In Nodame Cantabile, we follow Chiaki, Nodame, and a slew of other great musicians as they study at Japan’s most prestigious music school. Together, they learn to appreciate music and performance in a whole new light. They discover true romance, and figure out what they want out of life as they face many challenges in their pursuit of an artistic career.
The story is handled in such a mature, hard-hitting, and sympathetic ways. Nodame Cantabile, a romantic, musically-focused tale about ardour in and out of a relationship. Nodame Cantabile not just for instrumentalists, romantics, and music aficionados, but also for doubters, dramatics, and anybody who has ever experienced a passion.
It’s a relevant series with genuine characters, insightful language, and worldly themes of uncertainty, hardship, and infatuation. It’s as delightful and humorous as it is tragic and candid. This anime is well-structured, well written, and excellently developed.
The storyline has a true sense of purpose, there is genuine improvement in the characters. And there are just as many light-hearted, warm, cuddly, hilarious, and loveable moments to be enjoyed as there are dramatic twists, heart-wrenching drama, and eye-popping musical set pieces.
Table of Contents
1. Nodame Cantabile (2007)
- Episode: 23
- Aired: Winter 2007
Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist; not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Chiaki from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he’s grounded in Japan.
During his 4th year at Japan’s top music university, Chiaki happens to meet Noda Megumi; or as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life.
However, when Chiaki hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe at the kind of music she plays. To Chiaki’s dismay, Nodame moves into the apartment next to his and finds out that she is head over heels in love with him.
Nodame Cantabile tells the story of Chiaki and Nodame, as they not only learn to deal with each other, but learn lessons from one another as they strive for the top of the musical world.
2. Nodame Cantabile: Nodame to Chiaki no Umi Monogatari (2008)
- Episode: 1
- Aired: Winter 2008
Special lesson about Mine, Masumi, Chiaki and Nodame’s travel to Nagano.
Included with the 7th DVD volume.
3. Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen (2008)
- Episode: 11
- Aired: Fall 2008
Having been given the opportunity to study in Paris, Noda accompanies Chiaki to Europe as he strives to become the accomplished conductor he always dreamt to be.
4. Nodame Cantabile OVA (2009)
- Episode: 1
- Aired: Summer 2009
An OVA centering around the life of Yukihisa Matsuda in Paris with his jealousy of Chiaki who is now a successful conductor also working in Paris.
5. Nodame Cantabile Finale (2010)
- Episode: 1+11
- Aired: Winter 2010
The series continues the relationship between two aspiring classical musicians, Megumi “Nodame” Noda and Shinichi Chiaki, as students and after graduation.
There are DVD special episode taking place before Episode 1 of Finale. Focuses on Miki Kiyora making it to the final round of a competition in Paris.
6. Nodame Cantabile OVA 2 (2010)
- Episode: 1
- Aired: Spring 2010
An anime-original story written by Ninomiya Tomoko. This is an extra episode that falls between the end of Nodame Cantabile (Finale) and Nodame Cantabile Opera-hen.
It’s spring. Nodame is getting very close to graduating from the Conservatoire and Chiaki is keeping himself busy professionally.
