prosacco.abigayle - 2015-01-20 21:49:00

This was absolutely kawaii i want see another season but in their future 

pkutch - 2015-01-01 01:23:44

agustin.cronin - 2014-12-23 12:54:21

just one thing to say before we beginning this anime is too AWESOME ! i have already read the manga first but the Anime oh my god soo much feel and soo much fun ! i cry everytime...

About The Story
the story have a simple story but a beautiful story of friendship with drama this is really fun to follow i have dont stop this anime this is too fun to watch more the story is just beautiful nothing to hate in that ! and we can see the part of life of every main characters this is make the anime more interessing because we learn about everyone

About The Animation and Soundsanimation is good i like this style because he is unique and have really great graphic with nice color in the background you feel relaxed when you see it and about the sounds they are normal but the opening is too nice ! i dance everytime time when the opening begin !

About The Charactersno one is forget in this anime everyone become important and we have no one to hate they are all loveable !

Hana N.F / this girl have a lot of energy and love soo much the Yosakoi this is his dream to do this dance , she look like little too much excited at the beginning but after a couple of episode this is not a problem she is not really like that

Naru Sekiya / she is a very shy girl and like fairy tales ( not the anime... i talk about a real fairy tales) but when she know the existence of Yosakoi she begin to enjoy that with Hana and seriously this girl can be very cute sometimes

Tami Nishigomon / she love his father like a girl of 8 years old and she look like to be a very good wife but she love his father not too much i say like a girl love his father at 8 years old dont be confused ! she learn about piano and others things like a rich good girl gonna do normally... she discover the Yosakoi too and begin to enjoy that when she see what Yosakoi is really look like and this girl in a Yukata man she is a real beauty... i can't stay on my chair

Yaya Sasame / Tsundere spotted but she is the friend of Naru , she love music too and know how to play instrument but she see Naru begin the Yosakoi and this little thing bother her but i dont gonna say more about this because im gonna finish by spoil something
Machi Tokiwa / the president of the council student she is too strict but i dont hate her she is a good element in the story later and she is not soo bad at all she have a nice heart

Masaru Oofuna / this guy is just too bad ass Japanese Gangsters è_é no seriously this is just the guy of Yosakoi Shop he is a very important element in the story too and he is very helpful and funny i have laugh sometimes because of this guy he is really funny 

Sari Tokiwa / a teacher look like hate his life and f**k the job but you have see nothing about her if you continue to think like that she can be a very great person and kind

Naomasa Sekiya ( Father of Naru ) / i want to talk about her because this dad is too much panicked and paranoid for nothing he make me laugh everytime 

Father of Tami / this strange guy we can't see his face and look like a asshole but he is not a asshole stoppit he look like to forget his girl but he think everytime about her 

Father of Hana / i want to talk about her too because he is a important element in the story ! a very big important element he is a little funny too like every dad in anime but anyway that it for this guy

About The Enjoymenteverytime in the anime i have enjoy anything i just can't stop watching this anime after the first episode and you can see the guy have create this anime have share a very big lot of fun in this anime i hope he is proud because he have create a very fun anime , the comedy is not soo bad i have laugh at every episode and the drama is just too good , you can see the real friendship and the fun of everyone this anime gonna make your day this is just too AWESOME !!! i will never forget this anime !

i really recommend this anime if you like Slice Of Life + Drama and Friendship
because this is just too good to watch some feels is here too i really like everything so yeah watch it or you will regret too dont have watch this masterpiece of friendship.

ahmad82 - 2014-10-15 07:20:42

Still an enjoyable watch, even with the lack of male characters and the classy/subtle yuri hints... they were sweet at first but they just got old after a while, I must admit I really liked the yakuza guy and he was manly enough to remind me that this is not some weird alternative universe with only females. Also Naru's father is the only one that offered some comic relief other than slight teasing from the adoring teacher cheering them on.

mdubuque - 2014-10-05 17:54:43

I think Hanayamata was a beautiful anime. Some people may just think it's another school girl anime; but it really isn't. It has so much feeling and suspense and at least the characters don't actually join straight away like most other ones. The art style is also really quite and original so it might make up for some cases (not in mine though) for the lack of story.

gleason.dominique - 2014-09-26 22:45:26

Is Kirara under some kind of contractual obligation to have atleast one adaptation out every season?

