Nodame Cantabile discussion

As per Moonphase, the prize-winning manga Nodame Cantabile is due to get an anime beginning in January 2007, as part of the Noitamina timeslot on Fuji TV (replacing Moyoco Anno's Hataraki Man).

I've not yet read the manga (which is being released by Del Rey, I believe, in the States?) about music students, but others like myself will be very interested to know that it's being animated by the team behind Honey and Clover, with the same director.

I've loved the sound of the story, so am greatly looking forward to seeing how the anime turns out.

[michaelwb]

As a fan of the manga, I'm all for it.

I'm really looking forward to this, and I'm curious to see how they adapt it.

[christianlf]

Awesome! I love the manga, so I can't wait for this.

[Lego]

[ QUOTE ]
Shinichi Chiaki is an accomplished piano student like his father, but finds that he is losing his passion for music as he watches his friends and contemporaries achieve their musical dreams while he cannot because of his own personal fears.

By chance he overhears a girl playing a piano piece that inspires him to continue studying music. After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Shinichi some how ends up falling asleep in front of someone's apartment. That someone turns out to be Megumi Noda, the very girl he heard play the piano earlier that day.

Nodame (as Megumi calls herself) turns out to be Shinichi's polar opposite. She plays purely from passion and teaches Shinichi that it does not matter where you achieve your dreams, but how you do it. Shinichi finds the inspiration to continue realize his dream of becoming a first class conductor while Nodame sets out to prove that music is not all about the notes you play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds interesting.

[Scaramanga]

Ahh this is fantastic news! And the Honey & Clover team working on it, just makes it doubly so.

And it's good to see a few people are actually fans of this excellent (albeit quirky) manga. In my local circle of friends, I don't know anyone who reads it, which is a shame.

[The Pirate Queen]

This is incredibly good news - the Nodame manga is one of the most interesting titles currently being released in English, as well as being extremely popular in Japan.

Of course, given the popularity of the manga in Japan, if the anime is even half so popular, it may just be priced right out of the R1 market. But...we'll see. I might be picking this up on R2.

[Lego]

Yep, J.C. Staff is doing the animation. This looks really interesting heh.

[bctaris]

Great news. One of the very few longer manga series I'm collecting, and enjoying every volume. This was natural with its popularity and unique story angle to be adapted.

Now to hope it get licensed.

[Helschadenfreude]

Saw the news on animenewsnetwork and was going to post it... but someone beat it me to it.. by a long shot. /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif

I'm happy! I can't wait for it to come out...

This is good news. Nodame is all about crazy piano skills and classical music, and the manga's big minus is that it doesn't come with a soundtrack. But the anime will, so it'll definitely offer a fuller experience. I wonder if they'll hire any famous pro musicians to record for the anime.

[Nork22]

So after watching all of the live action series and switching over to the animated version, how does it compare?

Well the animated version of the first episode felt rushed in terms of story. In some strange way, I felt that should have been something more with how Chiaki and Nodame interacted with each other. Especially when he went into her room to clean it up. Well, that's what I felt anyway and I really shouldn't be comparing it with the live action series.

Ah, and Ayako Kawasumi as Nodame really works. She even has her "Gyabo!" down right.

[Lego]

I had heard of the show before it aired(ala this thread and others), but I really knew nothing about it. I was taking a look through blogs and it had the Honey & Clover vibe(even down to the ending). I guess this is expected though as the same team is animating it. It still looks neat though, and I'm interesting in the two main characters.

[Lunacy]

Awesome first episode. Obviously, the H&C vibe is there thanks to Kasai Kenichi and JC Staff. The animation for the first episode was simplistic as far as background, but I can feel that Kenichi and JC Staff have more to offer and will surprise us.

Oh, yeah. Ayako Kawasumi is fabulous as Nodame. The last 3 lines of Nodame in the first episode is exactly how I had imagined Nodame before I even saw the drama or anime. Bravo to Ayako Kawasumi.

[Lego]

1-13-07 (10:32AM EST)---- Nodame Cantabile Debut Sets All Time Late Night Anime Ratings Record
The first episode of the JC STAFF TV anime Nodame Cantabile broadcast between 25:00-25:30 on Fuji Television Network, Thursday, January 11th. According to series production elements, the airing has logged the all time highest audience rating for a late night TV anime, netting a 5.4% share. The live action Nodame Cantabile drama has in the past nabbed an audience rating of 21.7% and an estimated 19 million viewers in one showing. Both adaptations are based on the musical comedy mangad by Tomoko Ninomiya. The past latenight anime ratings record holder was the George Morikawa manga-based Hajime No Ippo (Fighting Spirit) and its 4.8% share. That record has stood for 6 years. The achievement makes this series definetly one to continue watching in Japan and internationally for a possible licensing / localization fast track.

[TheGreenMan]

1-13-07 (10:32AM EST)---- Nodame Cantabile Debut Sets All Time Late Night Anime Ratings Record
The first episode of the JC STAFF TV anime Nodame Cantabile broadcast between 25:00-25:30 on Fuji Television Network, Thursday, January 11th. According to series production elements, the airing has logged the all time highest audience rating for a late night TV anime, netting a 5.4% share. The live action Nodame Cantabile drama has in the past nabbed an audience rating of 21.7% and an estimated 19 million viewers in one showing. Both adaptations are based on the musical comedy mangad by Tomoko Ninomiya. The past latenight anime ratings record holder was the George Morikawa manga-based Hajime No Ippo (Fighting Spirit) and its 4.8% share. That record has stood for 6 years. The achievement makes this series definetly one to continue watching in Japan and internationally for a possible licensing / localization fast track.

And we all know who will license this, don't we? Viz. I don't see anyone else licensing this.

[Pelianth]

And we all know who will license this, don't we? Viz. I don't see anyone else licensing this.

Actually I'd consider that fairly unlikely. Viz's parent companies shouldn't have any connection to Nodame, it's a Kodansha series and the manga is licensed by Del Rey. Viz normally only picks up anime they have some other relation to. I can't actually think of an anime that they've licensed (certainly not a recent one) where they didn't also have the manga and/or the series was produced by one of their parent companies.

As for the series itself, I felt the first episode was a little flat. I've seen the first two eps of the drama series and enjoyed them greatly though.

[TheGreenMan]

I love it. I went and found the lst volume of the manga last week in preparation for the show. Ayako is awesome as Nodame. Definitely a show I'm watching.

[Lego]

Strangely I think this might be a Funi license down the line.

[Lunacy]

1-13-07 (10:32AM EST)---- Nodame Cantabile Debut Sets All Time Late Night Anime Ratings Record
The first episode of the JC STAFF TV anime Nodame Cantabile broadcast between 25:00-25:30 on Fuji Television Network, Thursday, January 11th. According to series production elements, the airing has logged the all time highest audience rating for a late night TV anime, netting a 5.4% share. The live action Nodame Cantabile drama has in the past nabbed an audience rating of 21.7% and an estimated 19 million viewers in one showing. Both adaptations are based on the musical comedy mangad by Tomoko Ninomiya. The past latenight anime ratings record holder was the George Morikawa manga-based Hajime No Ippo (Fighting Spirit) and its 4.8% share. That record has stood for 6 years. The achievement makes this series definetly one to continue watching in Japan and internationally for a possible licensing / localization fast track.

Hmm.. Im not sure what the exact TV rating was for previous Noitamina titles, but I think NANA has Nodame beat in the late TV ratings department; I think NANA has gotten a little over 6%.

As far as Nodame getting licensed, I am truly hoping for Funi or Geneon. Speaking of Noitamina titles, ParaKiss & Ayakashi went to Geneon, and H&C (first season) to Viz. Isn't H&C also a Kodansha title?

[christianlf]

As far as Nodame getting licensed, I am truly hoping for Funi or Geneon. Speaking of Noitamina titles, ParaKiss & Ayakashi went to Geneon, and H&C (first season) to Viz. Isn't H&C also a Kodansha title?


No, Honey and Clover is Shueisha, hence the Viz connection.

[Sheena]

Liked the first episode so far. Nodame was amazing and the interaction between those two was really perfect.

I'd bet Geneon will get it. I'm semi-hoping it's not Viz honestly considering how inconsistent the quality of some of their releases is (and hoping their H&C one is a good one).

