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Anonymous Noise
The cover of the first volume
覆面系ノイズ
(Fukumenkei Noizu)
GenreRomance[1]
Manga
Written byRyoko Fukuyama
Published byHakusensha
English publisher
MagazineHana to Yume
Original run20 April 20135 January 2019
Volumes18 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byHideya Takahashi
Written byDeko Akao
Music bySadesper Record
NARASAKI / Watchman
StudioBrain's Base
Licensed by
Original networkTokyo MX, Kansai TV, BS Fuji
English network
Original run 11 April 2017 27 June 2017
Episodes12 (List of episodes)
icon Anime and manga portal

Anonymous Noise (Japanese: 覆面系ノイズ, Hepburn: Fukumenkei Noizu) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ryoko Fukuyama. The series is published by Hakusensha in Japan and by Viz Media in the United States. The manga has been adapted into an anime television series that aired from April to June 2017 and a live-action film.[2]

Characters

[edit]

Main characters

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In no hurry to shout

Nino Arisugawa (有栖川 仁乃, Arisugawa Nino) / Alice (ニノ)
Voiced by: Saori Hayami (drama CD, anime)[3] (Japanese); Juliet Simmons[4] (English)

Played by: Ayami Nakajo[5][6]

Nino is a first-year high school student who has loved singing since young, being gifted with an extremely resonating voice. She was in love with her singing partner and neighbour Momo until he moved away suddenly, leading to the string of events that let her meet Kanade, whom she called Yuzu. After he leaves her too, she continues to sing for 6 years in hopes that her voice will reach them.
Kanade Yuzuriha (杠 花奏, Yuzuriha Kanade) / Yuzu (ユズ)
Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro (early drama CD), Rie Takahashi (child), Daiki Yamashita (anime)[3] (Japanese); Bryson Baugus[4] (English)
Played by: Jun Shison[6][7]
Kanade is a second-year high school student who is known for drinking milk constantly. He nicknames Nino "Alice" from her surname. He initially had writer's block until he met Nino, whose voice reignites his feelings and passion to keep composing, forming a masked band known as "in NO hurry to shout". He has been in love with Nino for a long time now.
Yoshito Haruno (悠埜 佳斗, Haruno Yoshito) / Haruyoshi (ハルヨシ)
Voiced by: Daisuke Ono (drama CD, anime)[8] (Japanese); Benjamin McLaughlin[4] (English)
Played by: Yosuke Sugino[9]
Ayumi Kurose (黒瀬 歩, Kurose Ayumi) / Kuro (クロ)
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura (early drama CD), Jun Fukuyama (anime)[8] (Japanese); Blake Shepard[4] (English)
Played by: Hayato Isomura[9]

SILENT BLACK KITTY

Momo Sakaki (榊 桃, Sakaki Momo) / Momo (モモ)
Voiced by: Tomo Muranaka (child), Kōki Uchiyama (drama CD, anime)[3] (Japanese); Houston Hayes[4] (English)
Played by: Yuta Koseki[6][7]
Momo is Nino's childhood friend who had to move away because of his parents' debt. He is a famous composer by the name of Momo Kiryuu.
Miou Suguri (珠久里 深桜, Suguri Miō) / Miou (ミオウ)
Voiced by: Ayahi Takagaki (drama CD, anime)[8] (Japanese); Amanda Lee[4] (English)
Played by: Erina Mano[9]

Entertainment industry

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Michiru Yanai (梁井壬散, Yanai Michiru) / Yana (ヤナ)
Voiced by: Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese); David Wald[4] (English)
Tsukika Kuze (久瀬 月果, Kuze Tsukika)
Voiced by: Satomi Arai
Ayame Hōjō (北条 菖蒲, Hōjō Ayame)
Tomo-chan (トモちゃん)
Voiced by: M·A·O

Others

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Nino's mother (仁乃の母, Nino no haha)
Voiced by: Yumi Kakazu (Japanese); Carli Mosier[4] (English)
Yuzu's mother (ユズの母, Yuzu no haha)
Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue (Japanese); Joanne Bonasso[4] (English)
Momo's mother (モモの母, Momo no haha)
Voiced by: Emi Shinohara
Eiji Mikota (三古田瑛士, Mikota Eiji)
Voiced by: Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Satomi Akesaka (child) (Japanese); Greg Cote,[4] Carli Mosier (child) (English)

