I might be a little biased since I read the manga first, or maybe it’s because Rintaro is genuinely one of my favorite characters of all time — but I love The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity more than I can properly put into words. It’s not just my favorite romance anime or manga, it’s honestly one of my favorite stories ever, even outside the romance genre. It’s become a real comfort series for me, something I always come back to when I’m sick, stressed, tired, or just need something calm playing in the background. Since the anime finished airing in September, I’ve rewatched it around ten times already, and somehow it never loses its warmth. Every rewatch just makes me appreciate the characters and the atmosphere even more.

What really makes this series special to me is how genuine it feels. The characters aren’t exaggerated or fake — they feel like real people with real insecurities, thoughts, and kindness. I’ve completely fallen in love with the cast, and I’m incredibly excited for a potential season two whenever it gets announced. I really hope more people discover this story and grow to love it the way I do, because it deserves so much appreciation.

One of my favorite animated scenes so far is the aquarium scene during the dolphin show. That moment hit me way harder than I expected. The thoughts Rintaro has during that scene felt painfully relatable, to the point where I realized I’ve had those exact same thoughts before in my own life. It’s one of those quiet, introspective moments that perfectly captures what makes the story so special. Rintaro, in general, is just one of those characters I deeply resonate with — both personality-wise and even physically. His way of thinking, his self-awareness, his kindness, and the way he worries about how he comes across to others all feel very real to me.

Beyond Rintaro, I’m also really excited to see the rest of the manga get adapted later on once the anime catches up. I actually started reading the manga back in 2023 when I was 12, which feels kind of funny to think about now. Back then, I enjoyed it, but I definitely didn’t understand it on the same level. Reading and watching it now, I connect with it so much more deeply. I understand Rintaro’s mindset better, his emotional maturity, and the way he treats people with quiet respect and care. That growth in understanding has made the story even more meaningful to me over time.

Honestly, I hope one day I can become someone like Rintaro — not just in how he acts, but in how others see him. There’s something really admirable about the calm dignity he carries and the way he makes people feel safe just by being himself. And yeah, I won’t lie… I would absolutely love to have a relationship like the one Rintaro and Waguri share. Their dynamic feels sincere, gentle, and deeply respectful in a way that’s rare and refreshing. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity isn’t just a romance to me — it’s a story that makes me reflect, feel understood, and quietly hope to grow into a better version of myself.