Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

花より男子 [Hana Yori Dango] #21

Boys Over Flowers: Hana Yori Dango, Vol. 21

Rate this book
Tsukasa's mother, Kaede, is back! Can Tsukushi really stay in the home of the woman with whom she is at war?! Kaede takes a new and vicious tack in her obsession to tear Tsukushi away from her upper class son. If Tsukushi can't be bribed, then maybe Kaede can destroy the lives of Tsukushi's friends! Tsukushi is forced to take extreme measures--but what course will she choose?!

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 1998

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Yōko Kamio

329 books330 followers
Yōko Kamio (神尾葉子) is a popular Japanese manga artist and writer. She is most famous for Boys Over Flowers (花より男子, Hana Yori Dango?), for which she received the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1996. Her work has been translated and distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Yōko Kamio readily admits that she had no intention of becoming a professional manga artist when she was young. Kamio originally went to secretarial school, but her love of drawing soon led her astray. She then eventually entered the professional mangaka field in 1989. In the following years, Kamio published Suki Suki Daisuki, Ano Hi ni Aitai, and Meri-san no Hijitsu in Margaret before she finally created Hana Yori Dango in 1992.

The Hana Yori Dango manga became established relatively quickly in Japan. Many people commended Kamio for her realistic portrayal of high school life and everyday violence through the Hana Yori Dango series. Although Kamio was initially surprised by the confessions of high school violence stated in fan letters, she realized that Tsukushi's fiery character served as a role model for much of Japan's youth and helped others cope with school violence.

Kamio watched as the success of Hana Yori Dango's 1992 début followed through with many more months on the best-sellers list. Voice CDs by SMAP and a live action movie about Hanadan charted the series success in the mid-1990s. By 1995, an animated series for Hana Yori Dango was already in progress and Kamio had also helped pick main leads for the anime show.

Hana Yori Dango ran in the Japanese Margaret magazine as well as the Korean Wink. The series has also been published in Japanese, Chinese, Cantonese, Thai, Korean, French, and English. The anime series has been broadcasted in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, and has also been licensed and released in the United States. Additionally, it was also recreated in a Game Boy Color game (only released in Japan) during the summer of 2001. With its ever-increasing popularity, Hana Yori Dango was then made into a popular live action TV series in Taiwan titled Meteor Garden. The manga series finally ended in Margaret's August 2003 issue, and the 36th tankōbon which included the Akira special "Night of the Crescent Moon" was released in January 2004 as the manga's final volume.

While Yoko Kamio initially wanted Hanazawa Rui to be the main hero of Hana Yori Dango, due to the outstanding personality of Domyoji Tsukasa (and Domyoji also becoming more popular than Rui) she changed the hero role to Domyoji.

Despite Hana Yori Dango's success, Kamio had originally planned to end the series by Spring 2000. However, in February 2000, at a mangaka conference in Taipei, Taiwan Kamio announced that she would continue writing Hana Yori Dango. At one point, she got so wrapped up in the Hana Yori Dango storyline, that she confessed to having dreams about Doumyouji. Of course, she said that "Falling in love with a character that I created is just disgusting..."

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
509 (44%)
4 stars
373 (32%)
3 stars
211 (18%)
2 stars
42 (3%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Miss Ryoko.
2,704 reviews176 followers
April 1, 2013
Ugh, it's really disgusting that people like Kaede Domyoji exist. Why did she even have kids? Oh... I know... probably to produce an heir and because their first child was a girl, they had a second child and got lucky it was a boy. I know she's a fictional character, but I really want to tear her head off.

I was really bummed when I finished this volume because I had none left at my disposal, and I couldn't believe how it ended! And unfortunately I have to wait because of course the library by my house has tons of volumes in the 20s....but does it have volume 22? Nope... so I have to wait until it gets sent from another library.... I DON'T WANT TO WAIT!! Lol! It better get here fast!
Profile Image for Katelyn.
177 reviews116 followers
December 29, 2018
Tsukushi: “I’m not the kind of soft woman who needs to be protected by a man.”

Ugh, this volume is the absolute best and worst. While our girl Tsuki has shown she is more than capable of standing up for herself and the people around her, she still has A LOT to learn about who she is. The events that unfold in this volume are vital in Tsukushi’s ultimate growth as a character/person.
Profile Image for h.
513 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2021
It's interesting to see how much the author's art style has changed since the first volume of this. I still think this entire series is super problematic, but this volume was at least somewhat interesting and had a few cute moments.
Profile Image for Esther Carretero.
Author 7 books48 followers
May 16, 2020
Un tomo muy emotivo, con una antagonista que impone y realmente es implacable
Profile Image for daph pink ♡ .
1,381 reviews3,366 followers
August 11, 2025
Volume 21 moves the romance forward with more emotional vulnerability between Tsukushi and Tsukasa, but it’s still wrapped in the familiar pattern of misunderstandings and dramatic interruptions. What stands out here is Tsukushi’s internal struggle—her feelings are clearer, yet she still fears the gap between their worlds. Tsukasa’s persistence is endearing, but sometimes the drama feels manufactured to prolong the tension. The art, as always, captures both the comedic beats and heartfelt glances, making the volume engaging even when the plot treads familiar ground.

