Hanamonogatari

About Hanamonogatari

Here is what Hanamonogatari is about, retold in plain terms: a comedy, supernatural and mystery anime by Shaft (2014). What the story covers: Now that Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara have graduated, very few familiar faces remain at Naoetsu Private High School, one of them being Kanbaru Suruga, holder of the Monkey's Paw. When she starts to hear talk of a mysterious being known as the "Devil," who will magically solve any problem, she immediately thinks these rumors are about her and resolves to investigate.

Further in, she learns the Devil is actually Rouka Numachi, a former rival from junior high who is providing free advice to those who seek her out now that she is no longer able to play basketball due to a leg injury. Acting as a collector of misfortune, she enjoys relieving the stress of her clients by providing them with the false hope of having their problems solved. Although Kanbaru sees no real harm being done, she reprimands Rouka for lying and heads home, relieved she is not the cause of the rumors.

In a comedy series like this, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. This one is best suited to viewers who want something light between heavier series.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by Shaft, so the studio's house style defines how Hanamonogatari looks and moves on screen. The comedy focus matters here: timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. A community score of 8.0/10 puts it among the better-received comedy titles. It aired in 2014, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.