Forget A Sign of Affection, Horimiya Introduced a Character So Good That Even His Love Interest Wanted Him to Be a Red Flag

SUMMARY

• Itsuomi Nagi from A Sign of Affection has long been regarded as the "green flag".
• However, despite his overly compassionate demeanor, his relationship with Yuki feels dreamlike.
• In terms of this, Izumi Miyamura from Horimiya stands out for his empathetic nature in a grounded way.

Romance in anime has always been a melting pot of tropes, archetypes, and the occasional breakout character that redefines how relationships are portrayed. From classic tsundere dynamics to more complex portrayals of love and understanding, modern romantic anime has evolved significantly. Among these stories, A Sign of Affection and Horimiya stand as shining examples of how characters with depth and charm can elevate a simple love story to another level.

Izumi Miyamura from Horimiya is the epitome of the green flag | Credit: CloverWorks

Itsuomi Nagi from A Sign of Affection is a character widely regarded as the epitome of a “green flag”. However, Izumi Miyamura from Horimiya transcends the idea of being just a green flag; he’s an entire forest of positive traits; quickly becoming a fan-favorite not just for his layered personality but also for his dynamic with Hori. 

Horimiya: Izumi Miyamura’s complex brilliance

At first glance, the male lead of Horimiya, Izumi Miyamura appears to be the quintessential outcast: quiet, reserved, and seemingly unremarkable. However, as the story unfolds, he reveals hidden layers that make him one of the most charming and relatable characters in Shojo anime. His unconventional rebellious image symbolizes his struggles with self-identity and the judgments of others.

Miyamura and Hori’s relationship is somewhat weird but wholesome | Credit: CloverWorks

What makes Miyamura more than just a green flag is his multifaceted personality. He is not flawless like Itsuomi from A Sign of Affection; instead, his imperfections and growth make him deeply human. Miyamura’s relationship with Hori is built on mutual vulnerability and acceptance. His kindness is not an innate trait but something he chooses to embody despite his past traumas and insecurities.

Hori herself often teases Miyamura about being too good to be true, jokingly wishing he had a few sadistic tendencies just to make their relationship feel less ideal. Yet, it is precisely Miyamura’s authenticity; his ability to be both strong and sensitive, confident and self-doubting, that makes him an entire forest of positive traits in Horimiya.

The contrast between Itsuomi Nagi and Izumi Miyamura

Both Itsuomi from A Sign of Affection and Miyamura from Horimiya demonstrate what it means to be a great partner, however, they do so in contrasting ways. Itsuomi’s perfection lies in his unwavering patience and adaptability, making him the epitome of a supportive and understanding boyfriend. On the other hand, Miyamura’s appeal stems from his imperfections and the journey of self-discovery he undergoes alongside Hori.

Itsuomi and Yuki’s almost idealistic relationship in A Sign of Affection | Credit: Ajia-do Animation Works

Itsuomi’s charm lies in his effortless ability to create a safe and nurturing environment for Yuki in A Sign of Affection. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t just say the right things but backs them up with meaningful actions. However, while Itsuomi is undoubtedly a green flag, his perfection can sometimes feel almost unattainable; a partner who might only exist in an idealized realm of romance.

On the other hand, Miyamura’s journey through Horimiya resonates on a deeper level because it reflects the imperfect realities of love and personal growth. He proves that being a good partner isn’t all about perfection but about effort, understanding, and mutual respect.

Unlike Itsuomi, who seems almost too good to be true, Miyamura’s flaws and vulnerabilities make him feel real. His love story with Hori is not just about romance but about two people accepting each other’s scars and growing together.

A Sign of Affection and Horimiya are currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Written by Moumita Chakraborty

Articles Published: 416

Moumita Chakraborty is an experienced content writer with a deep love for the colorful world of the Japanese anime industry. With an attention to detail and a solid understanding of anime culture, Moumita creates engaging articles, and analyses that hold readers' attention. Her writing explores the complex plots and character arcs that represent the genre in addition to highlighting the most recent releases and trends. Moumita hopes to foster ties with other anime lovers and add to the growing fandom through her work.