Profile Image for V.
74 reviews
July 30, 2018
A very very emotional ending for this volume. It was happy moments on the beginning and then Booom! Tragic as it may seem, they are too young to undergo in this kind of situations. Their love is so tried and tested.
Profile Image for Yura Lasari.
127 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2026
Pertama baca manga ini waktu umurku 10 tahunan - ikut membaca waktu kakakku sewa dari taman bacaan komik di dekat SMA-nya. Sebetulnya ini terlalu dewasa, sih, untuk anak SD haha. But anyway, dulu rasanya cukup menikmati karena karakternya goodlooking dan stylish. Alur ceritanya juga banyak yang membuat ngakak. Sekarang, umurku 30 tahun dan membaca ini cukup merasa terganggu di banyak hal: romantisasi abuse, violence, sexual harassment, institutionalized bullying, dan membangun mindset 'I can fix him' untuk remaja perempuan. Memang, sih, manga ini 'kan dibuatnya tahun 1992 - mungkin society memang belum seprogresif sekarang. Tapi jadinya menurut saya manga ini lebih cocok ditujukan untuk orang dewasa, ya, ketimbang remaja putri seperti shoujo pada umumnya.
-
Eh tapi, dari 19 volume sebelumnya yang penuh kekerasan fisik, kekerasan verbal, dan pemaksaan, rasanya mulai volume 19 ini tokoh-tokoh mulai lembut dan berani menunjukkan kasih sayang. Mungkin ini pendewasaan, ya.. Baguslah!!

Volume #21
Kaede, Ibu Tsukasa Doumyouji (ML 1) kembali ke Jepang dan ada di hotel milik Doumyouji Group! Tsukushi Makino (FL) kaget sekali dan cepat-cepat kembali ke rumah Doumyouji untuk mengemas barangnya dan kabur ke manapun (yang belum Ia pikirkan). Namun saat akan kabur, ternyata Kaede sampai ke rumah dan mendapati Tsukushi sedang bersembunyi. Kaede begitu marah dan mengusirnya, saat Senior Tama (kepala rumah tangga Doumyouji) mencegahnya dan berkata bahwa Ia akan bunuh diri bila Kaede memaksa Tsukushi pergi. (note: Senior Tama sudah mengabdi puluhan tahun pada keluarga ini dan orangtua Doumyouji berpesan bahwa Senior Tama adalah pelindung rumah tangga Doumyouji yang harus dihormati dan dilindungi sampai akhir hayatnya di rumah itu).
Mendengar hal itu, Kaede terpaksa mengalah pada ancaman Senior Tama. Namun di balik itu, Kaede sudah menyusun rencana untuk menghancurkan hidup Tsukushi dengan cara-cara keji lainnya - salah satunya mulai membuat bangkrut sahabat Tsukushi satu persatu..
Profile Image for Zahra.
168 reviews7 followers
April 21, 2018
Les presento el tomo Rompecorazones 2000, ¿creías que las cosas iban bien entre Makino y Domyoji? ¡No te preocupes, la dama de hierro llega para poner las cosas en su sitio!
Moviendo unos hilos hace que Makino renuncie al hombre de oro mintiendole en la cara diciendo que nunca le quiso, sí, prepara los pañuelos porque esa escena bajo la lluvia te parecerá seca en comparación con tu cara llena de lágrimas.
Además, de regalo le incluimos una declaración de Makino, la cual se hace a si misma, Oh dios mío, resulta que en el fondo sí que quería a Domyoji, pero para esta pobretona con clase la amistad va siempre delante del amor ¿Que les deparará el futuro?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nadina.
3,256 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2019
I loved the emotion and connection between the two characters in this volume. I like how they seemed to get closer. I also liked how supportive Tama the housekeeper was.
The pace was good and the plot of the series is progressing well.
I enjoy this series in general. I do prefer the kdrama version, but this is growing on me and I do enjoy it.
Profile Image for Mafer.
216 reviews
September 4, 2021
No sé si es uno de mis tomos favoritos, pero estuve cerca de llorar cuando Tsukushi y Tsukasa se separan. Realmente fue bastante emotivo, no pensé que pudiera sentir tanta emoción con solo ver unos dibujos.
1,185 reviews48 followers
Read
June 15, 2024
It is so hard to get Tsukushi's inner monologue... She finally admits to herself, on the very last page of this volume, that she loved Tsukasa 😭