So if you're familiar with the Kirara brand, it is essentially the go-to place for moe slice-of-life schoolgirl scenes. You know what I'm talking about. If you see a show with all female cast that takes place at a school, focusing on a specific activity or gimmick and features a lot of vaguely homosexual undertones, there's a good chance you're watching a Kirara adaptation.

That being said, the one thing that makes Hanayamata stand out among its... um... is there a female equivalent for 'brethren'? um... i dunno, sisterhood? Yeah, okay let's go with that.

The thing that makes it a bit special is that there is actually a progressing plot. It's not particularly memorable or interesting, but it is there. The story starts off as a young American girl freshly moved into Japan, named Hannah (official subs go with 'Hana', but I believe the manga explains that 'Hannah' is her birth name and 'Hana' is what she goes by in Japan for convenience sake) plans to start up a 'yosakoi' club.

She quickly recruits our protagonist, the insecure and shy Naru, after enough pestering to qualify for a restraining order and the two of them attempt to realize Hannah's dream. 

Remember how in K-On!, they get most of their band together in the first two episodes and spend the rest of the series generally goofing off and not doing a whole lot towards their supposed 'dream'?

This show is basically the antithesis of that. There is surprisingly little goofing off. It actually takes time and energy for Naru and Hannah to recruit new members, get the equipment they need and create and practice dancing routines.

This makes the show feel slightly more grounded, despite its blindingly colorful palette and idealistic moe-isms. Hell, they don't even have all five members assembled until almost the end of the show. I can appreciate that the show takes its time and tries to tell a story, rather than plopping the viewer into a pre-ordained setting.

Indeed, it would've almost been too easy to start the show off with the group already formed, and just goof off for the rest of the episodes. All too many other shows have done that and aren't as memorable for it.

But it is also this attempt at a narrative and this grounded-ness and has caused some moe fans to drop the show. Because it isn't the same kind of hyper energetic and idealized cutesy world that other Kirara series have. It certainly has elements of that, but there's just a lot more drama here.

Which is all well and good. Overcoming adversity enhances a feeling of progression for the characters. Dealing with little personal hangups and preconceptions and learning to work together. These are all good things. It also helps the cast feel not quite a bland as many of their similar five-girl counterparts.

Every one of these girls overcomes something or another by joining the Yosakoi club. Whether it be an issue of self-confidence, or jealousy or a family squabble. It gives the characters a degree of realism and their progress a sense of meaning.

So in that sense, it is definitely above-average compared to the rest of the Kirara catalog. Because it has a purpose. Not a very strong or unique purpose, mind you. You can find the same story being told in many other places, but it is well-executed enough to be worth the watch.

Perhaps a lack of innovation is the show's biggest weakness. Despite how well-executed it is, it still falls into lots of the same trappings of the genre. All media is derivative of course, but that doesn't mean that they are all equal. If you didn't like Kirara shows before, this one won't change your mind. And if you've seen many different Kirara works, this one won't surprise you.

It may be just another schoolgirl series, but it is a solid work. Beautiful animation and music help the atmosphere, both when it is cherry and when it is dramatic. It can feel overdone at times, though.

Alternative Recommendations: GochiUsa | Acchi Kocchi

Rewatch Value: Maybe (Based on a Yes/Maybe/No scale)

ruby.cummings - 2014-09-23 03:53:02

NOTE: Take any review with a grain of salt. Neutral reviews don’t exist. No review is without bias, which is why my final ratings ignore typical breakdown and are solely based on personal enjoyment only (short explanation: https://kitsu.io/comments/28661981). Always watch the anime for yourself and use others’ reviews as a guideline or reference point. I respect your opinions and I hope you will also do so in return.
 

Hello!Welcome to my fourth review! Today we will be gracefully choreographing throughthe bright, colorful, and heartwarming world of Hanayamata. From studio Madhouse and directed by Atsuko Ishizuka Atsuko (who previously directed Sakurasou no Pet and No Game No Life), this anime is a blissful voyage
of life and dreams. Experiencing this journey as the young buds grow to become beautiful blossomingflowers is bound to bring a smile to your face. If anime were a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Hanayamata would be the delicious sweet jelly. Don’t ask me about the peanut butter. I haven’t thought that far ahead heh.

Before we begin, what exactly is Yosakoi? It is a unique style of dance in Japan whichoriginated in 1954. Donning yukatas, groups of dancers move with
choreographedmovements to music. Yosakoi are particularly popular in festivals and specialevents. What mainly defines a yosakoi is the naruko. Narukos
are small woodenclappers that make a distinct pop sound when snapped down by a flick of the wrist.

