Haikara-san ga Tooru

Set in the 1920s, Haikara-san ga Tooru is the story of the high-spirited tomboy Benio and her relationship with a handsome half-German soldier named Shinobu. Benio is a very outgoing and athletic girl with firm ideas about being able to live her life as she wants to. When she first meets Shinobu, she dislikes him intensely, even though he manages to help her out of a series of embarrassing mishaps. She is therefore surprised when she finds out that she has been forced into an arranged marriage and that her husband-to-be is none other than Shinobu! The story then has many twists and turns, as Shinobu has to fight in the war, Benio has to wrangle with the idea of getting married, and getting along with her future in-laws and employer. Meanwhile, the great Kanto earthquake looms in the future...

Hanamura, Benio Main

Yokozawa, Keiko Japanese

Ijuuin, Shinobu Main

Mori, Katsuji Japanese

Aoe, Tousei Supporting

Inoue, Makio Japanese

Fujieda, Ranmaru Supporting

Sugiyama, Kazuko Japanese

Ushigorou Supporting

Masuoka, Hiroshi Japanese

English Teacher Supporting

Mizutori, Tetsuo Japanese

Ohikizuri-san Supporting

Yoshida, Rihoko Japanese

Primadonna Supporting

Matsukane, Yoneko Japanese

Female Teacher Supporting

Ootori, Yoshino Japanese

Shuran, Douji Supporting

Kimotsuki, Kaneta Japanese

Yokota, Kazuyoshi Director, Episode Director

Szczepanski, Vincent Script

Matsuura, Johei Storyboard

Takagaki, Kouzou Storyboard

Reviews

Jan 25, 2026

ongsanity433

Recommended

Though the comedy was old-fashioned, I still loved the plot. I think this anime is a gem, and it’s a shame it was cut short. I also can’t find a translated version of the manga.

It did have some annoying parts, such as how Benio initially came off as a spoiled brat. Her henchman was never paid, and aside from her guts, she didn’t seem to have the smarts needed to survive in the outside world.

However, as the story progresses, these flaws become more bearable. You start to take things as they are and realize that Benio isn’t just a total nutjob. Despite being short-tempered, she’s ... actually kind and helpful to those in need.

I also loved the many plot twists. While I wanted the main characters to just hook up already, the slow build of their relationship made the series all the sweeter. That’s why it was especially unfortunate that the ending felt so abrupt, simply because the series was cut short.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Feb 22, 2023

Panda_Roll

Recommended

I watched this anime growing up in the 90s. I might be a bit bias since I watched the Arabic Dub of it not the sub.
Haikara-san go Tooru was known as Benio in the arabic Dub and as "here comes miss modern" in Japanese.


Plot = 9/10

In 1920 the young Benio has an embarrassing encounter with the VERY handsome army lieutenant Shinobu Ijuin. Between that, her classmate whispering in her ear about being a "modern woman" and her father announcing that he arranged her marriage to this stranger and that she must leave her home to leave with him... well she rebelled ofcourse.

The entire plot ... is about the clash of the old ways and the new with Benio's fiery personality reflecting it. The uncertain times that japan was going through and how to adapt as well as how the role women played changed during that time period. It weakens near the end of the show as the war and it's aftermath roll in though.

Characters = 8/10

There is nothing new here. The characters are very stereotyped for Shoujo manga (which this is based on). They are however true to type and act according to it.
Benio is the standout, although fiery and extroverted tomboy her youth makes her mailable and easily influenced by those around her.
The side characters all have their classic parts. The childhood friend that loves her but it's one-sided. The elegant classmate that she is admires. The... servant that treats her like a mafia boss???
Even within their established roles they all have their own personalities and motives which keeps things interesting.
The only that doesn't is Ijuin, the love interest. His role is to look pretty... that's about it. Even then the anime dives into his background to explain why he's like that with little character moments throughout that endear him to the viewer.

Animation and art = 8/10

This was made in the late 70s and it shows. Animation is a bit choppy at times however the style and character designs are distinct and very expressive.

Music and sound = ???/10

Again I watched the arabic dub. the theme song was literally "Benio, Benio, how cute she is. Everyone that meets her is happy!" Repeat till the credits end...

Overall = 8/10

This show is such an under appreciated gem and deserves more recognition as a classic. The animation is dated but still charming.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Aug 3, 2024

Zigizmund

Mixed Feelings

Haikara-san ga Tooru — this is not just an interesting story, but also a sincere and touching drama filled with love, humor and struggle for one's own ideals. Due to its originality and atypical heroine for the genre, this anime deserves special attention from both fans of the shojo genre and those who love good drama and historical context.

This is an old and very atypical animation work in the shojo genre, which impressed the audience with its unique heroine and the vibrant atmosphere of the Taisho era. At first glance, this anime may make you expect the typical love twists and turns and sweet moments ... peculiar to the shojo genre, but it demonstrates much more, thanks to its rich characters and elaborate historical background.

The main character, Benio Hanamura, is the embodiment of the Japanese "modan garu": She is brave, independent and defies established traditions. Since Banio's mother died when she was still a baby, her father was engaged in her upbringing, which significantly influenced the formation of the girl's character. Benio is the personification of a headstrong and audacious nature, which is considered atypical for most of the heroines of shojo anime. She wears Western dresses, drinks sake, does kendo and loves adventures.

Each character in the anime complements the unique atmosphere and depth of the narrative. For example, Benio's friend and love interest is officer Shinobu Izumizo, who, despite his noble birth and military discipline, respects the freedom and determination of the main character. This one unfolds into a controversial story that the viewer likes, where old traditions and a new, rapidly changing time collide.

Anime gives you a unique opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of the Taisho era, watching the bright and colorful characters and their experiences. Each episode opens up new facets of Japanese culture and traditions, showing how the characters adapt to changes and preserve their identity.

It should be noted that animation, despite its expressiveness and unique style, is partially outdated and may seem somewhat rude to a modern viewer. Nevertheless, the drawing style perfectly conveys the spirit of the time and gives the series a special charm, creating a unique atmosphere of the era. The classic approach to the design of characters and backgrounds makes anime a real retro gem that is worth watching for all true connoisseurs of the genre.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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	Poll: Haikara-san ga Tooru Episode 3 Discussion Daviljoe193 - Jan 13, 2023	2 replies	by St0rmblade »» Oct 12, 2025 4:19 PM
	Is anyone planning on subbing this ? Rozalthiric - Jun 3, 2017	16 replies	by Hiroaki00798693 »» Sep 12, 2025 5:05 AM
	Poll: Haikara-san ga Tooru Episode 10 Discussion LastLuminescence - Oct 31, 2024	0 replies	by LastLuminescence »» Oct 31, 2024 11:22 PM
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