users), with praise for the lighthearted yet engaging slice-of-life elements. Some observers, however, labeled it formulaic, citing repetitive school club dynamics common in the genre without deeper innovation. The /rhythm hybrid, Hanayamata: Yosakoi Live!, elicited mixed responses focused on its mechanics and content balance. Reviews appreciated the elements and integration of rhythm segments tied to the 's characters, but criticized limited replayability due to heavy emphasis on dialogue reading over interactive gameplay.

Popularity and Impact

Hanayamata has developed a dedicated fanbase, particularly among enthusiasts of slice-of-life , where it is celebrated for its lighthearted depiction of friendship, personal growth, and cultural traditions like dance. The adaptation, aired in 2014, maintains a solid rating of 7.31 out of 10 on as of November 2025, derived from 41,771 user ratings, reflecting consistent appreciation within the community. This score underscores its appeal as an accessible entry in the genre, with viewers often highlighting the energetic dance sequences and relatable character dynamics as key draws. Commercially, the series achieved moderate success in . The , serialized from 2011 to 2018 across 10 volumes, performed steadily within the seinen demographic targeted by its publisher, Houbunsha. The anime's Blu-ray releases also sold modestly, aligning with typical figures for mid-tier summer season titles from , though they did not reach blockbuster levels seen in more mainstream productions. Positive further bolstered fan loyalty, contributing to sustained interest over the years. Culturally, Hanayamata has influenced youth engagement with , a vibrant Japanese dance form originating from Prefecture, by showcasing its energetic and inclusive nature through the protagonists' club activities. The series has inspired fan participation, including and group dances at conventions, fostering a niche but enthusiastic following that recreates yosakoi routines from the show. As of 2025, despite the absence of sequels or major adaptations, Hanayamata endures in 2020s nostalgia discussions as an underrated gem in slice-of-life anime.

References

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