Media

[edit]

Manga and drama CD

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Ryoko Fukuyama launched the series in the 10th issue of Hakusensha's shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume on 20 April 2013.[10] The manga ended on 5 January 2019.[11] A drama CD was bundled with the 7th issue of Hana to Yume released on 5 March 2014.[12] Fukuyama mentioned that the cast of the drama CD was based on her own recommendation, with most of the cast reprising their roles in the anime adaptation.[13] North American publisher Viz Media announced their license to the series on 2 October 2016.[14] The limited edition of volume 13 was bundled with drama CD.

Volumes

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No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
118 October 2013[15]97845922130177 March 2017[16]9781421594200
220 February 2014[17]97845922130242 May 2017[18]9781421594217
320 June 2014[19]97845922130314 July 2017[20]9781421594224
420 October 2014[21]97845922130485 September 2017[22]9781421594231
520 January 2015[23]978459221305528 November 2017[24]9781421594248
617 July 2015[25]97845922130622 January 2018[26]9781421594255
720 October 2015[27]97845922130796 March 2018[28]9781421594262
820 January 2016[29]97845922130861 May 2018[30]9781421594279
920 April 2016[31]97845922130933 July 2018[32]9781421594286
1019 August 2016[33]97845922131094 September 2018[34]9781421594293
1120 December 2016[35]97845922161176 November 2018[36]9781421597737
1220 March 2017[37]97845922161241 January 2019[38]9781421598277
1320 June 2017[39]97845922161315 March 2019[40]9781974700264
1420 November 2017[41]97845922161487 May 2019[42]9781974705535
1520 March 2018[43]97845922161552 July 2019[44]9781974706426
1620 August 2018[45]97845922161623 September 2019[46]9781974707119
1719 December 2018[47]97845922161795 November 2019[48]9781974709533
1820 March 2019[49]97845922161867 January 2020[50]9781974710782

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced via the cover of the 10th issue of Hana to Yume in April 2016 and aired from 11 April 2017 to 27 June 2017, on Tokyo MX, Kansai TV, and BS Fuji[3][1][51] The anime is licensed by Sentai Filmworks in North America for streaming and home video release that held a world premiere screening of the first episode at Anime Boston on 1 April 2017 ahead of its release in Japan.[52] Prior to the anime, an internet radio show to promote the series titled Fukumenkei Noise in NO hurry to Radio (覆面系ノイズ in NO hurry to Radio;) began broadcasting on 8 April 2017. The show is hosted by Saori Hayami and Daiki Yamashita, the voice actors for Nino and Yuzu, respectively.

No.TitleOriginal release date
1"We're Hiding How We Truly Feel"
"Bokutachi wa, Honto no Kokoro o, Kakushiteru" (Japanese: ぼくたちは、ほんとのこころを、かくしてる)
11 April 2017 (2017-04-11)
2"God, I Pray That Alice's Love Will Never Be Realized"
"Kamisama, Arisu no Koi ga, Eien ni Kanaimasen Yō ni" (Japanese: かみさま、アリスのこいが、えいえんにかないませんように)
18 April 2017 (2017-04-18)
3"Whatever It Takes, Right Now"
"Dōshite mo, Ima Sugu" (Japanese: どうしても、いますぐ)
25 April 2017 (2017-04-25)
4"That Day, We Who Were Hiding How We Truly Felt Joined Hands"
"Honto no Kokoro o Kaku Shita Bokura wa, Kōshite Ano Hi, Te o Kundanda" (Japanese: ほんとのこころをかくしたぼくらは、こうしてあのひ、てをくんだんだ)
2 May 2017 (2017-05-02)
5"I Wouldn't Have Had to See You Smile Like That"
"Kimi no Anna Egao, Minakute Sunda noni" (Japanese: きみのあんな笑顔、みなくてすんだのに)
9 May 2017 (2017-05-09)
6"Today And Tomorrow, We Walk"
"Kyō mo Ashita mo, Aruku" (Japanese: 今日も明日も、歩く)
16 May 2017 (2017-05-16)
7"Our Lines of Sight Finally Overlapped"
"Bokura no Shisen wa Yōyaku, Kōsa Shitanda" (Japanese: ぼくらの視線はようやく、交差したんだ)
23 May 2017 (2017-05-23)
8"I Will Be Your Friend, I Swear I Will"
"Kimi no Tomodachi ni Naru tte, Zettai, Natte Miseru tte" (Japanese: きみのともだちになるって、ぜったい、なってみせるって)
30 May 2017 (2017-05-30)
9"And So, We Took Off Running For That Summer"
"Sōshite, Bokura wa Hashiridashita, Ano Natsu o Mezashite" (Japanese: そうして、ぼくらははしりだした、あの夏をめざして)
6 June 2017 (2017-06-06)
10"The One Who Lit a Fire Inside Alice Was Me"
"Arisu ni Hi o Tsuketa no wa, Boku Datta" (Japanese: アリスに火をつけたのは、ぼくだった)
13 June 2017 (2017-06-13)
11"I'll Make It So All of Them Can Never Leave"
"Zenin Koko kara, Hanare Nare Naku Shiteyaru" (Japanese: 全員ここから、離れなれなくしてやる)
20 June 2017 (2017-06-20)
12"I Pray It Reaches You"
"Todokimasu Yō ni" (Japanese: とどきますように)
27 June 2017 (2017-06-27)

