Hubbry Logo
Those Snow White NotesThose Snow White NotesMain
Open search
Those Snow White Notes
Community hub
Those Snow White Notes
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Those Snow White Notes
Those Snow White Notes
Those Snow White Notes
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Those Snow White Notes
First volume cover
ましろのおと
(Mashiro no Oto)
GenreComing-of-age, drama[1]
Manga
Written byMarimo Ragawa
Published byKodansha
English publisher
MagazineMonthly Shōnen Magazine
Original runDecember 5, 2009 – August 5, 2022
Volumes31
Anime television series
Directed byHiroaki Akagi
Written byKan'ichi Katō
StudioShin-Ei Animation
Licensed by
Original networkMBS, TBS, BS-TBS
Original run April 3, 2021 – June 19, 2021
Episodes12
icon Anime and manga portal

Those Snow White Notes (Japanese: ましろのおと, Hepburn: Mashiro no Oto) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Marimo Ragawa. It was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Magazine from December 2009 to August 2022, and has been collected in thirty-one tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation produced by Shin-Ei Animation aired from April 3 to June 19, 2021, on the Animeism programming block.

Characters

[edit]

Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club

[edit]
Setsu Sawamura (澤村雪, Sawamura Setsu)
Voiced by: Nobunaga Shimazaki[2]
Shuri Maeda (前田朱利, Maeda Shuri)
Voiced by: Yume Miyamoto[3]
Yui Yamazato (山里結, Yamazato Yui)
Voiced by: Reina Kondō[3]
Kaito Yaguchi (矢口海人, Yaguchi Kaito)
Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto[3]
Rai Nagamori (永森雷, Nagamori Rai)
Voiced by: Tatsuhisa Suzuki[3]
Keiko Koyabu (小薮啓子, Koyabu Keiko)
Voiced by: Tomoyo Takayanagi[4]

Other characters

[edit]
Wakana Sawamura (澤村若菜, Sawamura Wakana)
Voiced by: Yoshimasa Hosoya[3]
Umeko Sawamura (澤村梅子, Sawamura Umeko)
Voiced by: Takako Honda[3]
Seiryū Kamiki (神木清流, Kamiki Seiryū)
Voiced by: Yūichirō Umehara[5]
Sōichi Tanuma (田沼総一, Tanuma Sōichi)
Voiced by: Tasuku Hatanaka[5]
Mai Tanuma (田沼舞, Tanuma Mai)
Voiced by: Shiori Mikami[5]
Yuna Tachiki (立樹ユナ, Tachiki Yuna)
Voiced by: Rikako Aida[5]
Ushio Arakawa (荒川潮, Arakawa Ushio)
Voiced by: Fukushi Ochiai[4]
Takaomi Kaji (梶貴臣, Kaji Takaomi)
Voiced by: Yuki Kaji[4]
Sakura Yamano (山野桜, Yamano Sakura)
Voiced by: Yuna Taniguchi[4]
Matsugorō Sawamura (澤村松吾郎, Sawamura Matsugorō)
Voiced by: Tomohisa Asou[4]
Hiroshi Ōtawara (大俵ヒロシ, Ōtawara Hiroshi)
Voiced by: Kyōya Kimura[4]
Taketo (タケト, Taketo)
Voiced by: Tetsuya Kakihara[4]

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

The manga is written and illustrated by Marimo Ragawa. The series was serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Shōnen Magazine from December 5, 2009,[6][7] to August 5, 2022.[8] Kodansha compiled its chapters into 31 individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was published on October 15, 2010[9] and the final volume was published on October 17, 2022.[10] An omnibus edition with the first three volumes released in Japan on March 17, 2021.[11]

