Why did Sano quit high jump? This is the question that drives the entire plot of the Hana Kimi anime, casting a shadow over Izumi Sano’s reputation as a former track and field prodigy.
When Mizuki Ashiya transfers to Osaka Academy specifically to meet her idol, she is met with a cold, distant version of the athlete she once admired — a boy who has seemingly turned his back on his talent without a clear explanation.
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In this article, we’ll explore the background of the Hana Kimi anime lead and uncover the true events that led him to walk away from his career.
Who is Izumi Sano, the male lead in the Hana Kimi anime?
In the Hana Kimi anime, Izumi Sano is the male protagonist and a high jump prodigy. Before the events of the series, he was considered a star in the high school sporting scene.
However, he abruptly quit the sport upon entering high school, a decision that serves as the plot of the story when Mizuki Ashiya transfers to his school to encourage him to return.
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Sano’s personality is characterized by a “cool” and mysterious aura, though he is often perceived by his classmates as stubborn or even rude.
Despite his aloofness, he possesses a protective nature, which becomes evident as he begins to look out for Mizuki after discovering her secret.
In the 2026 anime adaptation, Sano is voiced by Taku Yashiro in the Japanese version and Wyatt Baker in the English dub.
Why did Sano quit high jump in the Hana Kimi anime?
In the Hana Kimi anime, the mystery surrounding Izumi Sano’s retirement from high jumping is peeled back layer by layer, beginning in episode 1 titled “Please Be My Friend!”.
When Mizuki first arrives at the school, she is immediately faced with a difficult question: Why did Sano quit high jump? Sano provides no easy answers, simply informing her that he has walked away from the sport entirely.
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This sets the stage for episode 2, titled “I Want To Be with You”, where we see Sano’s former manager, Rika, attempting to persuade him to return.
During their exchange, Sano dismisses her efforts by claiming he is simply “tired” of jumping. While Rika suggests that a past injury is the physical barrier holding him back, Sano adamantly refutes this, stating that his leg has fully healed and that the accident is no longer the issue.
The real reason comes out in episode 3, “I Won’t Lose!” during a confrontation with Rika, where Sano admits he “choked” under pressure. He later explains the full context to Mizuki, noting that the incident happened during the District Qualifiers.
Because a good performance there meant a recommendation to a top-tier track and field school, Sano felt immense pressure to succeed.
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Sano confesses that when an accident occurred during the District Qualifiers, he could have avoided it, but he hesitated for a split second. He blames this moment of hesitation on his own mental weakness rather than a physical limitation.
He believes he failed himself when it mattered most. As a result, he lost the confidence to continue jumping and decided to quit the sport.
When and how did Sano decide to make a comeback in high jump
In episode 3, the same episode where he explains why he quit, Sano tells Mizuki that he is returning to high jump.
He admits that he is tired of running away and does not want to live with regret anymore. Having spent so much time avoiding the sport, he realizes he doesn’t want to lose any more of his life to fear.
The reason for this sudden change of heart is his decision to finally take his talent seriously. He acknowledges Mizuki as his fan, and her unwavering support gives him the push he needs to face the pressure he once choked under.
