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manga· 2000· On Hiatus

Nana

mal
Adult CastAward WinningDrama

Nana Komatsu is a naive, unmotivated girl who spends her high school days chasing one crush after the other. Despite continually facing failure in her quest for love, her spirits have never dampened. At the age of 20, she finds herself on a train to Tokyo with hopes of reuniting with her current boyfriend. Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is feisty and prideful. After joining a local band during her high school days, she falls in love with music and one of the band members. However, when faced with the choice between her relationship and her musical career, she chooses the latter and separates from her boyfriend. On her 20th birthday, she boards the same train to Tokyo, like her namesake, where she aims to become a top vocalist. The two girls with the same name but very different aspirations find themselves sitting together on their journey to the city, and, as fate would have it, eventually share the same apartment. A deep and unique bond is then forged, where they will support each other in this saga of love, music, friendship, and heartbreak. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

9.2 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2000· Finished

Beck

mal
Award WinningDramaMusic

Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka wasted away his middle school days listening to Japanese pop music and apathetically trudging through life—until a casual run-in with the enigmatic guitarist Ryuusuke "Ray" Minami. Through this encounter, Koyuki realizes what he has been missing all this time as Ray introduces him to western rock music and jumpstarts his desire to play guitar. Although various struggles plague his path to rock fame, Koyuki refuses to abandon the passion that gave his life purpose, balancing it together with school, work, and friends. Beck tells the story of the love and trial that accompanies pursuing a professional career in music as Koyuki and Ray work toward realizing the guitarist's dream of the ultimate band. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.7·1 tracking
manga· 2011· Finished

Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso

mal
Award WinningDramaMusic

At a very young age, Kousei Arima was strictly taught how to play the piano and meticulously follow the score by his mother, to the point where he dominated every competition he entered with ease. He earned the title of "Human Metronome" for performing almost perfectly. Every musician of his age looked up to him. However, after his mother suddenly dies, he became tone-deaf due to the shock and then disappeared, never to be seen onstage since. Two years later, Kousei lives a monotonous life with his childhood friends Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryouta Watari supporting him. He continues to cling to music, although performing is still an impossibility for him. This is until his unexpected encounter with Kaori Miyazono, a violinist who performs freely without the dictations of a score. A story of friendship, love, music, and a single lie, Kousei's life begins to change and gain color as Kaori helps him to take up music again. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.6·1 tracking
manga· 2013· Finished

Given

mal
Boys LoveDramaMusic

There is a tune stuck in Mafuyu Satou's head. As he clutches the guitar in his hands, this melody swirls around and around, screaming words of regret, longing, and loss. But with his careless expression that always seems to be up in the clouds, no one knows his true feelings. However, a chance encounter with classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama may finally give Mafuyu the push to let his voice be heard. Uenoyama is the guitarist of a band, whose fellow members include the kindhearted bassist Haruki Nakayama and rough-looking drummer Akihiko Kaji. Even without a vocalist, their ragtag group has done well as an instrumental-only band. However, their chance to reach even greater heights may have arrived when Uenoyama hears Mafuyu's voice—Uenoyama is enchanted, inviting the reluctant Mafuyu to join. Working in a band is a difficult task; often, emotions threaten to break it apart, but they can also bring its members closer together. With Uenoyama's help, Mafuyu may finally be able to express the feelings that fight to break free from within his heart. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.5·1 tracking
manga· 2023· Currently Publishing

Kininatteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta

mal
Eligible Titles for You Should Read ThisGirls LoveMusic

The black-clad boy that Aya Oosawa likes is perfect: he is effortlessly nonchalant, has a sharp sense of style, and listens to the best music. Ever since the trendy Aya stumbled upon a small CD store to enjoy the rock classics her friends are not familiar with, the mysterious employee behind the counter has been on her mind. Meanwhile, the quiet and aloof Mitsuki Koga listens to her popular classmate Aya rave about her crush, tormented by a nagging thought: how to tell Aya that the guy she is interested in is not a guy at all! In reality, when Mitsuki sheds her plain high school uniform, she is the one manning the counter at her uncle Joe's CD shop. She wrestles with how to reveal her identity, but flirting with the stunning and clueless Aya is just too tempting. As music becomes their shared passion, it seems that Aya's feelings will remain unchanged—even when Mitsuki's secret comes to light. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.4·1 tracking
manga· 2012· Currently Publishing

Kono Oto Tomare!

mal
DramaMusicSchool

Following the graduation of every other member of the Koto Music Club, Takezou Kurata is left alone as the new club president. Now burdened with the arduous task of rebuilding membership, he struggles to recruit anyone due to a lack of interest. Just as Kurata has lost nearly all hope in keeping the club alive, the feared delinquent Chika Kudou appears, claiming he will join and become the club president himself. At first, Kurata refuses to admit such a troublesome person, aware of the dark rumors that have been circulating about Kudou. However, after discovering a more vulnerable side to Kudou and his mysterious connection to the club, Kurata rethinks his decision. The soon-to-be defunct club is saved with the help of koto prodigy Satowa Houzuki, who uses her charms to recruit Kudou's lively friends Saneyasu Adachi, Michitaka Sakai, and Kouta Mizuhara. With sufficient numbers to retain the club's status, Houzuki declares that they will aim to become the best koto players in the nation, much to Kurata's dismay. This ragtag bunch of young musicians have a road filled with challenges and adversities ahead of them, and by overcoming their fears and differences, their aspirations may very well come true. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

8.4 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2014· Finished

Fuuka

mal
DramaEcchiMusic

The story follows the life of Yuu Haruna, who recently moved into Tokyo with his sisters after their father is forced to transfer overseas on work. On his way to buy dinner while looking at his Twitter account, a high school girl suddenly crashes into him. Thinking he was taking upskirt pictures of her, the girl takes Yuu's phone, breaks it, and slaps him before leaving Yuu lying on the ground. As it turns out, this girl—Fuuka Akitsuki—also goes to the school Yuu is transferring to. Unlike most people, Fuuka doesn't own a cellphone; she even listens to music using a CD player. Eventually these two become closer, and decide to form a band with their friends and enter the professional world of music. With Fuuka around, what will now become of Yuu's new life in Tokyo? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 7.5·0 tracking
manga· 2001· Finished

Full Moon wo Sagashite

mal
ComedyDramaFantasy

At the tender age of 12, Mitsuki Kouyama has a sarcoma in her throat. Though this rare cancer can be cured by removing her vocal cords, Mitsuki refuses because of her desire to become a pop singer and keep her childhood promise to Eichi Sakurai, her first love who left for America. Unable to both heal and keep her voice, she allows her health to deteriorate, as she accepts her tragic fate. One day, while escaping the home of her music-hating grandmother to attend an audition, Mitsuki meets two shinigami, Takuto Kira and Meroko Yui. Realizing that Mitsuki can see them, Takuto and Meroko reveal to her that she will die in a year. Moved by her plight, Takuto allows Mitsuki the chance to pursue her dream by giving her the ability to transform into a healthy sixteen-year-old girl. After being chosen for a contract with Seed Records, Mitsuki makes her debut under the stage name Full Moon and chooses to pursue her dream music career before her life's end. [Written by MAL Rewrite] Included one-shot: Volume 2: Ginyuu Meika

Provider ★ 8.0·1 tracking
manga· 2007· Finished

K-On!

