Welcome to Cozy Anime Corner , your go-to place for finding the perfect anime to brighten your day! Every month I’ll highlight a comfy series with low stakes, calm vibes and people I wish I knew in real life. Hana-Kimi is considered a classic shojo romance complete with high school hijinks, a smidge of sports drama and a love triangle for the ages. Hana-Kimi is the affectionate nickname for the beloved manga, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (For You in Full Blossom) , which originally ran from 1996 to 2004. As a fan of the 2000s live-action series, I was delighted to see the romantic comedy finally animated in the Winter 2026 season. Moving to another country because you’re a fan of a high-jump athlete might seem a little ill-advised, but that’s exactly what American teenager Mizuki Ashiya does! Not only that, but the object of her admiration goes to an all-boys high school, so Ashiya pretends to be a boy. Naturally, cozy romantic shenanigans ensue. Meet Ashiya, Sano, Nakatsu and more incredible characters in this romantic edition of Cozy Anime Corner. Opening Number YOASOBI does it again! Known for high-energy songs that stay in your head for days on end, “Adrena” is another unforgettable anime opening for the popular group. Where’s my light stick? Before each episode begins, we’re treated to the sight of four handsome young men wearing stylish clothes and mischievous smirks. The boys of the Osaka school are friendly and fresh-faced, an impression bolstered by the youthful opening song. We also get glimpses of besties, rivals and one furry friend, promising some character-driven drama. Here's the Story Teenager Mizuki Ashiya lives in the U.S., but when she sees international high jump sensation Izumi Sano on TV, she decides to enroll in his boarding school in Japan to meet him. Her parents — not aware that it’s an all-boys school — agree to send their daughter overseas. When she arrives, Ashiya discovers her new roommate in the dorm is none other than the high-jumper himself, Izumi Sano. Disguised as a boy, Ashiya navigates getting to know her standoffish idol and trying desperately to hide her secret from her new friends. It’s a boy-meets-girl-disguised-as-a-boy story that will make you laugh and cry along with Ashiya, who you can’t help rooting for. Coziest Character Shuichi Nakatsu is one of the first friends Ashiya makes at her new school. Outgoing, playful and guileless, Nakatsu can’t understand why being around Ashiya makes his heart beat a little faster. He likes girls, after all, not boys. As the earnest young man tries to make sense of his growing feelings, I just want to ruffle his hair and let him know everything is OK. Nakatsu’s confusion is played for laughs, but it doesn’t feel mean-spirited or intolerant. He follows his heart despite struggling with his emotions, always acting as a true friend for Ashiya, which easily makes Nakatsu the coziest character of Hana-Kimi . (The good boy and actual golden retriever, Yujiro, is a close second.) Ending Notes Ashiya’s feminine side is the focus of the ending credits as she twirls in her favorite dresses, and her gentle smiles are accompanied by another sweet song by YOASOBI. “Baby” is high school love in the form of a song, bubbly and buoyant with a lot of emotion. The refreshing ending song is one you won’t skip often, even when you’re antsy to get to the next episode to find out what Sano and Ashiya will do next. Hana-Kimi is a timeless romantic comedy about the highs and lows of tumultuous teenage years filled with friendship and fun — alongside the struggles of learning to be yourself. Most of all, it’s about taking the chance to fall in love, whether that’s moving halfway around the world or looking at the person right in front of you. Join me in the Cozy Anime Corner next month for my latest pick!