[something]

Hmm, so I decided I'd check this out when it was mentioned some of the H&C team was behind it. Watching episode 1 now, and the OP is pretty catchy. The conductor's "beard" in the first scene bothered me though =P

So, Nodame is weird, molests drunk neighbors, makes funny "surprised" sounds (PUGYA!), and sings songs about poop. I like her XD

Not totally digging the character designs, but they aren't bad either. And Nodame is cute enough, and that's all that matters. Kinda how I felt about H&C - not too into the designs, but Ayu was cute, and thus I had no real complaints.

[finished ep]

Well, that ep was q-u-a-l-i-t-y, and Nodame kicks serious ass. Her forthrightness is simply infectious, and she makes a great complementary opposite to Chiaki. Well, this first episode sure covered a lot of ground, so I worried this was going to be 13 eps, but ANN lists 23, so yay!

The H&C team works its magic again, apparently. Yet another show to add to the "watch asap" pile.

[Fencedude]

Anonymous

*blinks*

Eh?

[vanfanel]

Looking forward to this. I thought I had either missed it or that Saga's broadcasters had decided not to show it, but it turns out that it just doesn't start until Wednesday in Kyushu.

[Lego]

Yeah, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was watching Honey & Clover at first disarm hehe. Overall though I'm enjoying the show seeing that I knew almost nothing about it beforehand.

[mad_baker]

Yes that is write it is to be animated and the first eps is all ready out :P

[mrgazpacho]

Anonymous

*blinks*

Eh?

The Forum software changeover did a few odd things

[something]

Yes that is write it is to be animated and the first eps is all ready out :P
Keep in mind that the initial post was made in August last year, when it wasn't out.

Maybe a mod can change the subject line now though, to Nodame Cantabile Discussion thread. Think I'll put in that request.

[something]

Going to try and keep a tally for each episode on what weird noises she makes:
Ep 2 - Gyabo! Goa! Gyapi! Mukya! Moga! Gyaho! Hau! Mugya!

- Ryutaro plays... electric violin o_O Well, that's novel, I guess.
- I think Nodame is going to exhaust all the possible combination of the Japanese syllabary before episode six.
- Feh, Nodame is so much cuter than Saiko.
- Nodame is the least emotionally guarded character ever. Anything she feels is instantly and fully transmitted to her mannerisms and expressions. It's pretty weird to see, but somehow... so very refreshing. She hides nothing. She doesn't even seem capable of hiding anything.
- HAH! I just launched into a coughing fit when Nodame says "It's called masturbation!!" This show is great in a number of ways, but so far the best is as a comedy. I'm sure drama will take over eventually, but Nodame just cracks me up enormously.
- I'm glad I'm not a classical music buff or anything. While it might add a layer of appreciation for the show, it might also have me picking out "hey that piece isn't as good as they're acting like it is" and such. Instead, I can sit back and in blissful ignorance go "Oh, they say that's really good... well I'll believe them!" Easier to suspend disbelief that way, heh.

[Lunacy]

Im definitely interested in a compiled list of the noise Nodame makes. :D Keep us updated.

As for episode 3, it introduces Masumi-chan. He adds another dimention of comedy for the series.

I truly love the insert song found near the end of episode 3 called "Nodame Rhapsody". Its a joyful jazz tune lead by a violin and piano with percussion. I don't own any of the MANY Nodame soundtracks out there already, but if Im going to purchase one, it would be for this song.

We get to see Milch in episode 4. Hehe.

[Nork22]

We get to see Milch in episode 4. Hehe.
Hah-HAO!!! Since I've never read the manga but seen the live action drama, I wonder if Milch will seduce Nodame. :D

[Danj]

Can anyone who's seen episode 3 tell me the name of the piece of music that plays during the scene where Nodame and Masumi are crying in the restaurant (around 15m39s in)? I'm sure it's a fairly common/wellknown piece (although I seem to think it's usually played on a piano) but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called.

EDIT: Nevermind, I asked around on IRC and apparently it is Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

[something]

Yeaaaaah kinda fell behind with this one. And I'm surprised everyone else did too, it was so highly praised around here.

Nodame Noise Tally (per-ep duplicates ignored):
Ep 3 - Gyabo! Npyu~! Gyapi! Mukya! Muki! Hoge!
Ep 4 - Hogya! GYABOOOOO! Mugi! Gyabon! Mukya!
Ep 5 - Mukya! (a really devious one too...) Gyapo! Muki! Gyabo!
Ep 6 - Muki! Bogya! Pokyu~[?] Mukya! Gyapi! Mukyu![?]

Ep. 03:
- I really went too long without my Nodame fix. I <3 her.
- Now she's being stalked/threatened by... a... well, whatever that pink shirted thing is supposed to be. Damnit Nodame, kick... its... ass!
- Here's hoping to god Masumi isn't a recurring character >_>
- Wow I had very little to say about that episode, but I liked it, despite Masumi. I guess the main point is that Chiaki is collecting a harem of idiots and slowly opening himself up and learning how to synchronize with others while creating and performing music. It's about time he realizes the importance of that, since he wants to be a conductor and that, in my completely musically uninformed opinion, is exactly what a conductor has to do.

Ep. 04:
- New character arrrrrrrrives. Prediction: He'll be the eccentric and overly strict new professor from overseas who drives Chiaki absolutely insane. He'll revel in this and break Chiki down before building him back up into a true conductor. He'll use Nodame as his weapon of choice in doing this to Chiaki.
- Nodame, such a dumb little puppy, she'll do anything for food <3
- Ok, now THIS is a new character I can get into. Crazy old man invites Nodame to a hotel with him. XD Chiaki of course gets jealous without realizing it and invites Nodame to sleep over... in his bed... with him :sd:
- Haha, ok, wow, I'm already proven completely wrong about Stresemann. [Well, his initial impression anyway, I'm sure the end result of my guess will be the same] His motivation is actually just to get laid by college girls and take revenge on Chiaki's teacher. :sd: And he's already banging the conservatory president. In a way that's... AWESOME. I do have a feeling he'll wear thin on me pretty fast though.

Ep. 05:
- She knocked him out cold! XD Nodame FTW
- Chiaki gets his first shot at conducting... Whee!
- Jealousy jealousy jealousy, all the guys are fine at the idea of Chiaki conducting, until the girls start fawning on him, that is =P
- *grope*
- And so Chiaki becomes Stresemann's unofficial student... so Stresemann can get laid XD
- Nodame PUNCH! I love how I totally can't tell the difference between when the music is "bad" and when it's "good", but I get the impression they're playing the same exact thing and we're just supposed to rely on what the character says... which, to be honest, probably works perfectly fine for 98% of viewers. I know it does for me :sd:

Ep. 06:
- Poor Nodame =( Someone invent an orchestra with a piano in it! I was to see her play more, she's so cute and intense when she does.
- I'm in love with Sakura already. She's cute and short and poor and Noto Mamiko and MOE! <3
- It's a bit harder to tally the noises in this ep because... how do I say this... it's a new... source... and they aren't... put into readable let...ters... >___>
- A cursed violin XD
- Nodame is a... 'companion' o_O Practicing her sex appeal...
- Stresemann is... a complete and utter bastard. :sd: But, Chiki gets his own orchestra!
- And Chiaki becomes a Napoleonic dictator again...
- I also get the feeling that's pretty much it for Sakura's time in the spotlight.


Definitely going to make the effort to keep up with this one like I do with Kanon and Geass and Manabi and Kyoshiro. It was nice to watch four episodes in a row, but this one is worth being on top of.

[BluWacky]

Yeaaaaah kinda fell behind with this one. And I'm surprised everyone else did too, it was so highly praised around here.

It's not as if no-one's watching it, I just don't think there's a lot to discuss about the show other than "Nodame is cute!". It's mostly fluff; most of the characters are charicatures, so there's no real emotional involvement for me in anything they do. I've watched as far as you have but it's not like I've got anything to say about the show, really.

Tallying Nodame's strange noise count isn't exactly a stimulus for discussion :D

[something]

It's not as if no-one's watching it, I just don't think there's a lot to discuss about the show other than "Nodame is cute!". It's mostly fluff; most of the characters are charicatures, so there's no real emotional involvement for me in anything they do. I've watched as far as you have but it's not like I've got anything to say about the show, really.
Yeah, but still, comments on the new characters, on simple plot developments, on changes in Chiaki ::shrugs:: It just seems like we've had interesting discussion of less "complex" shows before.