Music

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For the anime television series, six singles were released starting on 19 April 2017. The first single included the anime opening theme "High School" (ハイスクール) [ANIME SIDE] -Bootleg- by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Miou, voiced by Ayahi Takagaki), and insert song "Spiral" (スパイラル) by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Nino, voiced by Saori Hayami). The second single included the anime opening theme "High School" with Nino's vocal titled "High School" (ハイスクール) [ANIME SIDE] -Alternative- by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Nino, voiced by Saori Hayami) and was released together with third single on 10 May 2017 that included the anime ending theme "Allegro" (アレグロ) by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Nino, voiced by Saori Hayami). The fourth single included the insert song "Canary" (カナリヤ, Kanariya) [ANIME SIDE] by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Nino, voiced by Saori Hayami) was released on 17 May 2017. The fifth single was released on 14 June 2017 and included the insert song "Falling Silent" by Silent Black Kitty (vocal: Miou, voiced by Ayahi Takagaki). The sixth single of the anime "Noise" (ノイズ) by in NO hurry to shout; (vocal: Nino, voiced by Saori Hayami) was released on 21 June 2017. Anonymous Noise anime original soundtrack was released on 28 June 2017 and contains 57 tracks by SADESPER RECORD (NARASAKI / WATCHMAN) and included "Etude" (エチュード), a song played by Yuzu on piano and sung by Nino in the first episode and its piano score.[53]

Live-action film

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A live-action film adaptation was announced via the 21st issue of Hana to Yume in October 2016. Koichiro Miki directed the film; he and Rie Yokota had written the scripts. Principal photography began in November 2016. The film was released on 25 November 2017 in Japan.[5][6][7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anonymous Noise (Japanese: Fukumenkei Noise, Hepburn: Fukumenkei Noizu) is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Ryoko Fukuyama. It was serialized in Hakusensha's * magazine from April 20, 2013, to January 5, 2019, and collected in eighteen volumes. The series is licensed in by , which released the first English volume on March 7, 2017, and the final volume on January 7, 2020. An television series adaptation produced by aired for 12 episodes from April 11 to , 2017. A live-action film adaptation directed by Kōichirō Miki was released in Japan on November 25, 2017, starring Ayami Nakajō as protagonist Nino Arisugawa. The story centers on Nino Arisugawa, a passionate young singer who, after experiencing two heartbreaking separations from childhood friends Momo Sakisaka and Yuzu Kaname during her elementary school years, continues to sing in hopes that her voice will one day reach them, fulfilling promises they made to find her through her music. As a high school student, Nino joins the light music club at her school, where she reunites with Yuzu—now a talented composer—and forms a band called In No Hurry to Shout: (I.N.H.S.), navigating themes of unrequited love, personal growth, and the power of music to connect people across time and distance. Fukuyama's work blends emotional drama with musical elements.

