Review: The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 1
A love story with characters that bond over cakes? Well, count me in! The first English-dubbed episode of the much-anticipated The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is about to land on Netflix in Europe and North America, and with it comes the sweetest budding romance of a misunderstood delinquent and an incredibly kind girl from rival schools. It’s a tired trope, I know, but I’m a sucker for a cute odd pair, especially when the animation production and the overall feel-good vibes are this delightful.
I’ve heard many good things about the original manga series by Saka Mikami, but I honestly didn’t know anything about the premise or who was adapting it. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by the sentimental, fluffy, and comedic tones of the anime, courtesy of studio CloverWorks. It's slow but meaningful. The colors are beautiful, and the animation is a treat to the eyes. The soundtrack is soothing, and I also genuinely enjoyed the balance of the soft yet vibrant energies of the English dub, a quality that effortlessly took shape throughout my viewing experience.
Awkward But Genuine - The Start of Rintaro and Kaoruko's Friendship
Episode 1 introduces the self-conscious Rintaro Tsumugi and his troubles of being mistaken for a delinquent because of his intimidating height and rowdy appearance. He has a small group of friends who are chill, but are also recipients of the judgmental looks from the fancy Kikyo students. It’s a messy, hateful issue involving the social classes of the two neighboring schools, Chidori High and Kikyo Private Academy.
Rintaro also helps out at his family’s patisserie after school hours. One day, he meets Karuoko Waguri, a lovely, petite girl with luscious hair, munching passionately on some delicious cakes. Their eyes meet, and Karuoko runs away in embarrassment (which Rintatro mistakes as him scaring her off), but then she returns the next day to apologize. They get acquainted, and their timid, awkward interactions blossom into what just might be the start of an endearing and uplifting friendship, with the wonderful addition of some sweet cakes on the side (let Kaoruko eat cake!).
And of course, in a twist of fate, it is revealed that they are, in fact, closer than they think. When Rintarou looks over his classroom window to look at the Kikyo school building, he locks eyes with Karuoko, who is also just as surprised to see him on the other side. What are the chances? Now she’s flustered, he’s flustered – and I’m giggling on my own like the rom-com fangirl that I am! What an interesting turn of events. I love it, I want more.
A Sentimental and Feel-Good Romcom to Watch Out For
All in all, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity episode 1 delivered a nostalgic, uplifting, and squeeling-because-its-so-cute experience, and it makes me excited to continue this series. The title is a witty wordplay on their names, and it also describes our main characters growing together and on their own as people.
My favorite part about the episode, though? How it portrayed the main characters' quiet emotions in a way that feels so relatably authentic. You see, it somewhat felt magical for me; the first episode, titled “Rintaro and Kaoruko,” delivered a heartwarming premiere that not only establishes the adorable personalities of our protagonists, but makes the little, subtle details – like eyes as bright as gems, scrumptious-looking cakes, the overthinking, and the flustered feelings – quite unforgettable. I didn’t expect myself to be so enamored by it.
The anime's style and unhurried pace are easy to enjoy. The main characters are also likable, especially Kaoruko's delicate yet unwavering personality. It'll be interesting to see her side of the story as well because it seems like there's more behind her bashful expressions. Rintaro is also surprisingly precious, and I'm hopeful to see Rintaro grow out of his self-loathing and introverted shell. The amount of kindness in this episode is so wholesome, so it's exciting to see how they'll grow side by side, especially with the plot twist being from schools that are so different. I can't wait to see how Rintaro and Kaoruko's relationship will develop and deepen from here on out.
"Rintaro! You know, I can come to the shop again and perhaps next time we can eat some cake, together?"
As you may know, the much-anticipated The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime series did not release simultaneously worldwide – it premiered in Japan in July 2025, while the global premiere was set for September 7, 2025, on Netflix. Some fans felt cheated, while others felt like the English dub experience was worth waiting for. It’s a frustrating situation, but after watching the episode, I can now join in and wholeheartedly say that it is, in fact, truly worth the hype.
The first episode already feels like it's the best emotionally authentic and visually soothing romance of the summer season. If you’re looking for soft-romantic teen comedy, then make sure to check the show out on Netflix.
Images via Official Website
© Saka Mikami / Kodansha / The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Production Committee
Anime Atelier received a screener for The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime.
