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Plenty of anime/manga blogs have probably discussed Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) or Tsukushi Makino quite a bit already. Tsukushi is one of the few characters in anime and manga who isn’t your typical dainty and demure shojo heroine. In fact, she tries to be the type of girl who keeps her mouth shut and doesn’t do anything to rock the boat at the beginning of the manga when she starts attending Eitoku Academy. Tsukushi is interested in keeping her head down and blending into the background. She just wants to get through high school without any trouble or hiccups. As we all know, life is never that simple.

Tsukushi gets thrust into the spotlight after she speaks up for a classmate who has accidentally offended the leader of the F4, Tsukasa Domyoji. Everyone is in awe and in fear of him and his crew. They are considered the super elite at the school, and someone would be considered a fool to cross the F4, mainly Tsukasa. Because Tsukushi decides to stand up for what’s right and not keep her mouth shut, she pays severely for this by being red carded––a dreaded mark that means you will be targeted by the entire student population’s awful abuse on behalf of the F4. In most cases, this is the worst thing to happen to a student at Eitoku. Many victims who faced this kind of harassment have switched schools entirely because of the humiliation and harsh cruelty.

While many victims before Tsukushi may have been successfully run out of the academy, Tsukushi herself refuses to surrender. She takes this brand of punishment the best way she can until she finally snaps and decides to give Tsukasa what is coming to him––a punch in the face and a declaration of war against him and the F4.

Tsukushi is an interesting shojo heroine in how she handles herself. She has a no-nonsense attitude, is brave to stand up against the worst of her bullies, and she fights back rather than take the crap dealt to her. Tsukushi isn’t a pushover and many are quick to realize this about her. She has an innate ability to not turn away from something that’s wrong, which is why she’s one of the strongest heroines in shojo manga. Tsukushi is also the first person to ever have the guts to stand up to Tsukasa and the F4’s nonsense. This actually earns the F4’s and Tsukasa’s respect, and they are intrigued by that spark she possesses.

Despite having those qualities, Tsukushi does have her own set of insecurities she has to contend with. At times she feels self-conscious about her looks and status among the elite classmates she goes to school with. Tsukushi knows she won’t ever quite measure up to them, and coming to that conclusion is painful in its own way.

Her vulnerabilities show more in Volume 11 of the manga when she has to compete in the Miss Teen of Japan pageant. Tsukasa’s sister Tsubaki is doing everything in her power to make Tsukushi a worthy contender in the pageant, but Tsukushi knows her chances of winning are slim when she meets all her competitors. She starts doubting herself and comparing herself to the other girls in the pageant with her. Knowing she won’t ever be the best at speaking English, pouring tea like a proper lady, or having the best fashion sense, Tsukushi is nearly overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of her shortcomings and her fear of becoming a failure. It takes a pep talk from Tsukasa to give her the encouragement she needs to press on further. He reminds her of what makes her unique and to give it all she has got.

The opening scene of the manga has Tsukushi remembering how as a little girl she wished to grow up and become a princess. Now that Tsukushi is older and reflects on that innocent wish she has made, she calls it her first great disappointment in life when reality came crashing down on her. However, she also comes to grips with having to become the person only she can be and no one else. The voice over in that first page is the set up for how Tsukushi realizes she’s a fighter and not a quitter. In spite of insurmountable odds that may be stacked against her, Tsukushi will keep pushing against them until she comes through to the other side.

This is why I really enjoy reading Hana Yori Dango because Tsukushi is the prime example of someone who will keep going in the face of adversity. Hardship and struggle doesn’t scare her. It toughens her up and she is able to realize what she is capable of. Somehow, Tsukushi will get through them all. It’s a difference between sinking or swimming in the harsh realities we call life.

I can relate to Tsukushi’s refusal to give up and having to face a good amount of struggle in her life. To a certain degree, I have faced my own share of struggles and hurdles in life. A lot of tears were shed and I wondered why I have to struggle so much. In the end, like Tsukushi, you have to keep going and not let life defeat you. I rather keep fighting than give up. This may sound cliche, but struggle does build character. By never giving up, you eventually see the fruits of your labor.

Tsukushi is the diamond in the rough who will shine brightest when she doesn’t lose her own sense of self-worth. As an admirable character in shojo manga, Tsukushi expresses the message of celebrating your individuality, embrace your shortcomings, and never wish to be anyone but yourself. You are you, and that’s a beautiful thing.