Premise and themes

Premise

Anonymous Noise follows Nino Arisugawa, a high school girl in modern-day who loves singing but becomes reluctant to do so publicly due to painful childhood separations from two important figures in her life. As a child, Nino shared her passion for music with her neighbor and close friend Momo Sakaki, but his family's sudden move forced them apart, leaving her heartbroken and vowing to sing until her voice could reach him again. Soon after, Nino encounters —later revealed as Kanade Yuzuriha—a mysterious boy who composes melodies inspired by her enchanting voice during anonymous meetings at the beach every Wednesday, where she performs under the pseudonym "Alice." Their musical partnership provides Nino solace, but Yuzu abruptly stops appearing. Despite the compounded grief, Nino continues to sing in hopes of reuniting with both, though she suppresses her singing in school settings behind a mask of . The story's core arc begins when Nino reunites with at school, where he harbors secrets from their past and encourages her to reclaim her talent. She also crosses paths with Momo, now a charismatic and popular student who has been her secret admirer since childhood, leading to the formation of the band In No Hurry to Shout (I.N.H.S.) with and Momo as key members. Through band activities amid the emerging , Nino navigates romantic entanglements and personal growth, using music as a bridge to confront her unresolved feelings and rediscover her passion.

Themes

The series prominently features as a conduit for , enabling characters to articulate unspoken sentiments and concealed vulnerabilities through anonymous and composition. This motif positions song as a symbolic that transcends verbal barriers, fostering connections rooted in shared passion and unresolved inner turmoil. As the English publisher notes, serves as the common ground uniting protagonists, symbolizing both and the ache of longing in their interpersonal dynamics. A core theme revolves around first and its profound, lasting repercussions, including the of loss and the persistent anxiety stemming from childhood separations. The narrative contrasts the innocence of early romances with the complexities of adult affections, illustrating how past bonds exert a gravitational pull on present relationships and compel characters to navigate the divide between reminiscence and progression. This exploration underscores the emotional weight of promises made in youth, which echo through time as catalysts for personal reckoning. Identity and performance emerge as intertwined motifs, particularly in the tension between authentic self-expression and the performative demands of the entertainment world. in artistic endeavors allows for unfiltered , yet it heightens the challenge of reconciling private truths with public facades, especially under industry pressures that test one's genuineness. The story portrays this duality as a pathway to self-discovery, where creative outlets become arenas for negotiating visibility and concealment. Friendship and propel the themes of and conflict within creative pursuits, as seen in the formation of bands like I.N.H.S., which serve as crucibles for artistic evolution. These dynamics reveal how mutual goals in music breed both supportive alliances and competitive jealousies, ultimately driving individual growth through collective endeavors. Such relationships highlight the transformative power of shared ambitions in overcoming isolation and honing talents.

Characters

Main characters

Nino Arisugawa is the central protagonist of Anonymous Noise, a high with a natural talent for that she discovered in elementary . As a child, she performed anonymously under the alias "Alice," pairing her resonant voice with melodies composed by her friend , but she ceased after her parents' forced a family move, leaving her emotionally withdrawn. Upon entering high and reuniting with , Nino resumes her passion for music, becoming the of the band In No Hurry to Shout (Inohari) and using songwriting to navigate her unresolved feelings from childhood separations. In the adaptation, she is voiced by . Kanade Yuzuriha, commonly known as , is Nino's childhood friend and a skilled who first met her in elementary , where he created for her anonymous performances to cope with his own inability to sing due to emotional constraints. After Nino's departure, Yuzu rises to prominence as a masked band member leading the band In No Hurry to Shout while hiding his identity and struggling to express his direct affection for Nino, often channeling his emotions through his compositions instead. His role in the story drives the band's formation and musical growth, as he recruits Nino to help her rediscover her voice. In the , Yuzu is voiced by . Momo Sakaki serves as Nino's childhood neighbor and first love, with whom she shared joyful singing sessions in elementary school until his family's sudden economic relocation separated them without farewell, deepening her sense of loss. Now a high school classmate of Nino and , Momo secretly writes lyrics under a professional alias and joins In No Hurry to Shout as the , contributing to the band's dynamic while grappling with his lingering feelings for Nino amid the group's rising fame. His straightforward yet reserved personality often creates tension in the interpersonal conflicts. In the adaptation, he is voiced by Kōki Uchiyama. The core relationships among these characters form a centered on Nino, with both and Momo harboring deep affections for her that intertwine with their shared musical pursuits, fueling romantic rivalries and collaborative band efforts that propel the narrative's emotional and artistic conflicts.