[leongsh]

It's not as if no-one's watching it, I just don't think there's a lot to discuss about the show other than "Nodame is cute!". It's mostly fluff; most of the characters are charicatures, so there's no real emotional involvement for me in anything they do. I've watched as far as you have but it's not like I've got anything to say about the show, really.
Yeah, but still, comments on the new characters, on simple plot developments, on changes in Chiaki ::shrugs:: It just seems like we've had interesting discussion of less "complex" shows before.
I find it disappointing that it's been this quiet over here. If you're interested, I'll chip in to discuss this show and its characters. There's actually quite a number of things to discuss with respect to the main characters, their development and growth. To just limit it to tallying Nodame's idiosyncratic sounds or how cute she is is such a waste.

The first 6 episodes were setup and from Episode 7 onwards it's been payback with each and every episode. By the way, I'm up to Episode 10 (the most recent episode broadcast) but I can slow it down to Episode 8 ;)

So, where do you guys want to start?

[guyver83]

GYABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Even I like this show and for those who know me Im not the biggest shoujo fan. I just found it funny and nodame cracks me up.

[something]

GYABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Even I like this show and for those who know me Im not the biggest shoujo fan. I just found it funny and nodame cracks me up.
Haha, wow, when I saw your name as the most recent post in this thread, I just yelled aloud, "Guyver!?" XD

But yeah, I promised to keep up with this, and I've fallen behind again anyway. Argh. Maybe I'll just wait until it's all done or something. Or more likely I'll just force myself one day to marathon a bunch of episode.

[masterpez]

Even I like this show and for those who know me Im not the biggest shoujo fan.

Nodame is shoujo?? (no pun intended) :blush: I guess I subconsciously classified it in my own unofficial genre, Music, in which case Beck and Nana are also a part of. I don't know....it's easier for me that way especially when music plays a big part in the show (again, no pun intended). :sd:

[something]

Nodame is shoujo?? (no pun intended) :blush: I guess I subconsciously classified it in my own unofficial genre, Music, in which case Beck and Nana are also a part of. I don't know....it's easier for me that way especially when music plays a big part in the show (again, no pun intended). :sd:
Wiki says: "It received the 2004 Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo"

So I'd say that's a yes =P But as I always say, don't let 'shoujo' or 'shounen' mean much to you, it's just an exceedingly broad way of classifying things. "Music" is indeed probably a better and more descriptive way to categorize it. Music and shoujo and comedy and romance and drama and so many other things.

[leongsh]

GYABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Even I like this show and for those who know me Im not the biggest shoujo fan. I just found it funny and nodame cracks me up.
That's the bottomline - you continue watching what you enjoy. It's not whether it's shojo, or shounen, or whatever general generic label pasted on it. And with regards to Nodame Cantabile, there's lots to enjoy.

Honestly though, I'm surprised that guyver83 is even watching this show :D

[something]

Honestly though, I'm surprised that guyver83 is even watching this show :D
I want to know how he even got into it! Did someone tell him it was about football, and then strap him down CWO-style and not let him go until he started liking it?

(Before anyone gets offended, he knows I'm kidding =P)

(Partially.)

[leongsh]

Honestly though, I'm surprised that guyver83 is even watching this show :D
I want to know how he even got into it! Did someone tell him it was about football, and then strap him down CWO-style and not let him go until he started liking it?

(Before anyone gets offended, he knows I'm kidding =P)

(Partially.)
I don't think it was that extreme :D

I hazard a guess that he found a new gal that enjoys anime and is particularly enjoying this show. He wants to impress her and watches it so that he knows what she is talking about but then found himself enjoying the show a lot.

[guyver83]

Honestly though, I'm surprised that guyver83 is even watching this show :D
I want to know how he even got into it! Did someone tell him it was about football, and then strap him down CWO-style and not let him go until he started liking it?

(Before anyone gets offended, he knows I'm kidding =P)

(Partially.)


hahaha actually no a friend of mine said bro you should watch this and said just give it 3 eps and if you hate it you can stop. So when i did watch the eps I just started to laugh at the time between Nodame and Chiaki (sp?). The words Nodame says are just hilarious and hey I like classical music too.

I'm working on EXPANDING my horizons :)

[something]

hahaha actually no a friend of mine said bro you should watch this and said just give it 3 eps and if you hate it you can stop.
Heh, good good, you must thank your friend.

I'm working on EXPANDING my horizons :)
Next up, Super Gals! =D Or maybe Full Moon, muahaah~

[bctaris]

Nodame is shoujo?? (no pun intended) :blush: I guess I subconsciously classified it in my own unofficial genre, Music, in which case Beck and Nana are also a part of. I don't know....it's easier for me that way especially when music plays a big part in the show (again, no pun intended). :sd:
Wiki says: "It received the 2004 Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo"

So I'd say that's a yes =P But as I always say, don't let 'shoujo' or 'shounen' mean much to you, it's just an exceedingly broad way of classifying things. "Music" is indeed probably a better and more descriptive way to categorize it. Music and shoujo and comedy and romance and drama and so many other things.

I thought the manga was predominantly josei (young-adult to adult women) though, anyway... Oh, well, as you say, doesn't matter. Especially not once it breaks over to anime.

Haven't been following this thread too closely, but interesting to see how well it's been holding to the manga. For anyone that has read the manga and is watching this, is there any meaningful divergence? (Or more than that, for the hell of it, differences with the live-action version.) I don't care either way, I'll be looking forward to this getting licensed at some point, I hope.

[christianlf]

Nodame is shoujo?? (no pun intended) :blush: I guess I subconsciously classified it in my own unofficial genre, Music, in which case Beck and Nana are also a part of. I don't know....it's easier for me that way especially when music plays a big part in the show (again, no pun intended). :sd:
Wiki says: "It received the 2004 Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo"

So I'd say that's a yes =P But as I always say, don't let 'shoujo' or 'shounen' mean much to you, it's just an exceedingly broad way of classifying things. "Music" is indeed probably a better and more descriptive way to categorize it. Music and shoujo and comedy and romance and drama and so many other things.

I thought the manga was predominantly josei (young-adult to adult women) though, anyway... Oh, well, as you say, doesn't matter. Especially not once it breaks over to anime.

It is josei. I made the same mistake before because of the award, but it's serialized in a josei mag. Whether it matters or not, :shrugs:, just a further affirmation of your point.

And yeah, Nodame kicks ass. I'm behind on the show, but I love the manga, so I really ought to catch up.

[christianlf]

I'm working on EXPANDING my horizons :)

Heh, you know it's all been downhill ever since you wore that dress that Halloween. Don't lie. :>

[leongsh]

I'm working on EXPANDING my horizons :)

Heh, you know it's all been downhill ever since you wore that dress that Halloween. Don't lie. :>
:D :D :D Yes, I'm one of those who saw those pictures before he took them down. Now, where did I save them..? :>

[KomoriKiri]

For anyone that has read the manga and is watching this, is there any meaningful divergence? (Or more than that, for the hell of it, differences with the live-action version.)

It's very close to the manga version. There are a couple of differences, mostly that the anime is dropping all the sequences that don't revolve around music for some reason. So far they've skipped a lengthy kotatsu-focused sub-story (half a manga volume was dedicated to this, which would have meant a full anime episode at the rate they're going) and a side stop at the beach before the summer music festival (only one chapter, IIRC).

The live action is much further from the manga. It shuffles things around a lot, and also leaves out some of the more character-focused story arcs. It did, however, pay more attention to the music.

Wraith
"It is much more comfortable to be mad and know it, than to be sane and have one's doubts."
-- G. B. Burgin

[bctaris]

For anyone that has read the manga and is watching this, is there any meaningful divergence? (Or more than that, for the hell of it, differences with the live-action version.)

It's very close to the manga version. There are a couple of differences, mostly that the anime is dropping all the sequences that don't revolve around music for some reason. So far they've skipped a lengthy kotatsu-focused sub-story (half a manga volume was dedicated to this, which would have meant a full anime episode at the rate they're going) and a side stop at the beach before the summer music festival (only one chapter, IIRC).

The live action is much further from the manga. It shuffles things around a lot, and also leaves out some of the more character-focused story arcs. It did, however, pay more attention to the music.

Wraith
"It is much more comfortable to be mad and know it, than to be sane and have one's doubts."
-- G. B. Burgin

Interesting, thanks. I hope the anime doesn't leave too much out of the tangential stuff, but I can, I suppose, kind of understand what they're doing.

If anybody knows, how long is this looking to run? (i.e. How much of the manga are they looking to delve into?)

[reddrake]

Boy.. I think this show was my biggest surprise for the season. I love this show.. It's Great. It's on my please license this list for sure.