Story (Potential Spoilers)

Hamayamata’smain story is very simple: A group of high school girlstry to form a club to perform Yosakoi onstage. As basic as the concept is,
it’sthe journey leading to the end goal that matters. The whole story starts withHana, alone, trying to become someone whom she had grown to admire: a
yosakoi performancethat she observed in a past trip. From then on, she developed a strong passionfor yosakoi and this eventually led to her wish of
dancing on a live stage.This story follows her as she makes new friends and starts to turn her dreaminto a reality.

 She…has methods…

Thestory of Hanayamata can be best compared to that of a children’s fairy tale: acoming-of-age story where our protagonists go on a magical
journey,encountering multiple mishaps and inconveniences. Through passion andbackbreaking effort, our heroes prevail at the end with a life lesson
taught:you don’t have to take on life alone. The fruits of your daily interactions andsimple experiences you have with friends and family will
eventually blossom togive new life and happiness. Sometimes, the smallest deeds can bring about thegreatest pleasures of life. No matter how small a
task may be, try hard tograsp it within your own hands. It may not mean a lot to you, but it may meanthe world to someone else.

Was that too overly serious and philosophical?I apologize. Have some random cute pictures:

Operation Kokoro Meltdown commence!

Just look at em…..;_;

:3

Pls…I’m melting

Thereis no overblown drama. 90% of the show is tension-free and will keep yousmiling throughout. A common misconception is that this show is a yuri,
or hasyuri-esque teases. While it’s understandable why some think that way, itactually has little to no romance at all. It is an anime about a group
ofextremely close friends who build stronger relations and guide each otherthrough down times. More or less, it’s a story about the meaning of
friendshipand becoming a better stronger person towards the end.

Asidefrom the great music and aesthetics, the OP song was even more of a treat inthat it is essentially the end product of the series. The hearts and
efforts ofall the characters’ practices have essentially gone into the existence of thissong. It is both the beginning and the end: a culmination of
the combinedhardships that the girls experienced.

The flowers that bloomed that day

**{::}Characters{::}**

FirstlyI would like to point out that the name of the anime “Hanayamata” is consistedof the first two letters of each member of the yosakoi club: “Ha”
from Hana, “na”from Naru, “ya” from Yaya, “ma” from Machi, and “ta” from Tami. They are allvery lovable in their own way.

Ourlovely 5 petal group consists of:

Hana N Fontainestand

FromAmerica, she is the hyper and extremely upbeat one of the group (they are allpositive, but Hana’s can make even a funeral seem like a rave). If
somethinginterests her, there is no stopping her. Her unwavering passion for yosakoiknows no bounds. She is very determined to achieve her goal of
becoming adancer. She is also extremely understanding and nice towards everyone. If you’rehaving a bad day and need some positivity, you want her to
be with you.

Always positive

She’s veeery curious and easily intrigued

Tami Nishimikado

She isthe gentle mother-like character of the series. She keeps a close watch of hercompanions and will go to great lengths to help out her friends in
need. She isthe one you want when you need to mend a broken heart.

The adorable observant friend

Pouting faces make me weak….

Yaya Sasame

She isthe tsundere of the group. Although bearing a tough and reluctant exterior, sheis actually quite adoring and caring inside. She may say things
that are harsh,but she usually has a reason behind them. She also has an extreme weakness toNaru since they are childhood friends. She loves to be
with friends and willgradually warm up to anyone despite a cold outside appearance. She becomes muchmore open later.

NARU! I choose you!

Who are you calling a tsundere?! Baka….

Naru Sekiya

Ourother main star. She is one who gets embarrassed and blushes HEAVILY foranything, but her intentions are pure. She is loving and willing to
tryanything to satisfy her friends. Although not very outspoken, timid, and quitefeeble, she also carries a strong goal: to shine bright and show the
world ofher talents. She wishes to become an idol. Alongside Hana, she is the othercharacter who develops and matures significantly as the series
progresses.

How she’s like basically throughout the entire show

Aftermath of an inspiring speech

Machi Tokiwa

She isthe student council president who has a past which has led her to become quitestrict and unforgiving. A devoted follower of rules, she can be
quite cold atfirst, but gradually she begins to warm and grow attachment towards the club. Sheis often unspoken and her feelings are usually
suppressed, but she is also avery caring character who often does things behind the scenes for the benefitof her friends.