mal
CGDCTComedyMusic

The Light Music Club indulges in easy and simple activities, or that is what the carefree Yui Hirasawa first believes. When Yui goes to formally quit the club, she finds out that if she leaves, the club will not have enough members to continue its activities. This puts Yui in a sudden dilemma. However, its members—the mature Mio Akiyama, the playful Ritsu Tainaka, and the ladylike Tsumugi Kotobuki—decide to perform an instrumental piece to try and keep Yui. The song not only fills her up with excitement, it also leads her to decide to remain in the Light Music Club. While the sounds of cheerful girls fill the clubroom of the Light Music Club, the members juggle both schoolwork and their love for music. They may play around once in a while, but that makes the high school life in K-On! even more exciting! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 7.8·1 tracking
manga· 2007· Finished

Sakamichi no Apollon

mal
Award WinningDramaJosei

Constantly transferring schools since childhood, Kaoru Nishimi has always been seen as a social outcast when he transfers due to his intellectual nature and wealthy background. But after moving to Kyushu for his first year of high school, things begin to change. Kaoru befriends the class president, Ritsuko Mukae, and, unexpectedly, the notorious school delinquent, Sentarou Kawabuchi. While Kaoru is an honors student, Sentarou is constantly getting into fights and skipping class. However, these two opposites find a common ground in one thing—music. One day, Kaoru is invited by Ritsuko to visit her family's record store, where he finds Sentarou in the basement showcasing his skill in jazz drumming. Kaoru, being a classical pianist, knows nothing about jazz. But inspired by the performance, he begins to open his mind to the genre alongside Sentarou. The duo begin to practice in after-school jazz sessions in the record store's basement. As he spends more time improving his skills in jazz, Kaoru finds a person whom he can truly call his friend and comes to learn the joys of playing music. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.5·1 tracking
manga· 2017· Currently Publishing

Bocchi the Rock!

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CGDCTComedyEligible Titles for You Should Read This

High school student Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou has no social life or any friends—unless you count her guitar. She dreams of creating a school band in the hopes that using her instrument will elevate her social standing. However, despite spending the last two years diligently practicing guitar, she is no closer to her goal. Although she has gained a following online for her guitar covers of popular songs, Bocchi's lack of social skills means that her dream may ultimately be impossible. But one day, drummer Nijika Ijichi spots Bocchi with her guitar alone in a park. Desperately in need of a guitarist, Nijika quickly recruits Bocchi to the band that Nijika has formed with bassist Ryou Yamada—Kessoku Band. Though overwhelmed and left floundering at the sudden social interaction, Bocchi realizes this may be the start of something bigger. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

4.5 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2001· Finished

Nodame Cantabile

mal
Adult CastAward WinningComedy

Shinichi Chiaki, the perfectionist son of a famous pianist, is in his fourth year at Momogaoka College of Music, hoping to achieve his secret dream of being a conductor. His admiration for his father led him to pursue a career in music. As much as he wants to return to Europe, his phobia of flying traps him in Japan where he now lives. One night, he passes out, and ends up being taken in by Megumi "Nodame" Noda. Upon first glance, Nodame is a talented pianist, but she is also slobbish and eccentric. What's even worse is that she is his neighbor and he ends up forced to work with her. Though it sounds like a recipe for disaster, Chiaki is drawn to this girl who makes him remember the love for music he once held. Just what does the future hold for this musical duo? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.4·1 tracking
manga· 2013· Finished

Blue Giant

mal
Award WinningMusicSeinen

At first glance, Dai Miyamoto is an average high school student—except for his relentlessly optimistic mindset and determination to do his best no matter the challenge. He approaches every obstacle with the belief that success may always be within reach. Introduced to jazz by a friend, Dai is instantly captivated by its intensity. Though few around him understand the depth of his newfound passion, he pours his heart into practicing the saxophone every day. As the people around him begin to support his dream, Dai dedicates himself to mastering jazz with one singular goal in mind—to become the greatest jazz player in the world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.5·0 tracking
manga· 2013· Currently Publishing