[masterpez]

I just watched episode 11 this morning. I'm not really big into classical music, but I have to say, I was pretty touched by the nearly 10 minute long concert scene at the beginning of the episode. Yes....about 10 minutes of Chiaki playing the piano in Stresseman's orchestra. Although you can easily tell which scenes are CG, I do think it's pretty neat that they captured people actually playing the instruments to add some realism.

The rest of the ep delt with Sayako (I don't like her. For some reason she reminds me of Eva from Monster) and how she's always being compared to some girl who's a better singer in her class, and then Nodame, who was so touched by Chiaki's performance that she went to practice for several days afterwards and didn't take a bath or eat.

[leongsh]

I just watched episode 11 this morning. I'm not really big into classical music, but I have to say, I was pretty touched by the nearly 10 minute long concert scene at the beginning of the episode. Yes....about 10 minutes of Chiaki playing the piano in Stresseman's orchestra.
That classical piece is Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the most famous piano concertos in the classical music world. Whoever it was that played it to be used in this episode, it was quite well played. Been playing the first half of this episode a few times just to enjoy the piece :)

What you can see during the performance is that the rest were just stunned at how good Chiaki and the Stresemann-led A-Orchestra were playing, especially Chiaki playing the piano. A number had their comeuppance, like his previous piano teacher, Etou, and Saiko, who called him a loser right in the first episode :> His current piano teacher, Tanioka, who knew how good Chiaki really is, enjoyed the performance. The rest, like Nodame and Mine, were just stunned. For Mine, it was the realisation of how far ahead Chiaki truly is. Nodame was overwhelmed by the piano performance that she runs back to practice the piano as much as she could.

Nodame and the S-orchestra's performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in Episode 10 was fun and was a winner but in Episode 11, Chiaki's piano performance with the Stresemann-led A-Orchestra trumped them completely!

Although you can easily tell which scenes are CG, I do think it's pretty neat that they captured people actually playing the instruments to add some realism.
It's supposed to be the showpiece and they must have spent a lot money and time on this section. However, money and time are also limited and you can see that towards the end, they used a lot more static pictures :sd:

The rest of the ep delt with Sayako (I don't like her. For some reason she reminds me of Eva from Monster) and how she's always being compared to some girl who's a better singer in her class, and then Nodame, who was so touched by Chiaki's performance that she went to practice for several days afterwards and didn't take a bath or eat.
And seeing how the supposedly aloof Chiaki taking up the responsibility in dealing with Nodame really surprised Saiko.

[KomoriKiri]

If anybody knows, how long is this looking to run? (i.e. How much of the manga are they looking to delve into?)

Well, ANN has it listed as 23 episodes. Given the pace they've been setting, especially after the Rachmaninoff concert, I'd estimate they're going about the same distance as the live action did. In other words, just past the Maradona Piano Competition.

I'm just hoping they'll animate the Elgar scene. The live action skipped over it.

Wraith
"Most business plans fail. Obviously, success is not a realistic goal But the people who manage the most spectacular failures get promoted because of their experience."
-- Dogbert

[something]

So I'm a big fat liar, I didn't keep up with this at all. I kept thinking it was going to be 13 episodes, so I figured I could wait until it was done (especially since things really slowed down at the 'translation bottleneck' for awhile >_>). Then I noticed "Nodame Cantabile 14" and went, "Oh. Right. This... is not 13 episodes at all. Maybe I ought to... watch more of it." And so I am...

Episode 7:

- Ah now I remember where I was. Chiaki continues his reign of terror. Stresemann continues to be a complete tool. they're going to be competing at an upcoming concert. Nodame is cute (that I never forgot).
- Haha oh wow, all the Orchestra S musicians bawling their eyes out and running away from Chiaki as Nodame looks on disgusted is just gold.
- Space candy. :sd: So everyone starts playing well once they ignore Chiaki... he realizes this and faints.
- Heh heh, Chiaki is so embarrased~~ But he finally realizes that while they could play well under his instructions, they weren't playing with any emotion, and so it was just... foul. Uninspired, dead. This is what set him reeling. But after hearing Nodame play he realizes that he has everything he needs, if he can just give them some room to breathe.
- S Orchestra shows up at the subscription concert in tshirts, barely having slept, not even having bathed...
- And they kick ass~ Chiaki lets them run free, takes the stick out of his ass, and just ENJOYS conducting. And then... Nodame steals a kiss =D Which he wasn't actually asleep for... a "thanks" indeed, huh? God I love this show.

Episode 8:

- Stresemann is a strange, strange character. Generally his type is rough and uncarng on the outside because they're playing the "tough love" angle with their students/children/soldiers/etc, and in the end they always reveal themselves as having the latter's best interests in mind all along. They skillfully guide others towards victory and happiness from the shadows. ...But if he's supposed to be that kind of character after all, they're doing a good job throwing us off track most of the time. He's such an irresponsible, corrupt, lecherous person that it's hard to keep faith in his final goals. :sd: There have been some moments of course. Letting Chiaki conduct at all, for example. Then the smile he gave last episode when S kicked ass as the subscription concert. And yet... so many things he's done have been genuinely negative to the students that it's hard to figure out just what the hell he's really aiming for.
- Nodame in a bikini... I really don't know what to think of that O_O I'm so used to her being cute in a purely quirky way that when she's presented with sex appeal, it just makes my pants confused... :sd:
- Chiaki is crushing Nodame's head with a mouse cord XD
- Stresemann came to the school... to see the president? A marvelous piano player and once beautiful, apparently. But he didn't get to see her because she's been in the hospital. Meanwhile, even though Stresemann was a horribly person, Chiaki is depressed because he lost another potential master conductor as a teacher.
- Hah, so that's what it takes to get Stresemann giving a shit about the orchestra... a woman. :sd: The president finally returns from the hospital, and Milchy is sudden;y passionate about getting it right to impress her.
- And now he dumps Chiaki off conducting and back onto the piano, giving him a very difficult piece and no time to prepare. It gets harder and harder to see the hidden good behind his actions... but I'll still assume they gotta be somewhere :sd:
- Nodame is wonderful when she really gets into her playing. With her just being the "mascot" lately, we haven't been able to see her really go at it at all.
- Ah, jackpot. Stresemann knows he has no chance with the president, and more or less reveals that he's only staying in Japan for Chiaki, at the president's request... and in the process he found a strange yet talented girl he just can't leave alone...

Episode 9:

- Off to the music seminar/festival, with Nodame at an emotional low as she thinks about what would happen if Chiaki rises too far out of her reach...
- Wow, I know her anger is justified given the situation and Nodame's abysmal playing, but Nina Lutz is a biiiiitch~
- I'm enjoying jerky-lady, Elise, too. She's a good match for a nutjob maverick like Stresemann.
- Nodame is really in the dog house now. While I feel a little sorry for her, I actually think this is a kick in the ass that she's desperately needed. She's got genuis potential, but wastes it all pining away for a man. I think Stresemann sort of sees that, as if it were him and the president again, but with genders reversed.
- Chiaki, meanwhile, is really in his element. He's really a joy to watch right now, conducting the class of gifted musicians and created a fast and easy rapport with them. This is not the Chiaki we saw just 2-3 episodes ago. This is a good example of... what's it called... oh yes, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Done very well, at that.
- SCARY NODAME! MUKYA!
- Chiaki just rises... and rises... now he has a journalist obsessed with him, he has the admiration of the masters at Nagano, the confidence of someone who has performed successfully repeatedly... he's just going to a new level, and everyone will be left behind. And so Nodame studies, and studies, and at the end of the festival plays a stunning (well, so we're supposed to believe, like hell if I can tell... it was neat though) piece that sends Nina Lutz into a frenzy. But before Lutz can find out who is playing the masterful piece, Nodame had left, and missed her chance at redemption... And with Chiaki thinking that it might be too late for her, this can only lead to bad things...

Three brilliant episodes in a row and I'm getting into a frenzy of Nodame Cantabile love right now. This show is just remakrable in so many ways... and so, ONWARDS!

Episode 10:

- Costume orchestra... well at least Nodame seems to be in better spirits for now. It wouldn't do for her to be depressed for too long. Granted, her larger problem hasn't gone away at all, but I woudln't want to see her dwelling on it constantly.
- Oh holy shit, Masumi just SNAPPED on the other conductor guy. That was... vicious.
- Mongoose o_O
- Right... Chiaki had a woman. I had completely forgotten about her. But it looks like she's making pretty good attempts at getting back on his mind. And this when his relationship with Nodame is at a new low, at least in terms of his respect for her as a musician, or rather his confidence in her potential. Let's see if S Orchestra's performance changes his mind a little.
- Woo, bravo S Orchestra. Their Rhapsody in Blue was a pleasure to watch/hear, and Nodame got a bit of the spotlight too, literally and figuratively. You did indeed try your best Nodame... and Chiaki saw it.
- But now it's his time on the stage, with the expectations going straight through the roof. I figure this will either be his big break (moreso than at Nagano), so he'll just screw it up and blow it all...
- And then Stresemann drops the bomb, right before the performance: he's leaving Japan for awhile after this. Ouch.

