Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern – A Charming Tale of Feminism and Love in Taisho Japan

1. Introduction

Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern (Haikara-san ga Tōru) is a classic romantic comedy anime set in Taisho-era Japan (1912–1926). Based on Waki Yamato’s beloved manga, this story blends humor, romance, and early feminist ideals through the life of an energetic and independent-minded girl. The series received renewed attention with the two-part anime film adaptation (2017–2018), which updated the art and pacing while retaining the charm of the original.

2. Plot Summary

Benio Hanamura is a 17-year-old high-spirited girl living in Tokyo during Japan’s modernization. Nicknamed “Haikara-san” (Miss Modern), she rejects traditional gender roles, prefers kendo to needlework, and dreams of marrying for love rather than accepting an arranged marriage. Her world turns upside down when she’s suddenly engaged to Shinobu Ijuin, a handsome and composed army officer. The story follows Benio’s journey of love, heartbreak, and self-growth amidst war, cultural change, and shifting values.

3. Main Characters

• Benio Hanamura – A bold and free-spirited girl who challenges norms with her sharp wit, big heart, and refusal to conform to traditional expectations.

• Shinobu Ijuin – A stoic and noble lieutenant in the army, unexpectedly betrothed to Benio, sparking a complicated romantic arc.

• Tamaki – Benio’s best friend, more traditional in manner but supportive of Benio’s ideals.

• Ranmaru – A young male actor who often plays female roles and provides comic relief and loyal friendship.

• Shingo Onijima – A tough journalist and feminist ally who plays a key role in Benio’s journey toward independence.

4. Arcs & Sagas

🎓 Taisho Schoolgirl Arc – Benio’s rebellious school life and introduction to modern feminism.

💍 Arranged Marriage Arc – The unexpected engagement to Shinobu and the evolving romance.

⚔️ War & Separation Arc – Shinobu goes missing in the Russo-Japanese War, leaving Benio to forge her path.

📰 Journalist Arc – Benio becomes a working woman and encounters the struggles of professional life and gender discrimination.

❤️ Reunion & Resolution Arc – Emotions run high as long-lost lovers reunite under unexpected circumstances.

5. Powers & Abilities

Though not a supernatural or action series, Benio exhibits:

• Unshakable Willpower – Challenging early 20th-century norms with relentless spirit.

• Sword Skills – Trained in kendo, representing her tomboyish nature.

• Social Intuition – Her courage and emotional intelligence help her navigate class, love, and cultural shifts.

6. Top Moments & Battles

💥 Benio vs. Tradition – Her battles with teachers, elders, and etiquette define her modern ideals.

👘 Benio’s Job at the Newspaper – A bold move into the workforce, rare for women at the time.

💌 Shinobu’s Disappearance – A tragic turning point that forces Benio to grow and find her strength.

🏯 Benio’s Reunion with Shinobu – A heartfelt climax full of romantic tension, sacrifice, and resolution.

7. Influence & Legacy

• A landmark shōjo manga from the 1970s that remains a feminist icon in Japan.

• Helped popularize strong-willed, independent female leads in shōjo anime.

• Part of a wave of anime exploring Taisho-era themes, paving the way for series like Sakura Wars and Demon Slayer.

8. Anime & Manga Status

• Manga: Serialized from 1975 to 1977, with 8 volumes (complete).

• 1978 Anime Series: 42 episodes, incomplete adaptation.

• 2017–2018 Anime Films:

  • Part 1: Benio, Hana no 17-sai (2017)

  • Part 2: Tokyo Dai Roman (2018)

9. Where to Start Watching?

🎥 Start with the 2017–2018 film duology – Condenses and modernizes the story with beautiful animation and faithful character portrayals.

📚 Read the manga – For a more complete narrative including additional character development and historical depth.

10. Anime vs. Manga Differences

• 📘 Manga: Offers more detailed arcs, historical nuance, and character insight.

• 📺 Anime (1978): Ended before the manga’s conclusion.

• 🎬 Films: Faithfully capture key moments but omit some subplots due to time constraints.

11. Movies & OVAs

🎞️ Haikara-san Part 1 & 2 (2017–2018) – Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi with character designs by Terumi Nishii (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), praised for their visual style and heartwarming tone.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🌸 Benio as a Symbol of Modern Womanhood – Represents the bridge between tradition and progress in Taisho Japan.

⚔️ Shinobu’s Amnesia (film version) – Seen as a metaphor for emotional distance and trauma from war.

📖 Alternate Ending Wish – Some fans imagine a version where Benio fully chooses career over romance, reflecting her early ideals.

13. Final Arc & Endgame

🏡 Reunion and Domestic Life – Benio reunites with Shinobu, balancing her ideals with love.

🌍 Benio’s Future – Though she embraces romance, she continues to embody the spirit of change in a rapidly modernizing Japan.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

🎭 Live-Action TV Drama (1979) – A Japanese television version aired shortly after the manga’s run.

📺 Cultural Touchstone – Often referenced or parodied in other Japanese media as an emblem of the strong “Taisho girl” archetype.

15. Ratings & Reviews

🌟 Overall Rating: 8.3/10

🎨 Visuals (Film Version): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)

❤️ Romance & Emotion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10)

🎭 Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10)

📚 Historical Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10)

16. Recommendations

✅ Watch if you love romantic comedies with strong female leads, historical settings, or Taisho-era aesthetics.

✅ Great for fans of Sakura Wars, Emma: A Victorian Romance, or Yona of the Dawn.

📌 A must-see for those interested in feminism in anime, romance with substance, and classic shōjo storytelling.