No matter the situation, her weakness will always be Tami

Othercharacters, such as the teacher and Masaru are also very enjoyable and helpbuild the dreams of the yosakoi group.

Animation

Fromthe renowned studio Madhouse, the animation is bright and vibrant. It’scomplete eye candy and the bright contrast of colors is a superb choice
torepresent the light and bright tone of the anime (btw I TOTALLY did not copy-pastethis exact part from my previous review…). The brightness of the
animation makes the entire anime glow, sparkle,and shine. It’s a joy to watch.

:O Such wow.

            Character designs are cute and maygive you diabetes when watching. They are drawn to make you say “awwwww”. Themost distinguishing feature
of the character designs are the eyes. There is anextra line drawn above the eye (which shows the eyelids). It’s nothingdistracting, and in-fact makes
the characters look that much more adorable. Thereis absolutely no fanservice or over-sexualization of the characters in thisanime and there is no
emphasis or references on any female body parts that yousometimes typically see (maybe only for like 10 seconds out of the entire 12eps). The
characters are there for you to love and admire.

Oh and Ihope you like blushing, because this anime DELIVERS on that.

Repeat after me….hnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng

Blushing Simulator 2014

Fantasticlittle details are added to portray even more moe-ness and adorableness. Thechibi moments, added facial reactions, the emphasis on visual
effects such asinner thoughts and emotions, the commercial transition scene; all these add upa very visually satisfying watch.

MOAR POUTING! \o/

……..EH!?

{::}Sound{::}

The OPsong “Hanaha Odori Reya Iroha ni Ho (花ハ躍レヤいろはにほ)” is sung by Team Hanayamata (orthe five members of the club). As aforementioned, this song is a
culmination ofthe combined fruits of the group’s labor. It’s beautiful and mesmerizing towatch and listen to, especially at the end. It is an
extremely joyous song.

The ED song“Hanayuki (花雪)” by smileY inc. A simplebut cute animation style; it is pleasant and ends every episode on a nice note.

Aside from the great songs, the voice acting are wonderful (as expected). You can hear the nervousness of Naru, the tsundere voice of Yaya, the
excitement of Hana, and the passion as they perform Yosakoi. I have no gripes here. 

Enjoyment

They saysmiling and laughter is the best medicine. I found myself doing more of this asthe series progressed. You become attached to the characters
and share the samedreams as they do: aspire to become someone greater. As they accomplish their goals, I felt very satisfied and happy. The ending,
althoughexpected, did not fail to put a smile on my face. The main point that I alwaysemphasize when watching an anime is to always have fun and enjoy
the journey.If you’re feeling down and need something to boost the spirits, this animemight be your cure. Although it took me a bit of time to warm up
to it, I had agreat and unforgettable time with Hanayamata. It is a fantastic and happy showto watch on any occasion.

Plus I’m a sucker for cute girls with cute animation.

Wonderful job Team Hanayamata

Recommendations

Love Live School Idol Project!

Both aremusic oriented and have a group of idols who aspire to become stars. Bothinvolve embarking on a journey though life.

K-On!

Moe+musicis never a bad thing!

Andthere we have it! I appreciate you sticking with me ‘til now. Thank you so muchfor reading my review! Until next time: 

rosanna.gulgowski - 2014-09-22 23:34:38

Hanayamata isn't vastly different from too many other Slice of Life shows, however, it has something many shows lack. Hanayamata contains charm. There is a colorful cast of characters, although a bit simplistic. It can make you laugh, or tear up, or just feel good in general. Very cute designs and great animation, complimented by an entertaining soundtrack. This show left a very sweet taste in my mouth, and I now have diabetes. 

murl25 - 2014-09-14 03:58:11

THIS SHIT IS GOING TO FXCKING KILL ME BRUH I SWEAR

ckeebler - 2014-08-03 06:09:05

From the same director of "Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo" and the recent "No Game No Life"...                                                                                                                                                                                                  What else you need to know?                                                                          

The premise is simple: Naru Sekiya is an ordinary 14-year old 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.

Hanayamata did a great job. Nice music, moe character, superb voice acting, cute animation provided by Mad House... Of course, if you are not into the "Moe" genre with the typical high-pitched voice character, then turn around and don't come back.

I like this type of shows when it does things as they should be. simple with an overdose of Moe presented in such a charming way that (in my case) it's gonna make you cry.