Supporting characters

Miou Suguri serves as a key school peer and bandmate in the series, acting as the for the aspiring group in NO hurry to shout (I.N.H.S.). She exhibits a complex personality—kind and caring at her core, yet occasionally rude and jealous, particularly in her interactions with protagonist Nino Arisugawa, whom she supports while navigating her own emotions within the band's dynamics. Suguri's role often provides emotional depth to the group's rehearsals and performances, helping to push Nino toward overcoming her singing inhibitions and facilitating plot progression through band conflicts and reconciliations. In the anime adaptation, she is voiced by . Ayumi Kurose functions as another essential peer and band member, taking on the position in I.N.H.S. and contributing to the group's rhythmic foundation during their high school performances and path to potential debut. Known by nicknames like "Hatter" or "Kuro," he adds stability and technical skill to the ensemble, creating obstacles through his straightforward personality that challenges the band's creative tensions and supports Yuzuriha's in recruiting talent. His presence underscores themes of in the music scene, aiding the protagonists' growth amid romantic entanglements. Kurose is voiced by in the . Yoshito Haruno, a flamboyant classmate often nicknamed "Queen" or "Haruyoshi," brings to the school environment as Yuzuriha's close friend, band member in In No Hurry to Shout, and occasional advisor on personal matters. His exaggerated mannerisms and fashion-forward attitude lighten tense moments, while he offers subtle emotional support to the main characters during their struggles with identity and relationships, indirectly influencing band decisions and social interactions at school. Haruno's humorous interventions help propel subplots involving peer rivalries and friendships. He is voiced by in the anime adaptation. Among family members, Yuzuriha's provides grounding influence, appearing in key scenes to offer advice on his musical pursuits and personal dilemmas, encouraging perseverance in the face of family expectations and career ambitions. Similarly, Momo's represents a supportive parental figure, subtly impacting Momo's professional life in the entertainment industry by fostering his early interest in composition. These familial roles create emotional anchors, motivating the protagonists' journeys without dominating the . Yuzuriha's mother is voiced by , and Momo's by . In the entertainment industry context, figures like talent scouts and rival band members occasionally appear to heighten stakes, such as scouts evaluating I.N.H.S. for debuts or competitors in music contests that test the group's resolve. These professionals introduce external pressures, like opportunities or rivalries, which drive advancement by forcing the characters to confront their aspirations and insecurities in the competitive music world. For instance, unnamed producers and managers guide early career steps, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning from school bands to professional stages. Other school peers, such as Tsukika Kuze and Michiru Yanai, contribute to the social fabric by offering minor emotional support or comic elements in classroom settings, reinforcing themes of camaraderie among aspiring musicians. Kuze, a supporting classmate, appears in group scenes to highlight collective encouragement, while Yanai's distinctive style adds visual flair to peer interactions. These roles enhance the narrative's focus on community without overshadowing the core band dynamics. Kuze is voiced by in the .

Media

Manga

Anonymous Noise (Japanese: 覆面系ノイズ, Hepburn: Fukumenkei Noise) is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Ryoko Fukuyama. It was serialized in 's biweekly magazine Hana to Yume from April 20, 2013, to January 5, 2019. The series was collected into 18 volumes published by between October 18, 2013, and March 20, 2019. licensed the for English-language publication in , announcing the acquisition on October 2, 2016. The first volume was released on March 7, 2017, with subsequent volumes published on a bi-monthly schedule until the final volume on January 7, 2020. Several drama CDs were released as audio adaptations, featuring for key scenes and dialogue from the . The initial drama CD, titled Yaminabe-kei Noise, was bundled with the 7th issue of on March 5, 2014, and featured early cast selections based on Fukuyama's preferences. Limited editions of later volumes included additional drama CDs with the main cast, such as Launch the Noise with volume 13 (June 20, 2017), Harajuku-kei Noise with volume 14 (November 20, 2017), and another installment with volume 15 (March 20, 2018). The volumes collect chapters that advance the story's focus on music, relationships, and personal growth. Volume 1 introduces Nino Arisugawa's childhood connections and her developing passion for singing amid early separations. Subsequent volumes explore high school dynamics, band formations, and emotional reunions, with later entries delving into professional challenges and resolutions. For instance, 18 concludes the arcs with final performances and heartfelt closures.
VolumeJapanese release dateEnglish release date
1October 18, 2013March 7, 2017
2February 20, 2014May 2, 2017
3June 20, 2014July 4, 2017
4October 20, 2014September 5, 2017
5January 20, 2015November 7, 2017
6April 17, 2015January 2, 2018
7July 17, 2015March 6, 2018
8November 20, 2015May 1, 2018
9February 19, 2016July 3, 2018
10August 19, 2016September 4, 2018
11December 20, 2016November 6, 2018
12March 20, 2017January 1, 2019
13June 20, 2017March 5, 2019
14November 20, 2017May 7, 2019
15March 20, 2018July 2, 2019
16August 20, 2018September 3, 2019
17December 20, 2018November 5, 2019
18March 20, 2019January 7, 2020
The serves as the primary source material for adaptations like the and live-action film.

