Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a heartfelt and poignant anime that revolves around a group of childhood friends who are brought back together by the lingering memories of their friend’s untimely death. Set in the beautiful yet melancholic town of Chichibu, Japan, the series beautifully explores themes of friendship, loss, and the power of emotional healing.
The story begins years after the tragic death of their beloved friend, Menma. The protagonist, Jinta Yadomi, now a socially withdrawn high school student, is plagued by guilt and haunted by the ghostly apparition of Menma. One day, Menma appears before Jinta, claiming that she cannot move on to the afterlife until her unfulfilled wish is granted.
Determined to help Menma find peace, Jinta embarks on a journey to reunite their childhood group of friends, known as the Super Peace Busters. However, this proves to be no easy task, as each member has grown distant and burdened by their individual struggles. Jinta’s efforts bring him back into the lives of Naruko “Anaru” Anjo, the shy and insecure girl with unrequited feelings for him; Atsumu “Yukiatsu” Matsuyuki, the charismatic yet enigmatic member who harbors his own secrets; Tetsudo “Poppo” Hisakawa, the carefree traveler who struggles with his past; and Chiriko “Tsuruko” Tsurumi, the intelligent and stoic girl burdened by guilt.
As the group reluctantly reunites, old wounds resurface, and buried emotions come to the forefront. Together, they confront their regrets, secrets, and unresolved feelings, all while searching for a way to grant Menma’s wish. Along the way, they rediscover the strength of their friendship and learn to confront their individual fears and insecurities.
Anohana explores the delicate dynamics within the group, portraying the raw emotions of grief, guilt, and forgiveness. Through a combination of tender moments and intense confrontations, the characters’ emotional journeys intertwine, leading them towards healing and self-discovery. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, the importance of communication, and the impact of loss on one’s sense of self.
With its beautifully animated scenes, evocative soundtrack, and poignant storytelling, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day invites viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters struggle with their past and present selves. Ultimately, the series emphasizes the transformative power of friendship and the everlasting impact that the bonds we form in our youth can have on our lives.
Background
Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. reunites the lead production staff of the 2008 anime series Toradora! It was first teased in December 2010 as a joint production of Aniplex, Fuji Television, and animation studio A-1 Pictures under the title AnoHana Project. The series is set in the city of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture.
The first Blu-ray volume, which went on sale on June 29, 2011, sold more than 31,000 copies in the first week of release. At the time, that first week sales figure was the third highest for a first volume Blu-ray release of a television anime, after Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (2011) and K-On! (2009). AnoHana received a Jury Selection award in the Animation division of the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival.
A visual novel adaptation for the PlayStation Portable, which diverges from the story of the anime and contains an original ending, was developed by Guyzware and published by 5pb. on August 30, 2012. AnoHana was also adapted into a special live-action television drama, which aired on Fuji Television on September 21, 2015.
