Toilet Bound Hanako-kun Hanakotoba Analysis

Toilet Bound Hanako-kun Hanakotoba Analysis

While it might seem surprising that it's taken me this long to cover TBHK—given my adoration of the series and its abundance of flower symbolism—what delayed me was mainly the lack of clarity as to which flowers represented which characters and scenes. This is mostly because multiple characters have been depicted with the same flowers while some characters have been depicted with multiple flowers. I went off of flowers I've seen in the anime and any official artwork I managed to find since it's been a while since I read the manga. In any case, I tried my best...

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-> 1) Camellia (Camellia japonica)

-> 1.1) Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, camellias are called tsubaki (椿). They are associated with modest kindness, pride, eternal love and enduring love in hanakotoba. Red camellias in particular symbolise love, humble virtue, modest splendour, unpretentious grace and "perishing with grace" in hanakotoba. Pink camellias represent love, modesty, beauty, longing and missing someone. On the other hand, white camellias symbolise waiting, impeccable charm complete beauty and supreme loveliness. Camellias are also associated with everlasting love, marital bliss and perfect unions between lovers because, unlike most other flowers, the calyx and petals of a camellia flower don't separate when its flower wilts. In Western floriography, camellias are associated with constancy, steadfastness, perfect loveliness, unpretending excellence, adoration, longing, admiration and perfection. Red camellias in particular are associated with passion, love and desire.

-> 1.2) Discussion of symbolism:

The most prevalent flower depicted in the TBHK anime and manga series—as well as in its official artwork—is the red camellia. A silhouette of a camellia flower is even incorporated into the series' logo. In the series, camellias are often associated with its titular protagonist, Hanako—but are also occasionally associated with Nene Yashiro and Tsukasa Yugi. Despite being closed off and often smiling to mask his emotions, Hanako cares greatly for those close to him, which ties into the camellia's symbolism of modest kindness. Over the course of the series, Hanako and Nene have come to care a great deal for one another with the former going so far as to uproot the lives of others and sacrifice his own existence to save her. This ties into the camellia's symbolism of enduring love, adoration, longing, passion and perishing with grace. Meanwhile, Nene goes so far as to change the timeline so she can see him again. This ties into the camellia's association with steadfastness, longing, passion, adoration and enduring love. Nene's innate kindness and naivety as well as her development throughout the series from an insecure, hopeless romantic to someone more assured and determined greatly complements the flower's symbolism of loveliness, charm, modesty and beauty.

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-> 2) Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

-> 2.1) Flower symbolism:

In Japan, hollyhock flowers are called tachiaoi (タチアオイ) and symbolise ambition, abundance as well as noble and majestic beauty in hanakotoba. Pink hollyhocks in particular symbolise benevolence and gentleness while red ones symbolise love. In Western floriography, hollyhocks are associated with ambition and fruitfulness. Pink hollyhocks represent innocence, youthfulness, gentleness and grace while red ones symbolise passion, love, strength, resilience and courage.

-> 2.2) Discussion of symbolism:

In the series' first episode, hollyhock flowers are seen growing in the garden that Nene tends to as she talks to Hanako. They are also pictured in the opening theme of the second season alongside Aoi Akane. Hollyhock flowers have also been depicted in official artwork alongside Nene and Hanako. The hollyhock flower's symbolism of strength, resilience, courage, and love complement the trials and tribulations Nene and Hanako have gone through for one another. While the flower's symbolism of benevolence, ambition, gentleness, youthfulness, resilience, passion and love strongly complement Nene's character. Although she isn't depicted with hollyhock flowers as often as HanaNene are, the kanji of Aoi's name (葵) translates to hollyhock. The hollyhock flower's symbolism of grace, passion, love, beauty, benevolence and gentleness complement her outward-facing personality.

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-> 3) Bellflower (Campanula sp.)

The flowers depicted in this artwork of Hanako and Nene Yashiro are bellflowers. Although the exact species depicted is unclear, the closest resemblance is the Korean bellflower (Campanula takesimana).

-> 3.1) Flower symbolism:

In Japan, bellflowers are called berufurawā (ベルフラワー) and represent humility, gratitude, sincerity and an unchanging heart in hanakotoba. The bellflower's association with humility is derived from its downfacing flowers. In Western floriography, bellflowers symbolise humility, constancy, sincerity, gratitude and unwavering love.