At least I now know what I'm replacing NHK with on my top 10 most wanted list. And not necessarily at NHK's #10...

Episode 11:

- Wow, just huge epic wow. Normally, most shows would throw in a couple notes, toss about some inner monologue, then cut to the aftermath. But Nodame Cantabile just gave us an EIGHT MINUTE classical piece in a 22 minute episode. Creepy cg-ish fingers and reused pans of the audience's faces and this designer's weird upside down mouths aside, that was awesome. Damn.
- Nodame plays like a woman possessed, but she isn't playing for her own enjoyment. She's playing to reach Chiaki, and that sort of goal will never bring out her true potential. Meanwhile, Chiaki tours Japan with the maestro on a journey of lechery and booze. And Saiko tries again to move in on Chiaki, but he's just not paying attention anymore. Not out of malice, or dislike for her, but simply because music is all that's on his mind.
- Ahaha, Nodame shows up at Chiaki's apartment while Saiko is in his bedroom (Chiaki thinking she'd left), and Chiaki tells Nodame to bathe and makes her food and... well, clearly this just baffles Saiko who sees a side of Chiaki he NEVER showed her. I imagine her wrath will come down swiftly, and unkindly, on Nodame... I guess we've explored the musical side of things a good bit in recent episodes, so perhaps the romance will take center stage for a little while? Still, they're both inextricably intertwined.

Oh god no I'm running low on episodes... I don't want this to end...

Episode 12:

- Nodame refuses to eat until Chiaki lets her play a concerto with him. The piece he played at the festival no less. Saiko is simply horrified that he not only agrees, but goes to school with her to play the accompanying part.
- They start playing and a crowd gathers outside the door as they launch into a piece overwhelmed by Nodame's eccentric style. Chiaki tries to keep up, tries to work her back into the correct flow of the music, but it's futile. Her style is powerful, fast, passionate, but it's not the piece... it's not what an orchestra needs, or can deal with. She's brilliant, but no proper orchestra can accomodate her. As Chiaki aska himsef: what is he going to do with her? Saiko, meanwhile, is not happy. Not at all.
- Duel of the bitchy opera chicks... this is going to get nasty.
- Chiaki gets (legitimately) angry at Nodame, who, after seeming so serious, is completely satisfied with just playing with him once. She shows no motivation to excel beyond that, to learn to play with a real orchestra, to improve herself... none of that seems to mean anything to her, and Chiaki is disgusted.
- I was wondering how they'd handle the whole second half of the show if Chiaki was about to graduate, but it seems like he'll be going there for graduate school as well. Since Nodame is still a third year, that's another year they can be together... here's hoping she gets her act together.
- Though, as she says, she just wants to be a kindergarden teacher. Ths blows Chaki's mind, and he rants at her about how she's wasting her talent and should shoot higher and... isn't that exactly what the journalists said to him, which he reacted so violently to? When he realizes this, he's just crushed. Who is he to berate Nodame, when he's the one who IS interested in music as a career, and yet can't take the necessary steps? Talk about a moment of self-discovery. Suddenly all his rage melts away, as he realizes he can't even account for what he plans to do in Japan, let alone others.

Episode 13:

- As everyone takes their graduation examps, Mine floats the idea of forming an amateur orchestra with Sagojo, Chiaki, himself and who knows who else. Chiaki completely stonewalls him though, and shows no interest.
- Mine asks a good question though: how else are you going to conduct, Chiaki? Chiaki has no answer though, and starts to take it out on Nodame, in his own weird way.
- Competition +1. I knew the concertmaster Kiyora from Nagano would have to show up again, and it seems she has. Nodame is going to have a hell of a time competing with a skilled and attractive girl like her, especially when she's already having a rough time with Chiaki and showing no interest in seriously pursuing music herself.
- She then floats the same exact idea Mine did... and he agrees immediately. Mine's ego, -1. Kiyora pitches a much more competent plan though, noting that most of the music festival musicians are still in contact, and that if he calls for them, they'll all gladly come. He even tells Mine he'll let him join if he can make A Orchestra in the upcoming auditions. Where will Nodame be in all this? Will this finally motivate her to learn to play piano with a full orchestra?
- Moe and Kaoru from S Orchestra make the final cut for graduation recital. Then it's Masumi's turn... and his piano partner is out to the hospital at the last minute. In steps Chiaki to save the day, and to become extremely impressed with Masumi in the process. He then invites him into his orchestra.
- This episode just convinced me that Moe and Kaoru totally didnt get enough screen time...
- Nodame runs into Saiko in the bathroom during the S Orchestra graduation party... and Saiko smacks her silly :sd: Nodame is drunk though, and instead embraces her with the power of yuri and says she smells good o_O And get smacked again.
- Chiaki gets pissed because he wanted to sing that silly karaoke song but kept getting interrupted... :sd: Anyway, nice Chiaki/Nodame scene at the end, as they dance angrily through the streets at 5am. Things seem to be working a bit better between them...
- Damn... new ED. There's no way this one can work as well as the other, especially not with the way the other one played over the ending scene of the episode before going into the ED animation. It just worked so well... oh well maybe this one will grow on me.

Episode 14:

- XD! Oh my.. Nodame wakes up to the sound of a ringtone, and answers the phone. Well, it's Chiaki's uncle, who demands he come home and bring his "girlfriend" with him. Chiaki had passed out in Nodame's room the night before, drunking under a kotatsu... Awkwardness will ensue~
- Yuiko, Chiaki's cousin (I'd assume), is so cute. XD But not so cute when she's projecting her evil aura of hate at Nodame...
- As expected, Chiaki's uncle is a bastard. Or well, just a bit too demanding. And he keeps sending hypnotists to try and cure Chiaki's fear of flying and sailing. And they all fail =P
- Wow, Yuiko and Nodame became fast friends, and are having fun breaking the house to pieces :sd:
- Yeesh, this is an unhappy family. I feel sorry for Yuiko... they should let her move in with Nodame!! ...Granted that might not be good for her health, but things are just falling apart at home. And they're so cute together >_<
- Oh god that's traumatizing... seeing Nodame looking sexy (she's actually prretty boobalicious...) in his mother's neglige... :sd:
- Nice, Chiaki agrees to play with Nodame~ Anything to bring music back to the house I guess. Works for me though, anything that gets Nodame back in the spirit of playing (and Chiaki into the idea of letting her into his orchestra) is good.

Well, thus concludes my 8 episode binge of Nodame Cantabile. It was... great. Just really, really great. Now I can say with confidence that I *will* really be keeping up with this show. It seems like the fastest station in Japan has only aired to 16, so I'm more or less caught up. I can't wait to see where it all goes in the end.

Oh and lest I forget: Gyabo! Gyapon! Gabo! Ukyu! Hoge!? Hau? Mugya! Mukya! Mukyuuu~ Muki! ---> 8 episodes are that about covers the unique instances of Nodame Sounds? They've been cutting back!

[leongsh]

Oh and lest I forget: Gyabo! Gyapon! Gabo! Ukyu! Hoge!? Hau? Mugya! Mukya! Mukyuuu~ Muki! ---> 8 episodes are that about covers the unique instances of Nodame Sounds? They've been cutting back!
I think it's a fair trade to have more classical music played in exchange :) Especially the nicely played 8-minute excerpt of the first movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in Episode 11.

Episodes 15 and 16 move on to the next stage of Chiaki's development as the orchestra comes together and rehearsing. Nodame is facing a major turning point too. Nodame Cantible is one of the more enjoyable shows out there. One that I follow closely as each episode is broadcast in Japan.

[KomoriKiri]

- Wow, I know her anger is justified given the situation and Nodame's abysmal playing, but Nina Lutz is a biiiiitch~

Just a quick comment, but this scene didn't translate very well to the anime. In the manga, Nina is speaking English, and Nodame doesn't really understand her very well. Nodame's responses to Nina's questions are... not very appropriate. This is why Nina gets so angry. Nodame sounds like she's purposefully blowing the whole seminar off.

