ホリミヤ
Horimiya - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Miyamura's Tattoos and Piercings
They symbolize his hidden self and his past as an outcast. Initially, they are a secret part of his identity that he feels he must conceal to avoid judgment. As he opens up and finds acceptance, particularly from Hori, his willingness to show them (or not care if they're seen) represents his growing self-confidence and integration of his past and present selves.
Throughout the early episodes, Miyamura is careful to hide his tattoos and piercings at school with long hair and his uniform blazer. Hori is the first classmate to see them, which forms the basis of their bond. His eventual haircut, revealing his piercings, is a major turning point in his character development, signifying his readiness to be seen for who he truly is.
Miyamura's Long Hair vs. Short Hair
His long hair represents his self-imposed isolation and desire to remain unseen, a physical manifestation of the walls he built around himself. Cutting his hair symbolizes a major transformation—shedding his past insecurities and embracing his new life with friends and Hori. It marks his active choice to stop hiding.
For the first part of the series, Miyamura's long hair covers his face and piercings, reinforcing his gloomy, unapproachable image at school. In Episode 6, he cuts his hair, which dramatically changes his appearance and how his classmates perceive him, leading to a surge in his popularity. This visual change is a pivotal moment in his character arc.
Hori's Home
Hori's house symbolizes a safe space for authenticity. It's the one place where both Hori and Miyamura can shed their school personas and be their true selves without fear of judgment. It is the crucible where their relationship is forged and nurtured.
From the very first episode, Miyamura begins visiting Hori's home frequently. It is there that he sees her domestic side and she sees his tattooed, pierced self. Their most significant and intimate moments, from watching movies to their confessions of love, happen within the walls of her home, away from the eyes of their peers.
Philosophical Questions
To what extent do our public personas define us, and can we ever be truly known if we hide parts of ourselves?
The series explores this question through its two protagonists, who both lead double lives. It suggests that the 'true self' is not one or the other but an amalgamation of all facets of one's personality. The relationship between Hori and Miyamura thrives because they don't just tolerate each other's hidden sides; they cherish them. This implies that being truly known requires the vulnerability to share one's hidden self and the grace to accept the hidden self of another, suggesting that true connection transcends social masks.
How much of our identity is shaped by our past, and can we ever truly move beyond it?
Miyamura's character is a deep dive into this question. His past of loneliness and being ostracized is a fundamental part of who he is, and the series doesn't shy away from depicting its lingering effects on his psyche. His recurring conversations with his younger self show that the past is never truly gone. However, the series argues that while the past shapes us, it doesn't have to define our future. Through new relationships and self-acceptance, Miyamura learns to integrate his past with his present, acknowledging the pain but not letting it control his newfound happiness.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Horimiya" is the celebration of authenticity and the beauty of accepting people for who they truly are, beyond social masks and first impressions. The series posits that everyone has a private side they conceal from the world. It champions the idea that genuine connection and love are found not by projecting an idealized image, but by sharing one's true, vulnerable self with others. Miyamura's journey from a lonely outcast to a beloved friend and partner underscores the transformative power of acceptance, suggesting that finding even one person who sees and loves your hidden self can change your entire world.