Hanayamata (Hana Yamata)

Petals fluttering, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

The encounter I had on that moonlit night changed my life.

Hanayamata

Intelligent and attractive,

Episode 1 Shall We Dance?

skilled in arts, in music, in everything...

and, naturally, liked by all.

Such a perfect girl...

Naru!

My name is Sekiya Naru.

Yaya!

Ah, good morning!

I heard you won that writing competition. That's awesome.

You write great lyrics, too. You sure are talented.

Nah, I just got lucky.

Ah, sorry, Naru.

See you after school.

Okay, see ya!

Let's go.

Of course, I'm nowhere near as perfect.

I'm average in every sense of the word.

I'm an average 14-year-old, average at everything.

I was hoping something would change once I started middle school, but...

Let yourself be hated.

You're just frightened,

always reminded that you're lonely.

I'm hated now, and there's no place for me.

That's what I tell myself,

so that I don't go crazy...

What'd you think?

You were really incredible!

We're all really pumped lately.

We've been talking about going for an audition...

An audition? Wow.

But why did you start a band, Yaya-chan?

Do you like music that much?

Well, bands are cool, right?

I've always wanted to play in one.

And doing what you want to do is more fun, right?

Don't you agree, Naru?

Ah, I forgot... My dad wanted me home early today.

And I have to return this book to the library.

You're still reading those stories?

But they're really good!

This one's about a cute fairy that—

Fine, fine.

You and your fairy tales.

You should get going, shouldn't you?

See you tomorrow, then.

Do what you want to do, huh?

Yaya-chan's so amazing.

Oh.

Dad.

You're finally back, Naru?

I told you to come home early today.

What were you doing?

I went to the library, and...

Honestly...

You haven't changed at all since you were little.

Reading nothing but those fairy tales...

Is there nothing else you'd rather do?

Never mind.

Anyway, I want you to deliver this to Nishimikado-san's.

Remember to mind your manners.

Thank you for coming, but I'm sorry. The master isn't home yet.

Naru-chan.

Tami-oneechan.

A delivery for Father?

Thank you for taking the trouble.

I-It's nothing.

I'd like to invite you in, but my English teacher is here.

I decided that knowing English would be beneficial to my future.

Take care getting home.

There's a kagura performance at the shrine today, so it's very crowded.

Hey! Get down from there!

It's fine!

Keep giving me attitude and I'll arrest you!

One time, when I was little, I went to a big movie theater.

The heroine, clothed in rags,

met a fairy godmother and a prince,

and then she turned into a beautiful princess.

While I watched, I wondered if I'd ever be as dazzling.

The thought of it made my heart dance.

Someday, someone will take me away from this world.

I waited and waited, always believing that.

Wishing for a mysterious encounter, like the one in the story...

A fairy?

Th-That was... I mean...

No! She's leaving!

Wait!

Don't leave me!

Take me with you,

Fairy-san!

F-Fairy-san?

Um... Did you need something?

I, um, er...

You just looked so pretty, like a fairy, so...

I thought you might take me away to another world...

Okay.

I'll take you away.

To a mysterious new world, if that's what your heart desires.

So... will you dance with me?

Dance?

I-I've never done anything like that before!

That's fine.

Just twirl around and twirl around and have some fun!

Here we... go!

A beautiful smile.

Long lashes.

Huge eyes.

Petite frame.

And a clear, high-pitched voice.

She's what people would call a "heroine."

I can't.

Huh?

I can't do this. I'm sorry I troubled you.

What? B-But why?!

Because... I'm... not dazzling.

What?

I'm sorry! I'll going home now!

W-Wait! I'll come for you!

I'm not sure what you meant,

but I think anyone can be dazzling if they try hard enough.

So please wait for me.

I promise I'll come for you.

No one's ever said anything like that to me before.

Me, the girl who can't do anything...

But...

could I really... ever be dazzling?

So what is this thing, anyway?

I kinda just took it... Now what?

Ah, it's so late...

U-Um, are you okay?

What was that for?! You're unbelievable!

Well, you see, it's like this...

Hey, you there! Hold it!

What you're doing is dangerous!

Sorry, I'm in a hurry!

Fwoosh!!

I'll be going now!

Walk on the sidewalk!

Hey, wait!

Was that a zashiki-warashi?

Ugh, listen to this, Naru.

You won't believe what happened to me yesterday.

What?

Well...

Okay, settle down, everyone.

I have a new student to introduce to you today.

And not just any new student.

She's a transfer student from America.

Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself?

Nice to meet you all.

I'm from Princeton, New Jersey, in the United States of America.

My name is Hana N. Fountainstand.

I've always loved Japan. I'm so happy to be here.

I want to get to know all of you real soon, so don't be afraid to—

Wh-What?

I don't believe it! I found you already!

Hi! I knew we'd meet again!

I'm here to take you away.

You can call me Hana.

And now, would you...

like to yosakoi dance with me?

You're standing really close...

Hanayamata

Name: Sekiya Naru Age: 14 Blood type: B Height: 150cm Weight: 45kg Birthdate: April 2nd Sign: Aries Favorite flower: Cherry blossoms

Hanayamata

Likes: Reading Also likes writing and drawing...

Crumple...

Crumple...

I'll take you away.

To a mysterious new world, if that's what your heart desires.

It's a wonderful world, nothing like this one.

Come! We shall now depart on our journey through space!

Let's go!

No!

Stay away!

Why are you following me?!

I already told you "no" yesterday!

Will you yosakoi dance with me?

Does she know her?

Yosakoi?

Chatter, chatter...

N-No....

But I promised I would come and take you away.

So can't you spare a moment to listen?

Comes with a free gift, now only!

No, thank you!

Tami-oneechan!

What's wrong with those two?

Naru-chan?

Do you know her?

This is going to get rumors started around school!

Chatter Chatter

Stop following me!