Wraith
I have not yet begun to procrastinate

[something]

Just a quick comment, but this scene didn't translate very well to the anime. In the manga, Nina is speaking English, and Nodame doesn't really understand her very well. Nodame's responses to Nina's questions are... not very appropriate. This is why Nina gets so angry. Nodame sounds like she's purposefully blowing the whole seminar off.
Hmm, it feels like they tried to convey that a little, but yeah it didn't really come across since she was indeed speaking Japanese in the anime.

[something]

::sigh::

I really really wanted to keep up on this, but I also wanted to stick to my source. Unfortunately that has failed me, and so with my willingness to stick it out finally eroded, it's time to switch and marathon the next bunch I was waiting on.

Episode 15:

- ::starts watching:: ...Arrrrgh I think this is in Italian >_< ::goes to watch something else while he corrects the mistake:: -- Note: That was like two weeks ago, and this has been sitting in notepad since then. I went off to watch Gakuen Alice and then didn't get back to this :sd: Well, problem solved, here I go~~~

- Oh how I missed this show. I really wish they'd drop the CREEPY CG FINGERS though. They're distracting in addition to just looking really bad. Still, Nodame and Chiaki's performance softens emotions in the household, just like magic. I can barely remember what the problem was after all this time, but it doesn't matter =P
- As they're getting ready to leave, everyone tells Nodame she should be a professional pianist. She insists she'll be a teacher, but... They all slap that dream away pretty ruthlessly, telling her she'd make a terrible teacher. :sd: She's more than a little angry at this. Chiaki believes that she could be incredible, but talent alone isn't enough. You have to want it, and Nodame doesn't. As much a he'd love to pull her up with him, she's going to ave to decide the crucial things on her own.
- Fast forward to April. Chiaki meets with Kiyori and two other core members of the orchestra he's trying to put together. They start going over a list of other potential members when he gets a text from Mine: "I got into A Orchestra, you bastard!" XD Looks like Mine is in Chiaki's orchestra now too.
- Interesting things are happening on the Nodame front as well. Her teacher, Tanioka-sensei, swapped with Etou-sensei, a must stricter teacher. He specially requested Nodame, and is making it a personal goal to bring out the incredible pianist that's hiding within her. He's best known for the harisen (large paper fan) he carries around, and at one point (Mojya Mojya song :sd: ) he wacks Nodame with it.
- This would be normal enough for Nodame (she's always getting whacked around) but she has a bit of a flashback to someone hitting her before and yelling "Why won't you play it like I tell you to?!" and she snaps, bitches him out, and pleads with Tanioka to come back. He refuses her.
- Chiaki is busy holding a big party for his new orchestra members when Mine gets a call about Nodame acting... very weird. Moreso than normal. And Chiaki seems concerned...

They packed a lot into this episode. I'm impressed.


Episode 16:

- Chiaki holds his first practice session with the orchestra, and is really impressed. Back home, Nodame seems to be her usual self, making Chiaki wonder if his feeling last episode was wrong.
- But it turns out she's just skipping lessons and running away from reality. As Chiaki confronts her about this when she comes to bring refreshments to the orchestra practice, Kuroki (Chiaki's main oboe player) meets her and... sort of falls in love :sd:
- And Mine makes a pass at Kiyori. And another guy gets a call from his girlfriend. And with love in the air, their dull silver Mozart turns into a pink Mozart. I don't know if Chiaki is happy or not :sd:
- Kuroki meets Nodame again later on, and falls even more in love. Nodame spends most of her time running from Etoh-sensei. For his part, he runs into Chiaki and begs him to help rein in Nodame. Chiaki comes up with a plan where they use Puri Goronta figures to lure her into the classroom, and then Etoh begs her not to leave. He gets rid of the harisen, apologizes for hitting her, offers her lunch, and even agrees to help he complete the last of her silly songs. In exchange... she'll let him teach her after that.

Episode 17:

- Although Chiaki's head is filled with nothing but music, others around him are there to take up the slack in other areas. Such as advertising their performance. Booking a hall. Getting good publicity. All the necessary tings other than the music. But he has good people backing him u. Mine's dad, the school superintendent, the reporters from the magazine that interviewed him, and so on.
- But things aren't so smooth on the whole. With everyone falling in love and/or being caught up in practicing for a major competition many of them are entering, nobody is really focusing on the orchestra. In fact, for many of them, it's not anything they are interested in for the long term. A lot of them are going overseas next year, or just see the orchestra as a way to relive the fun of the Lutz seminar. Chiaki knew this deep down, he knows it's entirely rational and reasonable for this to be the case, but having to admit it to himself hurts, a lot.
- Wooooow. Etoh seriously gets into Nodame's 12 Mojya Mojya song, and they... create something amazing? XD Still, with that over, it's his turn, and he's going to work her HARD.
- Before the competition many of the members are in, Kikuchi has a run-in with Nodame, and realizes she loves Chiaki. Disheartened, he does poorly in the contest. Likewise, Kiyora doesn't perform to the best of her abilities either. Both of them vow to regain their footing and start again. Chiaki gets his strength back as well and they all seem determined to do they best they can in the time they have left.


Episode 18:

- Or maybe not. Chiaki is back to his "Napoleon" ways. The heck got into him?
- But... maybe some of them get it? Unsurprisingly, the two that do are Kiyora and Kuroki. They're in the same frame of mind he is. Then a visit from the Chiaki-loving journalist sprus them all into action as they realize just what it is they have to live up to XD
- Nodame manages to put Chiaki under hypnosis. Easily. Very easily. She doesn't comprehend what a breakthrough this is, because she sees a TV show on hypnosis that tells kids not to try it at home... and so she puts it away under her bed, and doesn't tell Chiaki... Still, she's been there for him a lot lately, and he rewards her with a ticket to his performance. One of the best seats in the entire place. Aww~~
- Back with the orchestra, it's time for their show. There's a lot of buzz for many of the members, but none for Chiaki. Nobody knows who he is. Well... I bet they will after this.

So it seems. The "Rising Star" orchestra kicks ass and takes names, and they have a who's who list of musical luminaries watching them. The stakes are higher than ever as they take the stage for their third and final piece...


Episode 19:

- They nail it. Even the toughest critics are moved, there's a standing ovation, they're instantly the talk of the musical world. There's one person who isn;t clapping at the end. Nodame. She looks miserable. What happened to her?
- That would be why. She knew what she had to do, even though it's the last thing in the world she wants to see happen. But Chiaki proved what he was worth with this performance. She'd use the hypnosis on him, and tell him he can board planes again. It was a great scene, and utterly selfless of Nodame.
- And he does it! He flies to Hokkaido. Why Hokkaido? That's what Nodame suggested. She also made sure to suggest he buy her lots of souvenirs and crabs XD Still, this is a huge turning point. Chiaki can go overseas. He can go anywhere. Nothing is holding him back.
- He finally tracks down Nodame. She's doing sleepover lessons with Etoh because she's determined to enter this huge piano competition that pays 2mil yen and supports overseas study. It looks like her determination to see Chiaki achieve his full potential is also spurring her on to play piano as best she can.

But will it be enough? Is the Chiaki-inspired motivation also matched by her own deep, personal motivation? Will she embrace piano just as a means to be with Chiaki, or as an end unto itself, as the reason she's trying so hard? Basically... does she really "get" it?

I simply cannot stop watching this show. One episode left before I'm out of the current batch! MUST CONTINUE!

Episode 20:

- Wahahah. Kai Dunn, Kiyora's Berlin Philharmonic instructor, sits in on the rehearsal and wants to be concertmaster. Chiaki greets him in German, and so they hold rehearsal in German, but "with Japanese dubbing" XD
- Nodame is doing her best in the meantime. She begins to take the music for what it is, to play in a more "straightforward" manner, to accept each and every note, and it pays off. She passes the first prelim of the competition, and stuns the crowd. After she plays, she stands up to bow and awkwardly bumps into the bench, which was such a wonderful little touch XD I wish I could make it sound half as dramatic and awesome as it really is.
- Chiaki is damn busy in the meantime as well. He does another orchestra with the RS group, and they wow another crowd. They even get a wave of people begging to audition and join, including a strange violinist who asks (nearly demands) to join. A violinist who... uh... is blatantly hot for Chiaki. O_O
- Nodame keeps doing her thing as well. In the second prelims she plays... well technically terrible, but people are just blown away by her passion. She's like a demon on the stage, viciously pummeling each note into a bloody pulp. And somehow, through sheer force I suppose, she passes the second prelim.
- Onto the third prelim, she's back in the groove. She plays a piece all about love, and with Chiaki promising to come to the final round, she's in a perfect mood for the piece.