And I bet that once there is another small break between this drama and the next one, she will be back to retconning her feelings...
Profile Image for Yawenda.
80 reviews
May 11, 2020
damn. that was an emotional rollercoaster.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
104 reviews
June 12, 2021
Umm..Woow 😔 j’ai un peu les larmes aux yeux 🥲🥺 je croyais pas que j’allais être si triste pour eux weshhh c quoi cette mère de merde elle m’énerve esti😠😒 anyways Tama c la best 😭🥲
Profile Image for Taya.
469 reviews16 followers
December 10, 2022
She finally admitted her feelings to herself😮‍💨
Profile Image for Raechel.
1,185 reviews
January 29, 2023
Things are intense now that Tsukasa's mother is home. The two teens must learn who and what is important to them. My poor heart was racing the whole time.
Profile Image for Astrid Dominguez.
11 reviews
October 4, 2023
Esa parte en la que derrama el té a la vieja bruja... y la despedida, es peor aquí que en cualquier versión, porque aquí le dice la razón... el mejor hasta ahora de todos los tomos
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
690 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2025
A distanza di tanti anni, per la madre di Tsukasa continuo a provare solo tanto, tanto odio. Che personaggio ripugnante!
Profile Image for Brenna B Greene.
114 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2026
5/5

I think Yoko Kamio's artwork is progressing for sure. It's especially noticeable in this volume (in my opinion).
Profile Image for Florence Mullot.
Author 1 book12 followers
September 28, 2024
On reste sur une bonne lancée, et cela fait vraiment plaisir. On reste toujours dans une trame avec des obstacles qui continuent à empêcher Domyoji et Tsukushi d'avoir une relation plus approfondie, mais il y a clairement une ambiance plus shojô où les problèmes rencontrés paraissent plus réels. Donc c'est un grand mieux.

Le retour de la mère de Domyoji ne pouvait qu'annoncer des ennuis. C'était inévitable, et nos deux héros se cachaient un peu la face en pensant que parce qu'elle était aux Etats-Unis, elle n'était pas un problème à prendre en compte. Et la marâtre n'y va pas avec le dos de la cuillère. le souci, c'est qu'elle agit comme un monstre, et le mot est faible. Je veux dire un adulte qui s'en prend à une enfant, ça n'a rien de glorieux. Un adulte qui prend plaisir à détruire la vie d'autrui en jouant avec eux, c'est pathétique à souhait. Et Tsukushi le lui fait bien comprendre. L'altercation est verbalement violente, mais je ne pense que l'on puisse raisonner ce genre de psychopathe. Avec le recul, on ne peut que comprendre le comportement de Domyoji. le comportement de nos parents est un socle sur lequel on se construit après tout. Ça n'excuse pas tout, car le jeune homme est presque un adulte, et il devrait pouvoir penser par lui-même à présent, mais nous le comprenons mieux.

Bien entendu, autant l'avant confrontation a quelque chose de mignon car Tsukushi trouve des alliés en Tama, un sacré bout de femme qui me fait bien rire, et Domyoji qui est prêt à la protéger. le hic c'est que malgré leur bonne volonté, ils ne font pas le poids face à la mère de ce dernier. Et bien évidemment, cela a des conséquences.

C'est un élément perturbateur des plus classiques surtout dans une histoire avec des différences de classes, mais un élément perturbateur assez décisif. L'histoire aboutit souvent à un choix entre famille et l'être aimé. Je ne doute pas que l'un comme l'autre vont rebondir, et j'espère mettre un bon revers à la marâtre, mais ce ne sera probablement pas facile à voir. Mais j'ai hâte de voir comment cela va se dérouler. Qui l'eut cru ?
Profile Image for Lauren.
3,683 reviews143 followers
May 3, 2013
There was something in the way all of the characters came together that I found irresistibly compelling about this series. It did remind me a lot of Ouran while I was reading it and maybe that is why I liked it so much. Tsukushi is an interesting protagonist, I loved when she started taking action and sticking up for herself.

While I wasn’t overly fond of the artwork style I was able to get past it because I my love for the storyline. This is an honest story with twists and turns, ups and downs, but then again that is real life.

I would really recommend watching the anime too!
Profile Image for Touloulou.
391 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2013
Je relis la saga Hanadan et j'en oublie de dormir la nuit...
A partir de ces tomes-ci commence la meilleure partie !
Profile Image for Danyka.
411 reviews27 followers
May 2, 2013
I'd watched and liked the anime version when I was still a kid.

For now, I got no plans for buying a copy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 35 reviews