Anime

The television adaptation of Anonymous Noise was produced by and aired in Japan from April 11 to June 27, 2017, consisting of 12 episodes broadcast on networks including , BS11, and AT-X. The series faithfully adapts the early arcs of the source , focusing on the protagonists' emotional and musical journeys. Directed by Hideya Takahashi, the anime features series composition by Deko Akao, character designs by Mariko Itou, and music composed by Sadesper Record (NARASAKI and WATCHMAN). The main voice cast includes as Nino Arisugawa, as Kanade "Yuzu" Yuzuriha, Kōki Uchiyama as Momo Sakisaka, as Yoshito Haruno, and as Miou Suguri. The episodes are structured around key narrative arcs, with the first four installments exploring Nino's childhood memories, her separations from and Momo, and their unexpected high school reunion, setting the stage for her vocal aspirations. Episodes 5 through 12 shift to the formation of a light music club, band dynamics, live performances, and deepening interpersonal relationships amid musical challenges. No original video animations (OVAs) were produced alongside the television run. Sentai Filmworks acquired the North American licensing rights prior to the premiere, handling simulcast streaming and producing an English dub. releases, including Blu-ray volumes with the dub, began in the United States on June 5, 2018.

Live-action film

A live-action of Anonymous Noise was directed by Kōichirō Miki, who co-wrote the screenplay with Rie Yokota. commenced in November 2016, and the film premiered in on November 25, 2017. The cast features Ayami Nakajō in the lead role of Nino Arisugawa, alongside Yūta Koseki as Momo Sakisaka and as Kanade Yuzuriha (Yuzu). Supporting performances include as Ayumi Kurose (Kuro), as Miou Suguri, and Yōsuke Sugino as Yoshito Haruno (Haruyoshi), with additional seasoned actors filling out the ensemble. With a runtime of 116 minutes, the condenses the manga's expansive narrative into a feature-length format, centering on Nino's use of song to reunite with her estranged childhood friends amid themes of , while highlighting the formation and debut of in NO hurry to shout. This approach streamlines multiple character arcs and subplots from the source material to emphasize the core romantic entanglements and musical elements. The film received a theatrical release across , with limited international availability through select screenings and streaming services such as . Home media editions, including DVD and Blu-ray, were distributed in Japan following its cinematic run.

