Hanasaku Iroha

Hanasaku Iroha was conceived as an original anime project by the studio P.A. Works to commemorate their tenth anniversary. Directed by Masahiro Ando and written by Mari Okada, the series centers on a teenage girl named Ohana Matsumae who moves to the countryside to work at her grandmother's traditional hot spring inn, the Kissuiso. The narrative serves as a coming-of-age story that highlights the complexities of family relationships and the maturation of a young woman finding her independence in a professional environment.

The series is noted for its high-quality aesthetic production and meticulous attention to detail regarding the architecture and rural landscapes of Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly the hot spring town of Yuwaku Onsen. Mel Kishida served as the original character designer, opting for a style that balanced lighthearted character expressions with the earnest, sometimes difficult themes of the plot. Upon its 2011 release, the series was well-received for its polished animation and grounded character writing, eventually inspiring an annual festival in the real-world town that served as its visual inspiration.