Hanako Honda
Hanako Honda |
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| Kanji: | 本田 華子 |
| Romaji | Honda Hanako |
| Statistics | |
| Gender: | Female |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Hina Kino |
| English: | None |
Hanako Honda (本田 華子, Honda Hanako), is one of the main characters in the comedy anime and manga series Asobi Asobase. A classmate of Olivia and Kasumi Nomura, Hanako is the unpredictable heart of the trio, known for her explosive energy, absurd ideas, and intense facial expressions. As a founding member of the Pastimers Club, she frequently ropes her friends into bizarre, nonsensical games that often spiral out of control and result in chaos.
Despite her erratic behavior and hyperactivity, Hanako is surprisingly intelligent and comes from a wealthy and possibly aristocratic family, which allows her to acquire rare or expensive items with ease adding another surreal element to her already eccentric character.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Hanako is a second-year middle school student at an all-girls school, where she befriends Olivia and Kasumi after bonding over their mutual boredom and love for fooling around. The trio establishes the unofficial Pastimers Club, which focuses not on traditional school activities but on strange games, physical challenges, and competitive nonsense, usually instigated by Hanako herself.
Hanako’s family background is hinted to be extremely wealthy or noble, as she is often able to obtain hard-to-find or expensive items with no explanation, such as high-tech gadgets or foreign toys. However, she rarely shows any interest in proper manners or etiquette, preferring chaos and laughter over refinement.
Appearance
Hanako has short brown hair tied into two distinct braids that stick out like horns, a look that perfectly matches her wild personality. She has large, expressive eyes that shift dramatically depending on her mood ranging from sparkly innocence to maniacal intensity. Her exaggerated facial expressions are a staple of the series’ comedy.
She wears the standard school uniform, but her animated gestures and extreme posture often make her stand out from the rest of the students.
Personality
Hanako is best described as wild, unpredictable, and fiercely energetic. She is constantly inventing new games, pushing boundaries, and dragging her friends into strange competitions or antics. Her imagination is limitless, and her reactions often defy logic or social norms. She thrives on absurdity and doesn’t hesitate to humiliate herself—or others for the sake of a laugh.
Beneath her insanity, Hanako is shockingly capable she’s an excellent student, talented musician, and can display remarkable athleticism or problem-solving ability when needed. However, she rarely applies herself unless the situation somehow aligns with her chaotic interests.
Hanako is also extremely expressive and emotional, often overreacting to small issues or creating drama where none exists. Her childishness is matched by an uncanny awareness of her surroundings, making her both the source and victim of much of the series’ humor.
Role in the Story
Workplace Friend and Confidant: Saejima is introduced early in the series as Himuro’s cheerful colleague, someone who quickly warms up to others and helps maintain a light atmosphere at work. He becomes one of Himuro’s closest male friends and frequently checks in on him, especially when he’s flustered or unsure about his feelings toward Fuyutsuki.
Encouraging Himuro’s Romantic Growth: Throughout the story, Saejima serves as a sounding board for Himuro’s growing affection for Fuyutsuki. He teases Himuro playfully but also offers genuine advice, urging him to be honest with himself and take steps forward when the opportunity arises. His advice is often what pushes Himuro out of his shell.
Developing His Own Relationship: Saejima also shares a subtle romantic arc with Komori, a shy and gentle coworker. Their growing connection mirrors the main couple’s development in a more subdued way, showing the charm of everyday workplace romance. Saejima’s thoughtful and respectful approach toward Komori adds depth to his character beyond comedic moments.
Relationships
Yukiya Himuro: Saejima is Himuro’s closest male friend in the workplace. He often gives him advice, teases him affectionately, and supports him in his romantic efforts. Their easy rapport and trust form one of the series’ strongest friendships.
Mio Fuyutsuki: Saejima respects Fuyutsuki and enjoys her calm demeanor. He occasionally plays the role of a friendly observer in her budding relationship with Himuro, sometimes nudging things forward with casual remarks or humorous interruptions.
Komori: Komori is another coworker with whom Saejima shares a growing mutual affection. Their relationship is sweet and understated, showcasing his more considerate and gentle side as he takes care not to rush her or make her uncomfortable.