Yukari Hayasaka, the protagonist of Paradise Kiss, ends up engaged to Hiroyuki Tokumori at the conclusion of the series. This decision marks a significant turning point in her life, symbolizing her maturity and pursuit of a stable, self-determined future.
Yukari's Final Romantic Choice
At the series' conclusion, Yukari chooses a path that prioritizes stability and personal growth over the tumultuous passion she shared with George Koizumi. Her engagement to Hiroyuki Tokumori, a childhood friend and fellow student, solidifies her future.
Here's a breakdown of her final situation:
- Engagement: Yukari becomes engaged to Hiroyuki Tokumori, who represents a grounded and dependable partner. Their relationship offers a sense of normalcy and mutual understanding that was often absent in her dynamic with George.
- Future Plans: Following their engagement, Yukari and Hiroyuki plan to marry. They intend to go to the United States for their honeymoon, accepting an invitation from George to see his broadway costumes. This detail subtly indicates that while Yukari and George's romantic relationship concludes, there is still a continued, albeit platonic, connection between them, reflecting the profound impact they had on each other's lives.
- New Identity: After her marriage, Yukari Hayasaka would become Yukari Tokumori, signifying her new chapter and identity as a married woman building a life with her chosen partner.
The Significance of Her Choice
Yukari's decision to end up with Hiroyuki Tokumori is reflective of her personal evolution throughout the series. She began as a high school student feeling pressured by academics and societal expectations, falling into the captivating but chaotic world of fashion design and George Koizumi. While George helped her discover her passion and assert her independence, his unpredictable nature was ultimately not what Yukari needed for long-term happiness and stability.
Her relationship with Hiroyuki is built on:
- Mutual Respect and Understanding: Hiroyuki has known Yukari for a long time and understands her aspirations and struggles without the dramatic flair that characterized her relationship with George.
- Stability: He offers the steady support and reliability that Yukari seeks as she navigates her burgeoning career and personal life.
Romantic Endings of Key Characters
To further illustrate the romantic landscape of Paradise Kiss, here's a summary of the main characters' final romantic statuses:
| Character | Final Romantic Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yukari Hayasaka | Hiroyuki Tokumori | Engaged, planning marriage and honeymoon in the U.S. |
| George Koizumi | None (Focus on career) | Pursues his fashion career in New York; maintains platonic ties with Yukari. |
| Miwako Sakurada | Arashi Nagase | Remains in a committed relationship, a staple of the Paradise Kiss group. |
| Arashi Nagase | Miwako Sakurada | Remains in a committed relationship, deeply devoted to Miwako. |
| Isabella Yamamoto | None (Dedication to art) | Dedicated to her craft and supporting her friends; no romantic partner. |
Ultimately, Yukari's ending with Hiroyuki Tokumori underscores the series' themes of self-discovery, finding one's path, and making choices that lead to genuine contentment, even if they aren't the most flamboyant.
