Among the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy is "Hanako-san of the Toilet," said to appear in the third-floor girls' bathroom of the old school building. But the truth is a cute, mischievous boy spirit named Hanako-kun.
The girl Nene Yashiro, who summons Hanako-kun to have a wish granted, ends up — through an unexpected turn — becoming his "assistant." And so Nene, alongside Hanako-kun, becomes involved with the apparitions lurking in the school and swept into mysterious, slightly bittersweet incidents.
Airing from January 2020, produced by Lerche. A talked-about work praised worldwide for its stylish, storybook-like visual beauty that draws out the charm of the original. 👻
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① One-of-a-Kind Stylish Visuals
The storybook-like pop coloring and screen composition are overwhelmingly charming. You're drawn in by the beauty that perfectly adapts the original's world.
02② The Cute, Mischievous Hanako-kun
The impish, utterly charming character of Hanako-kun is the best. You can't take your eyes off his elusive appeal.
03③ The Mysterious World of School Apparitions
From the Seven Mysteries onward, the lore of the apparitions lurking in the school is captivating. The unique world fusing occult and fantasy is exciting.
04④ A Perfect Balance of Comedy and Poignancy
The gap between snappy comedy and the poignant drama shown in sudden moments is exquisite. Developments that make you laugh and cry grab your heart.
05⑤ Nene and Hanako-kun's Precious Bond
The bond that blossoms between Nene and Hanako-kun as she works as his assistant is irresistible. The bittersweet romance between a human and a ghost makes your heart race.
06⑥ Colorful Apparitions and Characters
Distinctive characters and apparitions like the Minamoto brothers and Sousuke Mitsuba appear one after another. Each one's story expands the world.
07⑦ Hidden, Poignant Backstory Drama
Behind the comical surface lie the poignant pasts of Hanako-kun and the apparitions. You're drawn into the mysterious enigmas.
08⑧ Star-Studded Theme Songs
The OP "No.7" and the ED "Tiny Light" sung by heroine's voice actress Akari Kito color the show. Songs perfect for the world stay with you.
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
Ahead, as Hanako-kun's assistant, Nene resolves mysterious and at times poignant incidents while dealing with the Seven Mysteries and many apparitions lurking in the school. Through meeting the Minamoto brothers of the exorcist clan and other distinctive characters, the story gradually approaches a larger enigma. Behind the comical everyday, Hanako-kun's own poignant past and the presence of Tsukasa Yugi — bound to him by deep karma — cast an ominous shadow. You can't look away from this laugh-and-cry school occult tale spun in a stylish, mysterious world. 👻
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
At Kamome Academy, where apparitions and rumors take physical form, the girl Nene Yashiro tries a love charm and summons "Hanako-san of the Toilet," one of the Seven Mysteries. But what appears is a boy spirit, Hanako-kun. After an unexpected turn leaves her cursed by an apparition, Nene becomes Hanako-kun's assistant in exchange for its resolution. Caught between human and apparition, Nene, alongside Hanako-kun, confronts incidents caused by the various apparitions lurking in the school. Gradually, the poignant secret Hanako-kun carries and the presence of a great mystery shaking the whole academy come to light.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
Highly recommended for anyone who loves one-of-a-kind stylish visuals and a laugh-and-cry school occult tale. The pop, distinctive coloring and composition have an addictiveness found in no other anime. Fans of apparition-and-poignancy stories like Natsume's Book of Friends, or supernatural comedies like Hozuki's Coolheadedness, will be especially hooked. Poignant drama hidden behind the comical everyday, a faint romance between human and ghost, and a great mystery revealed bit by bit — an original masterpiece you'll want to rewatch again and again. 👻
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
- Who the boy spirit Hanako-kun was in life, and why he is bound to the academy — his past.
- The identity of Tsukasa Yugi (No.5), a being identical to Hanako-kun, and the deep karma between them.
- The great mystery encompassing the whole academy, hidden within the Seven Mysteries and apparitions.
- Where the relationship between assistant Nene and Hanako-kun — human and apparition — ultimately leads.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
— A signature line as Hanako-kun makes his mischievous entrance.
"Pretty cheeky for an assistant, huh."
— A line capturing the fun, witty back-and-forth and the closeness between the two.
"I do have wishes I want granted, and things I want to protect."
— A memorable line revealing the earnest feelings beneath the comedy.