Shiori Experience: Jimi na Watashi to Hen na Ojisan

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ComedyMusicSchool

Shiori was once a guitarist in a light music club in high school, but her first live performance was dashed when her brother ran away from home with a lot of debt to become a musician in Tokyo. A decade later, Shiori is now a high school teacher, leading a boring, uneventful life and paying off the debt...until she runs into the ghost of none other than famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The story of a 27-year-old woman on her way to becoming a music legend begins here. (Source: MU)

Provider ★ 8.5·1 tracking
manga· 1998· Finished

Piano no Mori

mal
Award WinningDramaMusic

In the middle of a forest rests an abandoned piano. If one were to walk by, they may hear music coming from it, and sitting at the chair is a young boy: Kai Ichinose. He lives with his young, single mother—who works as a prostitute—and he is somewhat of a troublemaker at school when it comes to defending transfer student Shuuhei Amamiya from class bullies. Shuuhei comes from a family of distinguished pianists, so he is expected to follow in their footsteps. He practices rigorously every day to live up to his parents' expectations. Meanwhile, Kai—with help from his teacher, a former pianist legend—wants to not only reach Shuuhei's level of success, but also wants to become the best pianist from Japan. This rivalry between the two friends will not only raise their talents to new levels, but it will also inspire other rising pianists from all over the world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.4·1 tracking
manga· 2023· Finished

Beat & Motion

mal
Eligible Titles for You Should Read ThisMusicOtaku Culture

Tatsuhiko Hirayama's love for drawing began at a young age, and his aspiration was to work in animation someday. But when the young boy is bullied for his art, Tatsuhiko swears to never draw in front of others ever again. Desperate to find something new to fill the void in his heart, he turns to music but eventually becomes jaded by his own mediocrity. While Tatsuhiko is out drinking with his friends, his sob story earns the ire of a drunk woman, who intimidates the young man into reassessing his attitude toward life. He decides to give animation another chance and soon rediscovers his love for the medium, pushing himself to publish a short video. Tatsuhiko is stunned when the video goes viral, even more so when his favorite singer, Nico Kashiwagi, requests a collaboration on her next music video! Excited to finally meet the artist he has admired for so long, the young man is shocked to discover that Nico is the same bar patron that gave him an earful, though she has no recollection of that drunken night. While initially hesitant of their new partnership, Tatsuhiko slowly learns that there is more to Nico's brutish passion than he realizes. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 7.3·1 tracking
manga· 2013· Finished

Fukumenkei Noise

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DramaLove PolygonMusic

When they were young, Nino Arisugawa and Momo Sakaki had promised that if they were ever separated, they would use their song to find each other again. However, Momo moved away without notice, leaving Nino with a constant urge to scream. For this reason, she begins wearing a mask. During this time, while still missing her first love, Nino encounters Kanade "Yuzu" Yuzuriha, a boy her age who composes music and gives her the nickname "Alice." Nino falls in love with his music, while Yuzu falls in love with her. Every Wednesday they would meet at the beach—but one day, Yuzu also stops coming. Six years later, Nino and Yuzu reunite in high school—unbeknownst to her, Momo has also entered the same school. Holding on to the childhood promise she made with him, Nino sings Yuzu's songs, hoping that her voice can still reach Momo. However, while she tirelessly tries to reach him, Yuzu continues to long for her, escalating a love triangle that has been built across years of separation. [Written by MAL Rewrite] Included one-shot: Volume 13: Tsuiraku Jelly

Provider ★ 7.5·1 tracking
manga· 2005· Finished

Detroit Metal City

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ComedyGag HumorMusic

Souichi Negishi is a common boy, timid, quiet. He loves flowers, walking and musical hits like the ones that radios play. But he is also Krauzer II, leader of Detroy Metal City (DMC), the most popular underground metal band of Japan! Souichi would like to change his life and start to play Swedish pop songs with peaceful and loving lyrics instead of the violent and vulgar ones of DMC, but when he is playing with his band he completely changes his attitude and behavior...

