Horimiya
A warm, slice-of-life romance that feels like golden hour sunlight, capturing the quiet intimacy of discovering the hidden facets of another's heart.
Horimiya
Horimiya

ホリミヤ

10 January 2021 — 04 April 2021 Japan 1 season 13 episode Ended ⭐ 8.5 (1,057)
Cast: Haruka Tomatsu, Koki Uchiyama, Seiichiro Yamashita, Yurie Kozakai, Nobuhiko Okamoto
Drama Animation Comedy
Duality of Identity & Social Masks Acceptance and Self-Love The Nature of Relationships and Friendship Breaking Romantic Tropes

Horimiya - Episode Highlights

Episode Highlights

A Tiny Happenstance

S1E1

This episode perfectly establishes the show's premise. Miyamura brings Hori's injured younger brother home, leading to the discovery of each other's secret identities. It sets the foundation for their entire relationship with a charming and well-paced introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the best pilot episodes of its season.

Significance:

It's the inciting incident for the entire series. The episode immediately breaks from genre conventions by establishing the core connection and premise without lengthy exposition, promising a story focused on the relationship itself rather than the chase.

You Wear More Than One Face

S1E4

A pivotal episode for the central romance. While Hori is sick with a fever, Miyamura takes care of her. In a vulnerable moment, he confesses his love for her, believing she is asleep. This is the first explicit confession and a major step in their relationship's progression.

Significance:

This episode marks the point where the relationship transitions from a close friendship to an explicitly romantic one. Miyamura's confession, though quiet and understated, solidifies their feelings and moves the plot forward significantly.

I Can't Say It Out Loud

S1E5

Following Miyamura's confession, this episode deals with the immediate aftermath and Hori's response. It features Hori's father's comical first meeting with Miyamura and culminates in Hori officially accepting Miyamura as her boyfriend. It's a heartwarming and funny episode that cements their status as a couple.

Significance:

This episode formalizes their relationship, ending any ambiguity. It firmly establishes "Horimiya" as a story about a couple navigating their relationship, rather than two people trying to get together, which is a key part of its appeal.

This Summer's Going to Be a Hot One

S1E7

This episode focuses on Miyamura's internal struggles with his past and his growing comfort in his new social circle. He has a significant dream conversation with his younger, lonely self, showing his character's psychological depth. It also features his dramatic haircut, a major visual representation of his transformation.

Significance:

Miyamura's haircut is a symbolic turning point, representing his willingness to be seen and to let go of his past insecurities. The episode provides crucial insight into his psyche and reinforces the theme of self-acceptance.

I Would Gift You the Sky

S1E13

The series finale. The characters graduate from high school. The episode is a poignant reflection on the journey, particularly Miyamura's. His closing monologue about how his world has changed is a powerful and emotional conclusion to his character arc. He reflects on how meeting Hori brought color to his life.

Significance:

It provides a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion to the main storyline. While some subplots are left open-ended, it successfully resolves the central theme of Miyamura's self-acceptance and cements the future of his and Hori's relationship, ending on a hopeful and heartfelt note.