-> 3.2) Discussion of symbolism:

Pinkish-purple bellflowers are featured alongside Nene Yashiro and Hanako in the release notice and cover artwork of chapter 116 of the manga. The bellflower's associations with gratitude, sincerity, constancy, unwavering love and an unchanging heart greatly complement Hanako and Nene's feelings for one another.

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-> 4) Daffodil (Narcissus sp.) & Marigold (Tagetes sp.)

-> 4.1.) Flower symbolism:

-> 4.1.1) Daffodil Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, daffodils are known as suisen (水仙). They are associated with conceitedness, self-love, respect, regard and unrequited love in hanakotoba. Yellow daffodils in particular symbolise "come back to me" and "I want you to love me again". In Western floriography, daffodils symbolise egoism, self-love, respect, chivalry, unrequited love, evanescent happiness and deceitful hopes.

-> 4.1.2) Marigold Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, marigold flowers are called marīgōrudo (マリーゴールド). They represent jealousy, despair and sadness in hanakotoba. In Western floriography, marigolds symbolise jealousy, despair, cruelty, pain, pessimism and grief.

-> 4.2) Discussion of symbolism:

Daffodils and marigolds are featured on the cover of volume 15 of the cover as well as on the above official art of Hanako. Although the main trio is featured on the cover of volume 15 given the solo artwork of Hanako, it's a reasonable assumption that he is the one canonically linked with these flowers. A single daffodil is also featured on the cover of volume 0 alongside Hanako. Both daffodils and marigolds have negative connotations in flower language contrary to their bright and pretty appearance. This is somewhat reminiscent of how Hanako hides his true emotions and inner turmoil behind a mask of cheerful mischievousness and hides how closed off he is emotionally with Nene with how physically affectionate he is with her. Added to this, the marigold's symbolism of jealousy, despair and grief as well as the daffodil's symbolism of regard, egoism, deceitful hopes complement his character. Furthermore, the daffodil's symbolism of "come back to me" and "I want you to love me again" greatly resonates with Nene's feelings towards Hanako in the current arc of the manga.

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-> 5) Sunflower (Helianthus sp.) & White Lily (Lilium candidum) & Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)

-> 5.1) Flower Symbolism:

-> 5.1.1) Sunflower Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, sunflowers are called himawari (ひまわり). In hanakotoba, they represent longing, adoration, aspiration and "I look only at you", longing, adoration". In Western floriography, sunflowers symbolise adoration, good luck, resilience, happiness, optimism, warmth, longevity and false riches. Sunflowers are also a representation of unconditional love, devotion and loyalty.

-> 5.1.2) White Lily Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, white lilies are called shirayuri (白百合). They symbolise purity, chastity, innocence and dignity in hanakotoba. In Western floriography, they symbolise affection, majesty, purity, sweetness and refined beauty. They are also associated with faith, rebirth and commitment. White lilies are often used at weddings due to their association with purity, commitment, and love. However, because of their association with purity, white lilies are often used at funerals and are thus also perceived as a symbol of grief and mourning. This established association of death with purity suggests that the departed spirit is pure, virtuous, and innocent, conveying sincere sentiments of hope and mercy beyond death.

-> 5.1.3) Tiger Lily Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, orange lilies symbolise brilliance and humour. In hanakotoba, Tiger lilies—which are called oniyuri (鬼百合)—represent pride, wisdom as well as wealth. In Western floriography, tiger lilies are associated with compassion, charity, wealth, humble pride, passion, mercy, confidence, positivity, prosperity and protection.

-> 5.2) Discussion of symbolism:

Tiger lilies and white lilies are featured on the volume 0 cover of the manga alongside Hanako. While sunflowers are depicted alongside Hanako on the cover of AidaIro's art collection. The sunflower's symbolism of adoration, longing, devotion, loyalty, unconditional love and "I only look at you" resonates with Hanako's feelings towards Nene. The sunflower's association with longevity and good fortune is reminiscent of Hanako's desire for Nene to live a good and long life. Given its association with positivity and happiness, the sunflower in the artwork could be a symbolic representation of Nene and how he longs for her and wants to protect her rather than just a figurative representation of his feelings towards her. The white lilies on the cover of volume 0 could be a representation of Hanako's purity and innocence during his human life as Amane Yugi. The white lilies' association with grief and mourning could infer that he mourns the loss of his innocence and purity. Conversely, the white lilies depicted could represent Nene while the tiger lilies represent Kou Minamoto—along with the daffodil representing Hanako. Each flower's symbolism complements their respective character, supporting this theory. With the white lily's association with purity, innocence, sweetness and beauty complementing Nene. While the tiger lily's symbolism of confidence, passion, positivity, charity, mercy, compassion and protection complements Kou.

