Hana Kimi [Season 1 Episode 4]

Hana Kimi: Episode 4 – The Chaos of Disguise and Dorm Rivalries

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a girl disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-male high school, Hana Kimi Episode 4 delivers exactly that—chaos, laughter, and a whole lot of “wait, did that just happen?” moments. This episode, part of the Japanese live-action adaptation (let’s be real, the one with Ikuta Toma’s iconic Nakatsu), dives deeper into Mizuki Ashiya’s double life at Osaka High School, where every day feels like a game of “how long can I keep this secret before someone figures it out?”

First off, let’s talk about the dorm competitions. Oh my god, the dorm competitions. Fans on MyAnimeList are split on whether this makes the school feel like an “amusement land” or just pure fun. For me? It’s the latter. Episode 4 ramps up the rivalry between the dorms with a hilarious relay race that’s less about speed and more about who can make the most ridiculous faces mid-run. Mizuki, of course, is caught in the middle—trying to keep up with the boys while hiding her true identity. The scene where she trips over her own feet (in a very un-boy-like way) had me cackling. It’s silly, it’s over-the-top, but isn’t that the point?

Then there’s Nakatsu. If you haven’t fallen in love with Ikuta Toma’s portrayal yet, Episode 4 will seal the deal. His “I’m not a homo!” dance when he realizes he’s crushing on Mizuki (who he thinks is a guy) is comedy gold. Fans are obsessed with this scene—one comment even called it “the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in a drama.” And let’s not forget his internal monologues: “Why am I blushing? Is it the heat? No, it’s Mizuki’s smile… wait, no, I’m straight!” Classic Nakatsu.

But it’s not all laughs. The episode also touches on the friendship between Mizuki and Sano. Sano, the quiet high jumper who quit after an injury, starts to open up a little more here. When Mizuki encourages him to try jumping again, you can see the vulnerability behind his stoic facade. Some fans prefer the Taiwanese version for its focus on romance, but I love how the Japanese adaptation balances love with friendship. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “This drama centered on the friendship of Mizuki with the students of Osaka Gakuen… which I found way less cheesy than the Taiwanese version’s love story.”

Speaking of the Taiwanese vs. Japanese debate—let’s address the elephant in the room. Fans are divided like pizza toppings. Some swear by Wu Chun’s Sano in the Taiwanese version (“He’s so hot!”), while others think Ella’s over-acting killed it. For me, the Japanese cast just clicks better. Horikita Maki’s Mizuki is endearingly awkward, Oguri Shun’s Sano has that brooding charm, and Toma’s Nakatsu is the heart of the show. As one commenter noted: “Ikuta Toma was so funny, but I loved the Japanese version more… even though the Japanese version had less interactions between Sano and Mizuki.”

But let’s get back to Episode 4. The highlight? The dorm battle where Mizuki’s dorm has to cook a meal using only ingredients found in the school garden. Cue chaos: Nakatsu tries to make a salad with weeds, Sano accidentally sets a pot on fire, and Mizuki—bless her heart—attempts to make curry with zero spice. The result? A dish that’s equal parts burnt and hilarious. The scene where the dorm head tastes it and makes a face like he’s eaten a lemon is pure comedy.

Critics might say the show is too silly, but that’s why it works. It’s a breath of fresh air from the usual high school dramas. No dark plot twists, no tragic backstories—just a girl in a boys’ school, trying to fit in, and a bunch of guys who have no clue what’s going on. As one fan summed it up: “I finished it off (the Japanese version) and even though Izumi isn’t that good looking, the fun factor kept me going.”

In conclusion, Hana Kimi Episode 4 is a perfect example of why this show is a classic. It’s funny, heartwarming, and unapologetically over-the-top. Whether you’re Team Japanese or Team Taiwanese, there’s no denying the charm of this episode. So grab some snacks, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself replaying Nakatsu’s dance on loop.

P.S. If you haven’t seen the Japanese version yet, what are you waiting for? It’s only 11 episodes—short, sweet, and packed with laughs. And yes, the “girlfriend” cheerleading dance at the end is as iconic as everyone says.

Rating: 9/10 — because Nakatsu’s dance alone deserves a 10.

Disclaimer: This review is based on fan discussions and personal opinions. Your mileage may vary.