Awesome episode, and god damn I wish I had the rest of ths show right now. I'm so glad to see Nodame back in the spotlight, because let's be honest, the show has been all about Chiaki lately. That's been amazingly enjoyable, but the show is NODAME Cantabile and this is just the sort of focus she deserves.

It's going to be an incredible ride from here on out.

[leongsh]

Awesome episode, and god damn I wish I had the rest of ths show right now. I'm so glad to see Nodame back in the spotlight, because let's be honest, the show has been all about Chiaki lately. That's been amazingly enjoyable, but the show is NODAME Cantabile and this is just the sort of focus she deserves.

It's going to be an incredible ride from here on out.
Nodame Cantabile is a wonderful series to watch so far. Here's hoping you get to watch Episode 21 (the most recent) soon which ends with a cliffhanger - courtesy of an annoying cellphone ringtone :D

There's only going to be 23 episodes for the show - i.e. only 2 episodes left to broadcast :cry: Nearly everyone I know of who are following the anime are hoping that there will be a second season SOON, as in immediately after the first season ends.

[something]

There's only going to be 23 episodes for the show - i.e. only 2 episodes left to broadcast :cry: Nearly everyone I know of who are following the anime are hoping that there will be a second season SOON, as in immediately after the first season ends.
Ah yes, 23, what a crappy number. I cant possibly see them wrapping this up in three more episodes, but oh well, it could be okay if they don't try to do *too much*. Nodame's turn around is already coming on a bit too much too fast, but we'll see how it goes...

[roastedpekingduck]

Man, four episodes in and I'm completely mesmorized by Nodame. Add the fact that I play piano and like classical music and this is one awesome series. I'm surprised I've managed to love this so far and Genshiken. I usually hate slice-of-life series...then again, those two are rather special...

[something]

Man, four episodes in and I'm completely mesmorized by Nodame. Add the fact that I play piano and like classical music and this is one awesome series. I'm surprised I've managed to love this so far and Genshiken. I usually hate slice-of-life series...then again, those two are rather special...
Nodame isn't really slice of life though. It does have a central story, and a strong one at that, around which everything else revolves. There's none of the "just goin' about my day" stuff that defines (however imperfectly) slice-of-life. Genshiken, I guess is a little closer to the definition, but not Nodame.

Nodame is just straight romance[sorta]/drama with a fantastic sense of humor.

[leongsh]

Man, four episodes in and I'm completely mesmorized by Nodame. Add the fact that I play piano and like classical music and this is one awesome series. I'm surprised I've managed to love this so far and Genshiken. I usually hate slice-of-life series...then again, those two are rather special...
It gets even better. As something has elaborated, it's not slice-of-life but more a romance drama with lots of humour thrown in.

You seem to be watching and following most shows that I'm watching. :D

[roastedpekingduck]

Great minds...watch similar shows! :D

[roastedpekingduck]

I blazed through the first 14 episodes with great enjoyment, then became depressed when I noticed that subs for 15 and 16 were really hard to find. :sigh:
I usually hate SD and exaggerated facial expressions, but Nodame has managed to make them work. I really giggled during Nodame, and all the while behind all the comedy, I really loved how the characters were changing and starting to overcome their fears. Few things also tickle my fancy more than really defined characters that one remembers in an instant. I've been spoiled with the amount of great characters I've seen in various shows lately. Now, I guess I must continue my quest to find episodes 15-19. :sigh:

By the way, since I'm decently acquainted with classical music myself, I must say that the new arrangements made by whoever was responsible for the music did pretty well. Though I can't say I really enjoyed Mine and Nodame's style of playing, their style certainly carried through whenever they played music. Mine's violin parts definitely had a rougher, louder tinge to it and Nodame's piano playing definitely took on a quirky and fun style, much like her personality. Fantasie Impromptu became a happy piece when it's usually really dark and foreboding. :sd:

[roastedpekingduck]

I'm really enjoying Nodame, but is anyone of the opinion that JC Staff had a low budget for Nodame? I find it a pity that there are so many stillshots. I for one, would have liked to see the performances with more animated scenes.

[leongsh]

I'm really enjoying Nodame, but is anyone of the opinion that JC Staff had a low budget for Nodame? I find it a pity that there are so many stillshots. I for one, would have liked to see the performances with more animated scenes.
They did some prioritising in where they splurged on the animation, especially the scenes where they zoomed in into the playing of the respective musical instruments - e.g. the bowing by the players of the string instruments, the finger movements of the players of the wind instruments, and not forgetting the piano playing of the 2 leads.

[something]

Episode 21:

- Nodame sees her rival... the irritating Yuu and his dumb mom.
- What the... Kiyora is out just like that. Mine is all over the gay violinist dude, and tels Kiyora that the new guy is better, so she should go overseas and win some competitions and stuff >_> I know that he just worded it badly, and actually meant it to be helpful to her, but what the... Don't take Kiyora away!
- Nodame is in the finals! And she's so obsessed with her work that she's gained the ability to call balls of light into being through sheer force of will >_> Or something!
- Even though she does a masterful job picking up the new pieces at the last minute, she gets a fever (and has crazy dreams) and they don't even get a chance to practice the last one at all. Harisen respects what she's done, but sees winning it as, well, simply impossible at this point. You can't win first without practicing one of your pieces... or can you? =D
- She comes out in a monster of a dress. :sd: Her hairstyle might almost be cute if she weren't drowning in a red monster XD Anyway, she nails the first two pieces (as expected), but it's the third that we have to worry about...
- Starts. Gets into it. Is nailing it. And then... stops.

Oh. Man. Give me 22 now.

[leongsh]

Episode 21:
- Starts. Gets into it. Is nailing it. And then... stops.

Oh. Man. Give me 22 now.
Death to all users of lame cellphone ring tones!!! :P :D

[christianlf]

So, because I'm always behind the clip on new shows and announcements and whatnot, has there been any word on a second season? Has the show been popular enough in Japan to even warrant it? As much as I love the manga, I think this is one of those rare cases where I actually prefer the anime. Since I've really dug what I've read of the second part of the manga so far, it'd be a blast to see it brought to life, too.

[roastedpekingduck]

Nodame is getting extremely high ratings for an anime (5%) and it's merchandise and DVDs are selling exceptionally. There is no doubt a second season will be made. The mangaka just wants to be farther down the line I read somewhere before more anime is made, as the manga is still FAR from complete.

[christianlf]

Nodame is getting extremely high ratings for an anime (5%) and it's merchandise and DVDs are selling exceptionally. There is no doubt a second season will be made. The mangaka just wants to be farther down the line I read somewhere before more anime is made, as the manga is still FAR from complete.

Cool beans. I'm actually pretty up to date with the manga (I had been reading it previously to watching the show), so it does figure that it work better with more out there. But hearing it's doing well over there makes me happy, as I don't typically follow that stuff.

I 'spose I ought to check out Honey and Clover one of these days. Something to do in the meantime.

[something]

Nodame is getting extremely high ratings for an anime (5%) and it's merchandise and DVDs are selling exceptionally. There is no doubt a second season will be made. The mangaka just wants to be farther down the line I read somewhere before more anime is made, as the manga is still FAR from complete.
I really hope so. It's amazing right now and I have no doubt they could find a... well, at least not horrible... way to end it if this were all, but things *are* moving too fast with Nodame lately.

With Chiaki getting the focus for the majority of the show, the titular lead was almost a secondary character at times. That's not horrible, because Chiaki is awesome, but so is Nodame and I'd love to see her get just as much of a focus. More really. Hell, I want them to screw convention and get Nodame's piano in the orchestra and kick ass together! But this close to the end, her sudden meteoric rise, while not really out of character, has felt a bit too much too fast. If the show really ended for good at 23, I'd feel like we missed out on what could be so, so much more.

If it does get a second season, I'll be utterly ecstatic. It's far too good to end now.

[leongsh]

The show ended in a bit of a rush but it did end at a suitable point. The last screen did not say, "The End", though. It showed, 未来へ (mirai e), i.e. to the future. So, here's waiting for news of a 2nd season to be made.

There's nothing much to say with regards to this episode. Its a romance with a good dose of comedy. At this stage, how else will it end? :)

Here's what we have been waiting for - the payoff shot (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vlcsnap207833ml8.png) for the series.