Provider ★ 8.1·1 tracking
manga· 1996· Finished

Gravitation

mal
Boys LoveComedyDrama

Shuichi Shindou is determined to take his band Bad Luck to the top of the Japanese pop charts. With his drive, talent, and satiny singing voice, he just might stand a chance. But Fate throws a wrench into his well-oiled machine in the form of a handsome stranger named Yuki, a romance writer with an attitude. Yuki is Shuichi's biggest critic, but as the two young artists gravitate towards each other, friendship, and perhaps something more, is sure to blossom. (Source: Tokyopop)

Provider ★ 7.5·0 tracking
manga· 2009· Finished

Seishun Pop!

mal
DramaEcchiMusic

Sakuta loves to keep his earphones in his ears at all times because he loves to hear the world through his earphones. He especially loves the band INCEST and the singer, named IVE (pronounced eve), who is like an idol to him. One day when he visits the music shop, he gets his hands on a concert ticket for INCEST. Surprised and excited about the concert, Sakuta goes to the concert and he sees the band. He also sees IVE, who he notices is the new transfer student who transferred to his school the very same day. When their eyes meet, the music stops, and IVE stops singing. She looks into the crowd and asks the audience to make room for her to pass by. She walks down the middle of the aisle, towards Sakuta, and the next thing he notices, IVE is hugging him tightly saying, "I've wanted to meet you!" WHAT!? (Source: MangaHelpers)

Provider ★ 6.8·0 tracking
manga· 2010· Finished

AKB49: Renai Kinshi Jourei

mal
CrossdressingDramaIdols (Female)

People everywhere admire the popular idol group AKB48, and Hiroko Yoshinaga is no different. She dreams of becoming a member of AKB48, but stage fright gets in the way of every audition. Having failed so many times, Yoshinaga decides to tryout one last time before giving up for good. Though uninterested in idols, Minoru Urayama wants to help Yoshinaga realize her dream. Disguising himself as a girl named "Urakawa Minori," he participates in the audition for AKB48 as well, hoping to assist Yoshinaga through the tryouts. However, things go better than expected when both Yoshinaga and "Minori" are recruited! As he enters the world of pop music, Minoru must continue to hide his secret all while supporting Yoshinaga's dreams and finding one of his own. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 7.7·0 tracking
manga· 2002· Finished

Pichi Pichi Pitch: Mermaid Melody

mal
ComedyFantasyMahou Shoujo

Lucia is the new girl at school. She and her sister run a public bath that's all the rage. When Lucia meets a terrific-looking surfer boy, there's just one little problem: Lucia is a mermaid-not just any mermaid, but a princess on an important mission to save the seven seas from an evil force bent on taking control of the marine world. Such a responsibility doesn't leave much time for romance. But Lucia vows to protect her world and win the heart of handsome Kaito. (Source: Del Rey) Included one-shots: Volume 7: Moonlight Goddess Diana, Get Nude, Cherry Blossom

Provider ★ 6.9·0 tracking
manga· 2020· Finished

Pink Heart Jam

mal
Boys LoveEroticaMusic

Hailing from the countryside, Yuuki Haiga, an endearing and approachable freshman, quickly adapts to university life, easily making friends and winning the favor of girls. But senior Ryou Kanae is the only person that manages to leave Haiga awestruck: with his glorious long hair, stunning features, and incredible musical talent, Kanae finds a lasting spot in Haiga's mind. When Haiga loses a bet against his friends, he finds himself at a box spa—a secluded place that offers intimate same-sex services. Fostering lingering doubts about being bisexual, Haiga sees this as an opportunity to come to a definitive answer. However, in his nervous state, Haiga is unaware that he bought time with none other than his beautiful senior, Kanae. All Haiga asks for is an honest conversation about sexual identity, but Kanae insists on a more hands-on approach. Unable to stay away, Haiga continues returning for more, but he must determine if his feelings are genuine love or merely admiration. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.2·0 tracking