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-> 6) Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila sp.) & Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

-> 6.1) Flower Symbolism:

-> 6.1.1) Baby Blue Eye Flower Symbolism:

Baby Blue Eye flowers are known as Rurikarakusa (ルリカラクサ) in Japan. In hanakotoba, they symbolise success everywhere, daintiness and forgiveness. In Western floriography, they are associated with victory, prosperity, tenderness, sensitivity, harmony and trust. They also represent the transient nature of beauty and life, encouraging us to treasure every moment and appreciate simplicity.

-> 6.1.2) Lotus Flower Symbolism:

In Japan, lotuses are called ren (蓮) or hasu (はす). In hanakotoba, they symbolise eloquence, detached love, sacredness, and a pure heart. They are also associated with rebirth, purity, transformation, renewal, spiritual enlightenment and resurrection as well as beauty, grace and perfection. In Western floriography, lotuses symbolize purity of the heart, virtue, innocence, achieving great things, beauty rising from humble beginnings and bringing together separate things. Lotuses also symbolize estranged love and eloquence. Pink lotuses in particular are often associated with feelings of admiration.

-> 6.2) Discussion of symbolism:

Pink lotuses are depicted alongside Nene and Aoi on the cover of volume 13 of the manga. While the blue flowers depicted around Nene and Aoi on the artwork commemorating the release of chapter 60 are likely Baby Blue Eye (Nemophila) flowers. The lotus' representation of purity, enlightenment, innocence, virtue and sacredness is symbolic of both Nene and Aoi's roles as kannagi—ritual sacrifices to appease the gods and separate the far and near shores. The lotus' symbolism of perfection, beauty, grace and eloquence is reminiscent of how others perceive Aoi. Meanwhile, its symbolism of detached or estranged love is more reminiscent of her real personality and her feelings of resentment and bitterness at having to constantly pretend. The lotus' symbolism of a pure heart, admiration, "beauty rising from humble beginnings" and "bringing together separate things" complements Nene's character. The Nemophila's symbolism of harmony, trust, tenderness, sensitivity, forgiveness, success and treasuring simplicity complements Nene and Aoi's friendship and reinforces how all the tribulations they go through together strengthen their bond.

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-> 7) White Violet (Viola mandshurica) & White Daisy (Bellis perennis)

->7.1) Flower Symbolism:

->7.1.1) White Violet Flower Symbolism:

Violet flowers are called sumire (菫) in Japan. In hanakotoba, they represent humility, sincerity and small happiness. White violets in particular symbolise purity, candor and innocent love. In Western floriography, violets symbolise modesty and faithfulness. White violets in particular symbolise faithfulness, loyalty, modesty, innocence and purity.

-> 7.1.2) White Daisy Flower Symbolism:

In Japan. daisies are called hinagiku (雛菊). They represent purity, beauty, peace, innocence and hope in hanakotoba. In Western floriography, daisies symbolise purity, innocence, new beginnings and beauty.

-> 7.2) Discussion of symbolism:

On volume 18's fifth publication notice artwork, Sumire Akane is depicted alongside white daisies. While on the release artwork of chapter 89, she is depicted alongside white violets. Sumire's name (スミレ) means violet in Japanese making it a fitting choice for this artwork. The violet's association with modesty, innocence, purity, humility and sincerity plays into Sumire's youthful, nurturing and cheerful outward-facing persona. The artwork depicts her gently holding a white rabbit complementing this notion. The daisy's symbolism of peace, purity, innocence, beauty and hope further accentuates this. Although neither flower's symbolism hints at her underlying sadistic and manipulative side, her smile in each artwork is somewhat too saccharine. Both flowers' association with purity and innocence is symbolic of her role as a kannagi.

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