Find out more about Nozomi Entertainment's release of Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana) at http://www.nozomient.com Do you remember your first love? Fumi’s always had trouble connecting with other people, but her life has been especially tumultuous as of late. After a decade apart, fortune reunites her with her childhood friend Akira, who’s always held a special place in Fumi’s heart. But even as they rediscover their friendship, with the start of the new school year, Fumi becomes enamored with a tall, charismatic girl named Sugimoto. Fumi soon finds herself playing a balancing act, between her feelings towards Akira and her newfound desire for Sugimoto. Sweet Blue Flowers, also known as Aoi Hana, is the anime adaptation of the character-driven, coming-of-age yuri manga of the same name by Takako Shimura (Wandering Son). It features direction by Kenichi Kasai (Bakuman, Honey and Clover, Love Stage!!), animation by J.C. Staff (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Nodame Cantabile), and an opening animation sequence conceived by Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Penguin Drum). The series succeeded Ristorante Paradiso in Fuji TV’s NOISE timeslot and was also simulcast by Crunchyroll. In 2009, it was recognized by the jury of the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival as a recommended work.