Hana Kimi relationships are at the heart of what makes this beloved shoujo manga adaptation such an enduring classic among anime fans.
Based on Hisaya Nakajo’s original manga series Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (For You in Full Blossom), the anime follows Mizuki Ashiya, a Japanese-American girl who disguises herself as a boy to enroll in an all-male high school in Japan, all to be close to her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano.
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What sets the anime apart is how it handles the layered dynamics between its characters. At its core is the slow-burn romance between Mizuki and Sano, but the series doesn’t stop there. Friendships, rivalries, and unexpected bonds between dormitory residents give the story much of its warmth and humor, turning the school itself into a kind of found family.
In this article, we rank the five best Hana Kimi relationships, featuring pairings that define the colorful world of Osaka High.
Spoiler warning: Major spoilers are up head if you have yet to watch the Hana Kimi anime.
Ranking the 5 best Hana Kimi relationships in the anime
5. Senri Nakao and Minami Nanba
With their bold personalities, comedic timing, and unforgettable quirks, the side characters are what make the series so colorful. The halls of Osaka High are filled with eccentric personalities, but few pairings are as memorable or as entertaining as Senri Nakao and his one and only, Minami Nanba.
Nanba is the suave, effortlessly cool Dorm 2 leader, known throughout the school (and by girls from neighboring schools) as a legendary playboy. He is charismatic, stylish, and juggles the chaotic responsibilities of maintaining peace in the dormitory.
On the other hand, we have Senri Nakao, a younger student who is openly and intensely devoted to Nanba. Nakao is characterized by his pretty boy looks and a sharp, jealous tongue when it comes to anyone getting too close to his beloved senior.
The appeal of this senpai-kouhai duo lies in the contrast between their energies. This is one of the Hana Kimi relationships that adds a layer of flamboyant fun to the series.
4. Makoto Kagurazaka and Izumi Sano
While most Hana Kimi relationships are built on friendship or romance, the bond between Makoto Kagurazaka and Izumi Sano is forged in the heat of competition. Kagurazaka, a top-tier high jumper from a rival school, serves as the primary antagonist to Sano’s athletic career.
Kagurazaka is often seen as arrogant and provocative, frequently taunting Sano to get a rise out of him. By constantly challenging Sano and belittling his slump, he pushes Sano to his physical and mental limits.
Having watched Sano dominate the track in the past, Kagurazaka is one of the few people who truly understands the caliber of athlete Sano is, and he refuses to let that talent go to waste.
This pair proves that sometimes, a worthy opponent who gets under your skin can be just as motivating as a supportive friend.
3. Minami Nanba and Mizuki Ashiya
Minami Nanba and Mizuki Ashiya’s pairing is a standout among Hana Kimi relationships. It shows a supportive and sincere senpai-kouhai dynamic, where Nanba acts as a protective older brother figure to Mizuki.
Their bond is most evident during the moments when the pressure of Mizuki’s situation becomes overwhelming. For instance, when a painful misunderstanding with Sano leaves Mizuki in tears, it is Nanba who steps in to offer comfort and a safe space to process her emotions.
Mizuki returns this kindness by offering a patient, listening ear when Nanba struggles with his own past, particularly his lingering heartbreaks regarding his ex-girlfriend.
By being there for each other during their weakest moments, Nanba and Mizuki’s relationship shows that you don’t always have to be romantic to have a great bond.
2. Shuichi Nakatsu and Mizuki Ashiya
The dynamic between Shuichi Nakatsu and Mizuki Ashiya is a fan-favorite for a reason. While it technically begins as a “boy best friends” trope, it quickly evolves into one of the most complex and endearing Hana Kimi relationships.
Nakatsu is the golden retriever of Osaka High. He is a bright, energetic star of the soccer team known for his sunny disposition. His warmth is established immediately in the first episode of the Hana Kimi anime when he is the first student to approach Mizuki.
Without knowing Mizuki’s secret, he begins to develop deep feelings for her. This leads to some of the funniest moments in Hana Kimi relationships, particularly Nakatsu’s frantic internal monologues.
He constantly questions his own identity, hilariously trying to convince himself he isn’t falling for a boy, all while his heart clearly chooses Mizuki regardless of gender.
Beyond the comedy, Nakatsu serves as Mizuki’s confidant. He is always the first to offer a shoulder to cry on, often prioritizing Mizuki’s happiness over his own.
Looking at Mizuki’s side, she views Nakatsu as her source of comfort and normalcy. In an environment where she is constantly hiding her true identity, Nakatsu’s boisterous and transparent nature allows her to relax.
1. Izumi Sano and Mizuki Ashiya
At the top of Hana Kimi relationships is the bond between the series’ protagonists, Izumi Sano and Mizuki Ashiya. What begins as a one-sided mission evolves into a romance built on shared secrets and quiet devotion.
Izumi Sano is a high jump prodigy who, at the start of the series, has walked away from the sport. Mizuki, having been inspired by Sano after seeing him compete on TV, travels across the world to enroll in his all-boys school to help him rediscover his love for jumping.
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Very early in the series, Sano accidentally discovers that Mizuki is a girl. Rather than exposing her, he chooses to keep this knowledge a secret, even from Mizuki herself.
With this knowledge, Sano becomes her silent guardian, steering her away from compromising situations while helping her maintain her disguise so that she can stay by his side.
Mizuki’s time as his roommate allows her to see his flaws, his temper, and his vulnerabilities. Her feelings shift from idolization to a mature love.
She becomes the only person capable of breaking through Sano’s icy exterior, providing the warmth he needs to confront his past and return to the sport he loves. Aww.