Music

The in Anonymous Noise serves as a core narrative element, intertwining with the characters' emotional journeys and relationships, particularly through anonymous performances and pivotal concert scenes that advance the and reveal hidden identities. Songs often reflect themes of , loss, and self-expression via lyrics that echo the protagonists' inner turmoil, with music acting as a bridge between past promises and present aspirations. Central to the franchise are the original songs performed by the fictional band in NO hurry to shout; (I.N.H.S.), which features masked members concealing their identities, mirroring the story's motif of anonymous expression. Key tracks include "High School" (the first opening theme), "Canary" (an insert song symbolizing longing), and "Noise" (a climactic insert highlighting emotional release), composed primarily by NARASAKI with arrangements by the band and lyrics co-written by and series creator Ryoko Fukuyama to align with the thematic focus on as emotional . These compositions integrate rock and alternative elements, emphasizing vocal delivery to underscore character growth, such as Nino Arisugawa's evolution from solitary to band performances. Six character singles were released in conjunction with the anime adaptation, each featuring voice actors performing as their roles to blend seamlessly with the narrative. Notable examples include "Canaria [Anime Side]" by Saori Hayami (as Nino), released on May 17, 2017, which captures the protagonist's vulnerable yearning through its melody and lyrics; and "Noise" by the same artist (as Nino with I.N.H.S.), issued on June 21, 2017, serving as a high-energy insert for key concert sequences. Other singles, such as "Falling Silent" by Ayahi Takagaki (as part of SILENT BLACK KITTY) on July 26, 2017, highlight rival band dynamics and personal rivalries. These releases, produced under Sadesper Record, were designed for in-episode playback, enhancing the story's musical confrontations and reconciliations. The franchise's original soundtrack album, THE ANONYMOUS NOISE Original Soundtrack, was released on , 2017, by in a two-disc set containing 57 tracks totaling over 77 minutes. Composed and arranged by SADESPER RECORD (NARASAKI and WATCHMAN), it encompasses instrumental scores for everyday school life, tense encounters, and dramatic builds, alongside select insert songs like "Étude with Vocal" performed by . The album supports the plot's rhythm by providing ambient cues for anonymous radio broadcasts and live performances, with motifs recurring to symbolize unresolved connections among characters.

Reception

Critical reception

The manga adaptation of Anonymous Noise received generally positive reviews for its emotional depth and integration of music with romance, though critics noted issues with pacing and artistic execution. praised the series for its "angsty good fun" in shoujo romance, awarding it an overall grade of B for its strong characterization and effective setup of a complex , while highlighting the emotional resonance that avoids excessive . On , the manga holds an average score of 7.44 out of 10 from over 4,000 users, with reviewers commending Ryoko Fukuyama's art style for its ability to express emotions "nicely if not excellent" and the romance pacing for creating supportive dynamics between leads like Nino and Yuzu. However, some critiques pointed to predictable tropes, such as overused love polygons and coincidences that make the story feel clichéd in later volumes, alongside cluttered layouts that occasionally hinder readability. Otaku USA Magazine described it as an "engaging combination" of and masked band elements, but faulted the rushed and rough artwork for underdeveloped characters early on. The adaptation, produced by , earned acclaim for its quality and integration, though it faced criticism for its abrupt conclusion. Anime UK News rated it 9 out of 10, lauding the "vibrant and very detailed" that closely mirrors the 's character designs, along with Narasaki's "fantastic" featuring upbeat pop songs and fitting openings like "High School" that enhance the emotional tone. Anime News Network's user ratings average 6.671 out of 10, reflecting appreciation for the blend of romance and but noting inconsistencies in execution. Reviewers highlighted positive notes on the fluid integration of band performances using 3D models, which add dynamism without detracting from the heartfelt pacing across 12 episodes. Some criticism focused on the rushed ending, which leaves the story unfinished due to its basis in an 18-volume without a second season, potentially undermining the emotional buildup. The 2017 live-action received mixed reviews, praised for its emotional depth in portraying the romance but critiqued for stiffness in and predictable plotting. On , it holds a 6.3 out of 10 rating from users, who appreciated the "sweet and warm" and great musical performances that capture the music-romance blend effectively. Reviewers noted the 's strengths in emotional through likeable leads and the love triangle's heartfelt moments, though the music theme sometimes feels forced, particularly in childhood scenes. Critiques included overly dramatic and predictable elements, with described as solid overall but occasionally stiff, especially among younger cast members whose dialogue comes across as too mature. Across formats, Anonymous Noise is commonly praised for its unique fusion of in music and romantic longing, which creates compelling emotional impact, but weaknesses in character depth beyond the leads and reliance on familiar shoujo tropes temper enthusiasm.

Commercial performance

The adaptation of Anonymous Noise, comprising 18 volumes, achieved significant commercial success in , with over 2 million copies in circulation (including digital sales) as of November 2018. The 12-episode series, aired in 2017, garnered widespread streaming viewership on platforms like and was commercially viable through releases. The live-action film adaptation contributed to its moderate success domestically. Internationally, it saw additional revenue from digital sales and streaming distributions. Associated releases, including singles by the in-universe band in NO hurry to shout, underscored the franchise's musical appeal.

References

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