Kuroneko Tokidoki Hanaya

Hinata Kiyoka is heartbroken over the death of her husband, Koki, who died in a freak accident one year after their marriage. Some circumstance results in her being put in charge of ‘Neko no Hige’, a small flower shop and cafe, on a temporary basis. True to its name, the cafe has a black cat called Kumi-chan. Nearly all the customers who come to the cafe are there with the intent of seeking Kumi-chan’s counsel. Because her predictions have a hit rate of close to 100%, there is no end to the customers with problems. One day, Kumi-chan gets possessed by Koki’s spirit, and a love triangle develops between Kiyoka, the black cat and Takumi, a part-time employee who has feelings for her.

Directed by —, Kuroneko Tokidoki Hanaya leans on a strong ensemble — Airi Taira, Shosuke Tanihara, Kento Hayashi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2013.