Naruko Anjou, better known by her nickname Anaru, plays a central role in the beloved anime series Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. As one of the main characters, Anaru is introduced as a high school student and longtime friend of the protagonist, Jinta Yadomi. Right from the start, she comes across as gentle and reserved—someone who often second-guesses herself and finds it hard to speak up about what she truly feels. In many ways, Anaru tends to follow the group rather than lead, driven by a deep need to belong and be accepted. This desire sometimes leads her to make choices that aren’t necessarily in her best interest, but they reflect her inner longing for connection.

Throughout the story, Anaru’s journey becomes increasingly intertwined with Jinta’s emotional arc, especially as he deals with the lingering presence of their late friend, Menma. Watching him struggle pulls something out of Anaru—something deeper. Over time, she begins to face her own fears and insecurities, slowly learning how to open up and share her emotions more honestly. And as her bond with Jinta deepens, so do her feelings for him, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. It’s not just friendship anymore; there’s affection, tension, and unspoken longing that makes every interaction between them feel meaningful.

What makes Anaru such a compelling character is how real she feels. Her growth mirrors the messy, emotional process of growing up—the kind filled with self-doubt, heartache, and small victories. She embodies the challenges of adolescence, showing viewers that personal development isn’t linear, but it’s always worthwhile. Fans of the series often find themselves drawn to Anaru because of this authenticity. There’s a quiet strength in her vulnerability, and her evolution throughout the show is both touching and inspiring.

In fact, Naruko Anjou—or simply Anaru, as most fans know her—is essential to the emotional core of Anohana. Without her presence, the group dynamic wouldn’t be the same. Her ability to care deeply, even when she’s hurting inside, speaks volumes about her character. The way she matures over the course of the series highlights the power of reflection, empathy, and human connection. For many viewers, Anaru represents the journey toward self-acceptance—a path that’s difficult, but ultimately rewarding.

When looking at personality frameworks, Anaru fits well within the ESFJ type—Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. This makes sense when you think about how much she values harmony in relationships. Anaru genuinely wants people around her to be happy, often putting their needs ahead of her own. She’s attentive to emotions, quick to offer comfort, and consistently shows up for her friends, even when she’s struggling internally. Conflict makes her uneasy, so she’ll go out of her way to keep peace, sometimes at the cost of her own voice.

As an ESFJ, Anaru also brings practicality and reliability to the group. She notices details others might miss and has a natural instinct for organizing things—whether it’s planning a hangout or trying to cheer someone up. But like all ESFJs, she isn’t immune to stress. When overwhelmed, she can become emotionally drained, especially when balancing her desire to help with her need for personal space. Still, her dedication never wavers, and that loyalty is one of her greatest strengths.

From an Enneagram perspective, Naruko Anjou clearly resonates with Type 2—the Helper. Her actions are often motivated by a deep need to be loved and appreciated, particularly by Jinta. She pours energy into supporting others, hoping it will earn her a place in their hearts. This is especially evident in how she handles her crush on Jinta; she longs for his attention and affection, yet hesitates to express her feelings directly, fearing rejection or being replaced. Moments where she feels sidelined trigger jealousy and insecurity—emotions that stem from her fear of abandonment.

Still, Anaru’s helper nature isn’t just about seeking validation—it’s also a form of protection. By focusing on others, she avoids confronting her own pain. Yet, through the events of the series, she gradually learns to value herself beyond what she can do for people. That shift is subtle but powerful, marking a turning point in her growth.

So, whether you’re analyzing her through MBTI or Enneagram lenses, Naruko Anjou—Anaru—stands out as a deeply empathetic and relatable figure. While these personality models aren’t perfect, they do help illuminate why Anaru behaves the way she does. At her core, she’s someone who cares intensely, loves quietly, and grows steadily. And that’s exactly why so many fans hold her close to their hearts.