[vanfanel]

Just thought I'd chime in on this. I've been watching it raw on TV every week, and my comprehension isn't what I'd like it to be, but I really am enjoying this show. I've only seen up to 21, because the broadcast is running behind in Saga-ken.

One thing I keep remembering is the episode where Saiko was at Chiaki's apartment, but he didn't realize she was still there when Nodame showed up. (consider this your spoiler warning if you don't know what I'm talking about) I just love how his weird relationship with Nodame shocked Saiko, because...noisy and rough-and-tumble through it may be...it revealed a closeness that the other girl had never gotten anywhere near with Chiaki. As a viewer, I realized it at the same time she did, and the only one who doesn't realize it is probably Chiaki himself. Nice, nice moment. Looking forward to the last couple episodes. I too hope for another season.

[golthin]

The show ended in a bit of a rush but it did end at a suitable point. The last screen did not say, "The End", though. It showed, 未来へ (mirai e), i.e. to the future. So, here's waiting for news of a 2nd season to be made.

There's nothing much to say with regards to this episode. Its a romance with a good dose of comedy. At this stage, how else will it end? :)

Here's what we have been waiting for - the payoff shot (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vlcsnap207833ml8.png) for the series.


Nodome was so cute being proud of her "boyfriend" during the manga inserts with her Family. We know now where Nodome get her whackyness from, her mother. The very end when Nodome's dad ended calling him "son"

[roastedpekingduck]

Oh man, I was both impressed and completely surprised when Nodame began improvising using variations of the cell phone theme. The fact that she would use the cell phone tone and try to mix it with her actual piece at the same time...is just so...Nodame. One episode left, anyhow. The next season better come soon. Nodame should have gone for 26 episodes instead of 23.


In a curious note, I found out that the mangaka based Nodame off of a real piano teacher. :D

[something]

Episode 22:

- ...and revived. Sort of. I she just goes with the ring tone and does her own thing, knowing that, well, it's too late.
- She gets a partial standing ovation, roaring applause, and she's the talk of the judges' after-competition meeting where they make their decisions. But she knows she can't win, and they know she can't win. They're impressed, they'll remember her name, but to her, everything is gone. Game over.
- But nobody gets first. Interesting, I guess with a prize like that there isn't a winner just for the hell of it. You have to win... and then some.
- CHIAKI DROPS A BOMB! "Next year... do you want to go to Europe with me?" OH SNAP! I didn't think THAT was what he was going to say.
- Yikes. I've never seen Nodame so genuinely angry in a non-comedic situation. She claims she did it all for the money, she claims she didn't enjoy it, she claims she just wants to play piano freely, she... she's just disappointed in herself. She doesn't think she's worthy of Chiaki unless she wins. At least, that's my take. Why else would she turn down an invitation to go with Chiaki? I do believe that freedom is an important thing to her, but... she loves the piano. Even if she doesn't know it yet.
- Heh! A few months later, December. Finals are coming up. Mine is talking to Chiaki about Nodame. Chiaki says he hasn't seen Nodame lately. "A husband-wife quarrel!?" "We *aren't married*" "::SHOCK:: YOU GOT DIVORCED!?" XD
- MINE GYABO! XD
- Nodame's family o_O Time to see what combination of DNA spawned Nodame. Well they're... loud. And openly talk about how she's nothing without piano. :sd: And she's like a walking corpse.
- She plays a DS! XD Also, a slightly more detailed flashback to the episode that scarred Nodame for life.
- Chiaki with sunglasses and in need of a shave :sd:
- The Rising Star Orchestra's New Years' concert. Seemingly their last too. Their ranks have shifted a lot over time as they get new members, including the twine Moe and Kaoru, who improved markedly and made their dream of joining Chaki's orchestra a reality.
- They wow the audience again, and the critics notice what's going on. With so many talented students graduating, and so few professional positions, the Rising Star orchestra is like a magnet, or rather a sponge, that sucks them up and shows them off to the world.
- He then gets ready to play his final piece as a student in Japan. Beethoven's 7th, the one that whatshisname took Chiaki off of when he was going to do it with S Orchestra.

Nodame meanwhile hits a low as low as her high was high. And so quickly it happens. She just oscillates back and forth to extremes. One.. more... episode...

SOMEONE CONFIRM SEASON 2 NOW.

[something]

Well heck, since I can, I might as well finish this right now.

Episode 23:

- Fantastic. Simply fantastic. They recap a lot of the feeling of how things developed on Chiaki's side, accompany it with an upbeat and powerful peace, and then nail the ending so hard. When the logo pops up at that last note and Chiaki very earnestly and genuinely thinks to himself what a pleasure it's been to be with the orchestra, they just goddamned nailed it. I wanted to cheer out loud.
- At the after party, Chiaki worries about having to break the news about leaving the country, but it seems Mine told everyone already :sd: Chiaki then reveals that he got a really famous conductor to replace him while he's gone. Rising Star will live on. Chiaki has done his part.
- But he doesn't have full closure. What about... Nodame? Will he never get to hear her piano again? There's no way he can leave her alone. Just no way. And so, with scant time left to pack up and leave, he's off to Kyuushuu in the far, far south to find Nodame at her home and plead with her one last time.
- Man. Few shows can get away with ~5 minutes of almost no dialogue in the last episode, unless those 5 minutes are pure action. Nodame Cantabile doesn't just get away with it however, it revels in it. In letting the notes do the talking. Developing a story with music. So much happened to Nodame just now, playing one of the pieces she played in the competition on the piano at at her family's home.
- BRILLIANT! XD Chiaki finally gets near her house, and Nodame calls him. The taxi he's in passes her as she's bringing groceries home, just as she tells him she decided to study abroad XD And then as he's walking behind her continuing to talk on the cell phone, getting closer and closer and closer and then...

Perfect.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

The ending was... perfect. In this show, at this moment in the characters' lives, with so much left untold and so much behind them... I do not think it was possible to end it better. The whirlwind 'manga panel' deal during the OP-as-ED moved a bit fast, but all it really needed to do was tell us that Chiaki is going to be in Paris with Nodame. It did that, and to hell with the rest. After the song it calmed down again, and how utterly fitting was the choice of final line for each character? =D

I'm still going to be horribly obsessed with the idea of getting a second season, but even if it never comes, oh god, it still ended perfectly. It maintained every ounce of drama and emotion and comedy and quirkiness that is exhibited in its best moments, condensed it, and spat it back out in 25 minutes.

[leongsh]

- BRILLIANT! XD Chiaki finally gets near her house, and Nodame calls him. The taxi he's in passes her as she's bringing groceries home, just as she tells him she decided to study abroad XD And then as he's walking behind her continuing to talk on the cell phone, getting closer and closer and closer and then...

Perfect.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
Once again, the payoff shot (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vlcsnap207833ml8.png). I've gotten great satisfaction watching Nodame Cantabile.

Let's all hope that this show gets licensed as soon as possible.

[roastedpekingduck]

I myself wouldn't want a 2nd season to come so quickly. The manga still isn't that far down the line. Hell, actual romance between Chiaki and Nodame didn't begin in the manga until relatively recently. Anyhow, Nodame was an awesome show and provided a guaranteed 25 minutes of fun every time. Nodame really melded humor and drama flawlessly.

[Sheena]

Couldn't agree more with the description of the end of this season. Perfect.

They picked a really good stopping point with both of them moving on to new things. But even as open-ended as it is, it stands on its own and brings about a very satisfying conclusion, mixing emotional tugs and humor in just the right amounts.

I don't mind it either if they take some time before bringing a second season. Plus for the moment I'm cheering for simply having it released on R1 some time soon hehe.

[guyver83]

- BRILLIANT! XD Chiaki finally gets near her house, and Nodame calls him. The taxi he's in passes her as she's bringing groceries home, just as she tells him she decided to study abroad XD And then as he's walking behind her continuing to talk on the cell phone, getting closer and closer and closer and then...

Perfect.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
Once again, the payoff shot (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vlcsnap207833ml8.png). I've gotten great satisfaction watching Nodame Cantabile.

Let's all hope that this show gets licensed as soon as possible.



totally agree with the above statements. By far one of my most surprise shows of the year.. well for me atleast. HAHA I know many people here never expected for someone like me to watch this type of show but I enjoyed it enormously. Yes, I want another season but reading other posts and that he manga is still not that far along, I'm def cool if they took a few to make season 2. GYABOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[CGord]

I absolutely loved this series, & I agree, the ending was flawless. It gave me exactly what I wanted. Here's hoping for a quality R1 release soon!