Haikara-san ga Tooru Movie 2: Hana no Tokyo Dai Roman

Haikara-san ga Tooru Movie 2: Hana no Tokyo Dai Roman – A Bittersweet Farewell to Benio’s Journey

If you’re a fan of historical romance anime, chances are you’ve heard of Haikara-san ga Tooru—the beloved series about Benio Hanamura, a spirited tomboy defying 1920s Japan’s rigid gender norms. The first movie won hearts with its charming blend of humor, drama, and Benio’s unapologetic personality. But does the second installment, Hana no Tokyo Dai Roman, live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and why this conclusion feels like a mixed bag.

First, let’s set the scene. The movie picks up where the first left off, following Benio as she navigates love, loss, and identity in a rapidly modernizing Tokyo. Produced by Nippon Animation and released in 2018, it’s the final chapter of her story, promising closure for fans who’ve rooted for her since the start. But according to the MyAnimeList discussions, getting to watch it was half the battle.

The Hunt for the Movie: A Fan’s Frustration
Before we even get to the plot, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: availability. Fans spent months (some even eight!) scouring the internet for a copy. “I’ve been looking for this movie for about 8 months now, it’s so frustrating that it hasn’t come out yet,” one user lamented. Another added, “They said it would be released by June end-July first week, which is not the case.” The struggle was real—some resorted to downloading raw versions with Italian subtitles, while others relied on sites like Nyaa.si and Subscene for subs. It’s a testament to the series’ loyal fanbase that people went to such lengths just to see Benio’s ending.

Plot: Drama, Tropes, and a “Disaster” of a Love Triangle
When fans finally got their hands on the movie, opinions were divided. The story centers on Benio’s complicated relationship with Shinobu Ijuuin, her childhood friend and love interest. But as one commenter put it, “A disaster reveals the true love.” The “disaster” here is the Kanto Earthquake, which shakes up their lives in more ways than one. Benio’s amnesia, Shinobu’s presumed death, and the introduction of Larisa—Shinobu’s supposed wife—create a soap-opera-worthy love triangle that left many viewers rolling their eyes.

“The whole situation with Larisa felt kind of dumb,” a user ranted. “She had a lot of time to confess but waits until the last moment… she could have saved Benio and Shinobu’s marriage earlier but chose her own selfish desire.” Larisa’s character was a major point of contention; some found her unnecessary, while others saw her as a plot device to add drama. The amnesia trope, too, was criticized as overused. “This movie feels like a worse version of Candy Candy,” another fan joked. “Dead boyfriend? Check. Amnesia? Check. Sickly love rival? Check.”

But it wasn’t all negative. The kiss scene between Benio and Shinobu was a highlight for many. “The kiss scene is the hallmark of this movie,” one commenter gushed. Others praised the emotional depth of the earthquake sequence, which showcased the resilience of the characters amid chaos. “The Kanto Earthquake scene was striking, even if it felt rushed,” a user noted.

Characters: Benio’s Fire Fades, Chief Steals the Show
Benio, the fiery protagonist we all loved, took a backseat in this movie. “The characters have no agency in the 2nd movie,” a fan complained. “The parts that made me love the ML and FL have completely gone.” Instead of focusing on her growth as a modern woman, the plot fixated on her romantic woes. “Benio’s entire world revolved around love and what she would do for it,” another user observed, comparing it unfavorably to Arte, where the protagonist pursues her passion for art.

On the flip side, the “Chief”—Tousei Ishikawa, Benio’s mentor and friend—emerged as a fan favorite. “Chief was truly the MVP here,” one commenter declared. His unwavering support for Benio and his tragic backstory (revealed during the earthquake) tugged at heartstrings. “I feel sorry for him… he deserved better,” another user added. Even minor characters like Tamaki and Onijima got love, though fans wished they had more screen time.

Animation and Tone: A Step Back from the First Movie
Visually, the movie didn’t impress as much as its predecessor. “Dramatic drop in animation quality compared to the first movie,” a fan pointed out. Scenes felt rushed, and the budget constraints were evident. The tone also shifted—gone was the lighthearted humor of the first film, replaced by melodrama. “The comedy skyrocketed in the second movie,” one user joked, but not everyone found the jokes landing. “Some gags were funny, but the ninja cross-dressing stuff was weird,” another commented.

The Ending: Happy, but at What Cost?
Spoiler alert: Benio and Shinobu end up together. But the road to their happy ending left many fans conflicted. “The ending just made me say ‘Why’,” a user wrote. “The anime doesn’t know what themes it’s trying to incorporate so it seems they mixed drastically different things together to bomb that finale.” Others felt the resolution was too convenient. “Shinobu’s amnesia and Larisa’s last-minute confession felt forced,” a commenter criticized.

Still, there were those who appreciated the closure. “At least it was a good ending,” one fan sighed. “I was so frustrated with how things were developing and I thought there’d be no happy ending.” The birth of Benio and Shinobu’s child (a baby whose gender sparked curiosity—“I wonder if it’s a handsome boy or a unique girl?”) added a hopeful note, even if it felt rushed.

Final Verdict: A Decent Farewell, But Not the Masterpiece We Hoped For
So, should you watch Haikara-san ga Tooru Movie 2: Hana no Tokyo Dai Roman? If you’re invested in Benio’s story, yes—if only to see how it ends. But don’t expect the same magic as the first movie. As one user summed it up: “First part was great but this part was a bit of a let down. Still, it was worth watching for the Chief and the emotional moments.”

In the end, the movie is a bittersweet reminder that even beloved characters can have messy endings. Benio’s journey from a tomboy challenging the status quo to a wife and mother is a reflection of the era’s contradictions, but it’s the fans’ passionate debates—about Larisa, the amnesia trope, and the Chief’s unrequited love—that make this movie memorable. Whether you love it or hate it, Hana no Tokyo Dai Roman is a conversation starter, and isn’t that what great anime is all about?

Rating: 6/10 – For the Chief, the kiss scene, and the nostalgia. But next time, let’s skip the amnesia trope, okay?