Are you someone who is into a slice of life with a coming of age story? Someone who wants to know what it’s like in the 60’s era? Someone who is into music? Want to reflect while binge-watching an anime guilt-free this lent (if you are a Christian/Catholic)? Okay mate, you are in the right place, here’s a series worthy of your time this lent and vacation—Sakamichi no Apollon/Kids on the Slope.
Sakamichi no Apollon is a Japanese manga series by Yuki Kodama, it ran from September 28, 2007, to July 28, 2012. An anime television series adaptation was aired last Spring of 2012 with 12-episodes. The live-action film opened last March 10 of 2018.
The story was set at the beginning of summer, 1966. Kaoro Nishimi, 1st-year high school student Kaoru Nishimi moves by himself from Yokosuka to Sasebo in Kyushu to live with relatives because of his father's job situation. Until then, Kaoru was an honor roll student who tended to keep to himself but meeting notorious "bad boy" Sentaro Kawabuchi starts to change him. Through his devil-may-care classmate, Kaoru learns how much fun it is to play jazz and finds the first person he can call a real friend. The two main hero might have a bad start but soon develop a cherished friendship, founded with love of music, love, and respect. //No, this is not Yaoi.// Now enter in Ritsuko Mukae, a girl with an important role that will complete the amazing trio.
Before anything else to those of you who don’t know what is lent. Lent is honoring the sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ. Later on, you will know, why I personally recommend this series to those otaku honoring the lent.
Now, why you should watch this series? (especially before lent ends again)
1. STORY OF FRIENDSHIP.
The main element of the story is friendship. You will learn two or more (a lot) about cherishing friends. According to the series, UNLIKE LOVE AFFAIRS, FRIENDSHIP IS FOR LIFE.
2. SIMPLE YET UNFORGETTABLE ANIMATION
To be honest, the animation is really not exceptional however, it's very adorable and appealing there's is a unique taste in it
3. REMARKABLE MUSIC. YOU WILL APPRECIATE JAZZ MUSIC WITH THIS ANIME.
Need I say more? Listen to the music below. It was composed by no other than, Yoko Kanno!
4. THE TRIO AND THEIR BACKSTORIES.
Why is it always appealing to have a trio as main characters? Anyway, each of our main characters has a very unique backstory and it's amazing how the mangaka manages to merge their characteristics and came up with an amazing masterpiece. PLUS, SEN AND RITSUKO are Catholic Christians in the story.
5. THE ENDING | HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILER // Father drummer!
I SWEAR TO GOD, IT HAS THE BEST ENDING OUT THERE!
