“He may have been ‘Friend A,’ and she ‘the girl that loves my best friend,’ but they were masquerading around a truth that neither one could openly admit because ultimately, the truth was much more painful.” – My Anime List
If you’re like me, nothing is better than sitting down after a long day at school and watching a show. Whether it’s a comforting anime, an exciting series that keeps you on the edge of your seat or a touching story that makes you cry, I and countless others are obsessed! But what if there was a show that had all of those elements in it with a romantic twist? Well I will introduce to you, “Your Lie in April” by Naoshi Arakawa.
After his abusive mom’s death, Kousei a piano prodigy whose will to play is gone. When his mother dies, he has a mental breakdown while performing at one of his piano recitals which causes him to to hear everything but the piano’s notes.. A few years late, Kosei hadn’t touched the piano and each day was another blur for him with nothing to keep him motivated. But suddenly he meets a violinist his age who makes his dull life turn upside down for the better.
Charming, free-spirited and whimsical Kaori Miyazono is a 14 year old violinist whose fun and lively personality is the exact opposite of Kousei. With her help, Kousei returns to the piano and learns that his playing style can be free and whatever he likes. As Kaori continues to be a shining light in Kousei’s darkness he realizes that he loves her. However, this thought is quickly dismissed since she seems to be interested in one of Kousei’s best friends, Ryota.
One of the main themes of “Your Lie in April” is music. The two main characters Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono are musicians while their best friends Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryouta Watari are passionate about music as well and support Kousei and Koari during their performances. The songs that Kousei and Koari perform are absolutely beautiful, some of the songs they play include “Moonlight Sonata” and “Kreutzer Sonata” both by Ludwig van Beethoven, Clair de Lune, and many more.
The beautiful music also applies to the show’s intro as well. The opening theme is “Hikaru Nara” by Goose House which is one of the most enjoyable J-pop songs I’ve listened to in a while. The vocals and chorus fit Kaori’s joyful vibe and the lyrics match the story so well. One part of the lyrics include:
It’s you
You who taught me the darkness will end
It’s you, you who taught me
If the darkness shines too
Then it’ll become a night of stars
Don’t hide your sadness behind a laughing face anymore
Because all the twinkling stars will shine on you
– Miraie – 光るなら (Hikaru Nara) (Miraie DnB Remix) (English Translation).
Ever since the show was released in 2014, my brother and I have made it a tradition to watch the show whenever it’s April, and you should too! It’s such a captivating series with a perfect mix of humor and drama that keeps fans coming back every year. The characters are incredibly well-developed and their storylines are so well-developed too. The storylines are so engaging making it so easy to be hooked for 22 episodes. It’s the kind of show that sparks great conversations and creates lasting memories — worth watching!
