Review of "Mashiro no Oto": A pure tone and a moving story

"Mashiro no Oto": A youthful melody played by pure tones

"Mashiro no Oto" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Marimo Ragawa, which aired on TBS and BS-TBS from April 3 to June 19, 2021. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was animated by Shin-Ei Animation and directed by Hiroaki Akagi. The story depicts the pure tone and the struggles of youth, and is a work that deeply moves and sympathizes with viewers.

story

"Mashiro no Oto" is set in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The main character, Sawabe Tsubaki, has loved playing the shamisen since she was a child and learned from her grandmother. However, after her grandmother passed away, Tsubaki drifted away from the shamisen. Meanwhile, she reunites with her childhood friends, the Tsutsumi brothers, and decides to play the shamisen with them again. The story depicts Tsubaki's growth through her passion for the shamisen and her friendship with the Tsutsumi brothers, as well as new encounters and partings.

character

The main character, Tsubaki Sawabe, is a pure and straightforward girl. She has a deep love for the shamisen and values ​​her grandmother's teachings. As she grows, her understanding of the shamisen deepens, and she is eventually able to find her own sound.

The elder of the Tsutsumi brothers, Tsutsumi Shun, is Tsubaki's childhood friend and the man who rekindles her passion for the shamisen. Shun is a master of the shamisen and his playing has a great influence on Tsubaki. On the other hand, her younger brother Tsutsumi Setsuna has a more passive attitude towards the shamisen than Tsubaki, but he also develops a deeper understanding of the instrument as the story progresses.

Other characters with unique personalities also make an appearance in the story, including Tsubaki's friend Sakurai Misaki and Takahashi Misaki, a shamisen player who becomes Tsubaki's rival.

music

The music of "Mashiro no Oto" is characterized by the beautiful sound of the shamisen. Many scenes of Tsubaki and Shun performing are depicted throughout the film, and the sound of the shamisen captures the hearts of viewers. The sound of the shamisen is also used as the basis for the background music, helping to liven up the atmosphere of the story. The opening theme, "Junpaku no Neiro," is a beautiful melody that symbolizes Tsubaki's pure heart, and the ending theme, "Seishun no Melody," is a powerful song that makes you feel the growth of Tsubaki and her friends.

animation

Shinei Animation's animation is meticulously drawn down to the last detail, and their technical prowess shines through in the shamisen performance scenes. The expressions and movements of Tsubaki and Shun convey their emotions and growth, deeply moving the viewer. The background art is also beautiful, with the scenery of Shimizu city being realistically recreated.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Mashiro no Oto" has been highly praised for its depiction of pure music and the struggles of youth. In particular, Tsubaki's growth and passion for the shamisen have touched the hearts of viewers and moved many. Another part of the appeal is the human drama depicted through her friendship with the Tsutsumi brothers and her interactions with other characters. The quality of the music and animation is also high, making it a well-crafted work overall.

Personally, I was especially impressed by Tsubaki's pure heart and her love for the shamisen. The way the sound of the shamisen changes as she grows deeply moves the viewer. Another part of the appeal is the human drama depicted through her friendship with the Tsutsumi brothers and her interactions with other characters. The quality of the music and animation is also high, making this a well-made work overall.

Recommendation

"Mashiro no Oto" is especially recommended for those who like music and youth dramas. The beautiful sound of the shamisen and the story of the growth of Tsubaki and her friends will surely deeply move the viewer. In addition, the interactions between the unique characters and the beautiful animation are also highlights. Please give it a watch.

Related information

"Mashiro no Oto" is based on the manga of the same name by Marimo Ragawa, serialized in Kodansha's "Morning". The anime version is based on episodes from the original work, and is sure to satisfy fans of the original work. Blu-ray and DVD versions have also been released, and include bonus footage and booklets. In addition, official merchandise is also available, with popular items such as shamisen and character figurines.

In addition, Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where "Mashiro no Oto" is set, hosts events and tours related to the work, making it a pilgrimage site for fans. You can follow in the footsteps of Tsubaki and her friends while experiencing the scenery and culture of Shimizu City.

summary

"Mashiro no Oto" is a beautiful work that depicts the pure sounds and struggles of youth. The human drama depicted through Tsubaki's growth and passion for the shamisen, her friendship with the Tsutsumi brothers, and the interactions between the unique characters will deeply move the viewer. The quality of the music and animation is also high, making it a work of high quality overall. Please give it a watch.