Japanophile Isle

Behind its innocuous title, Nodame Cantabile reveals a sophisticated story of music, relationships and life. I almost let it slide right past me.

Once in a while, we are lead to consume titles that compare to a bite off of the freshest apples. Even as our lips kiss the skin, we are only greeted with a vapid sensation. However, this layer only serves in providing contrast for the sweet taste that is unearthed with our teeth.

The skin I’m referring to is partly the unremarkable title but also the distinctively average opening song, which is of the most common JPOP ilk. Nodame Cantabile has a thick skin in that sense, it also extends to the clumsy drawing and general image quality.

Underneath this skin, we find the core, which is music. Not only music but the conditions required for the birth of great music, the effect of music on the lives of the dedicated but also the laymen. It also explores the traits needed to be a good musician.

As for the concept of a good musician, Nodame Cantabile is fairly liberal minded. The main character, Chiaki, is the most conservative of the bunch but you will also see originals like Maestro Franz von Stresemann (famous German conductor by day, perverted drunkard by mid-day) and Noda Megumi (eccentric pianist that learns primarily by ear.) In that sense, they represent a wide spectrum of individuals invested in classical music.

Personally, I identified with Noda Megumi and Chiaki in equal parts. There’s this part of me which likes to recompose songs and play only when I feel like it, like Nodame. However, sometimes, I wish I had the severity of Chiaki. The temperance to interpret songs with utmost precision. What is very interesting is the relationship these two characters have. They learn to live with each other, to understand their differences but also to cherish them.

Here’s a link to a stream of the previous season. (Don’t worry, there is no plans to release it in america) I invite you to quickly finish the first season and watch the next season with us come October.