Kodansha USA has licensed the manga for digital release in North America.[12]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 October 15, 2010[9]978-4-06-371261-2March 30, 2021[13]978-1-63-699042-2
2 December 17, 2010[14]978-4-06-371266-7April 6, 2021[15]978-1-63-699043-9
3 April 15, 2011[16]978-4-06-371281-0April 27, 2021[17]978-1-63-699044-6
4 September 16, 2011[18]978-4-06-371298-8May 11, 2021[19]978-1-63-699096-5
5 January 17, 2012[20]978-4-06-371316-9May 25, 2021[21]978-1-63-699111-5
6 June 15, 2012[22]978-4-06-371334-3June 8, 2021[23]978-1-63-699147-4
7 November 16, 2012[24]978-4-06-371353-4June 22, 2021[25]978-1-63-699161-0
8 April 17, 2013[26]978-4-06-371371-8July 6, 2021[27]978-1-63-699211-2
9 October 17, 2013[28]978-4-06-371393-0September 5, 2023[29]978-1-68-491196-7
10 February 17, 2014[30]978-4-06-371411-1October 3, 2023[31]978-1-68-491366-4
11 June 17, 2014[32]978-4-06-371425-8November 21, 2023[33]979-8-88-933264-0
12 October 17, 2014[34]978-4-06-371443-2December 12, 2023[35]979-8-88-933286-2
13 April 17, 2015[36]978-4-06-371466-1January 9, 2024[37]979-8-88-933316-6
14 August 17, 2015[38]978-4-06-371479-1February 6, 2024[39]979-8-88-933369-2
15 February 17, 2016[40]978-4-06-392510-4March 5, 2024[41]979-8-88-933407-1
16 October 17, 2016[42]978-4-06-392558-6April 2, 2024[43]979-8-88-933432-3
17 March 17, 2017[44]978-4-06-392572-2May 7, 2024[45]979-8-88-933433-0
18 July 14, 2017[46]978-4-06-392594-4June 4, 2024[47]979-8-88-933563-4
19 November 17, 2017[48]978-4-06-510443-9July 2, 2024[49]979-8-88-933618-1
20 April 17, 2018[50]978-4-06-511296-0August 6, 2024[51]979-8-88-933690-7
21 October 17, 2018[52]978-4-06-513377-4October 1, 2024[53]979-8-89-478008-5
22 February 15, 2019[54]978-4-06-514490-9November 5, 2024[55]979-8-89-478099-3
23 July 17, 2019[56]978-4-06-516590-4December 3, 2024[57]979-8-89-478157-0
24 November 15, 2019[58]978-4-06-517627-6January 7, 2025[59]979-8-89-478295-9
25 May 15, 2020[60]978-4-06-519297-9February 4, 2025[61]979-8-89-478363-5
26 November 17, 2020[62]978-4-06-521495-4March 4, 2025[63]979-8-89-478427-4
27 March 17, 2021[64]978-4-06-522731-2April 1, 2025[65]979-8-89-478486-1
28 July 15, 2021[66]978-4-06-523932-2May 6, 2025[67]979-8-89-478487-8
29 December 16, 2021[68]978-4-06-526123-1June 3, 2025[69]979-8-89-478488-5
30 July 14, 2022[70]978-4-06-528532-9July 1, 2025[71]979-8-89-478489-2
31 October 17, 2022[10][72]978-4-06-529430-7
978-4-06-529429-1 (SE)		August 5, 2025[73]979-8-89-478490-8

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced in the September issue of Monthly Shōnen Magazine on August 6, 2020.[1] The series is animated by Shin-Ei Animation and directed by Hiroaki Akagi, with Kan'ichi Katō handling series composition, and Jiro Mashima designing the characters. The Yoshida Brothers will supervise the tsugaru-jamisen music in the anime. The two opening theme songs "Blizzard" and "Ginsekai" (Silver World) was performed by Burnout Syndromes, while the ending theme song "Kono Yume ga Sameru Made" (Until I Wake From Dreaming) was performed by Miliyah Kato and the Yoshida Brothers.[5] The series aired from April 3 to June 19, 2021, on the Animeism programming block on MBS, TBS, and BS-TBS.[2][5] Crunchyroll streamed the series outside of Southeast Asia.[74] Mighty Media has licensed the series in Southeast Asian territories.[75]

Episodes

[edit]
No.Title [76][a]Directed by [b]Written by [b]Original release date [78]
1"Desolate"
Transliteration: "Sekibaku" (Japanese: 寂寞)		Naoki MurataKan'ichi KatōApril 3, 2021 (2021-04-03)[c]
Shortly after the death of his grandfather Matsugorō Sawamura, who was an accomplished shamisen player, Setsu Sawamura leaves Aomori and moves to Tokyo having lost his passion for the shamisen. He bumps into the aspiring actress Yuna Tachiki, and after collapsing in the streets of Roppongi, he is taken to her apartment. The next day they hang out with her friend Taketo, a guitar player for a rock band. That night, Setsu plays the shamisen in the park and recalls that he stopped playing the shamisen because of his grandfather's dying wish. On the next day right before Taketo's concert, Taketo takes his anger out on Setsu, causing the attendees to become restless due to the delay in the start of his concert. Needing time for Taketo to calm down, Setsu performs the shamisen in an impromptu opening act performance, which goes viral. At the start of spring, Yuna moves out and reveals to Setsu that she was unhappy with her talent agency and left it to pursue a better career opportunity.
2"Apple Blossoms"
Transliteration: "Ringo no Hana" (Japanese: 林檎の花)		Kyoung Soon ParkKan'ichi KatōApril 10, 2021 (2021-04-10)
Setsu's mother Umeko Sawamura drags an unconscious Setsu to his new home inside a boarding house. After Setsu wakes up, he performs the shamisen with Umeko singing, attracting an audience. However, the performance ends with Setsu accidentally breaking one of the strings and despite that, he won the approval of the neighborhood that permits him to practice his shamisen at home. The next day, Setsu begins school at Umezono Academy and makes a friend in Shuri Maeda, who is also very interested in the shamisen and also found a broken shamisen left in the music prep room. After school, Setsu is given a new shamisen case by his older brother Wakana, who is supportive of his decision to move to Tokyo. The two then perform at a local park and Setsu feels his close bond with Wakana while playing. Afterwards, Wakana gives his blessing to Setsu while preparing to return to Aomori.
3"Sudden Downpour"
Transliteration: "Shūu" (Japanese: 驟雨)		Takuo SuzukiKan'ichi KatōApril 17, 2021 (2021-04-17)[d]
Shuri is then caught listening to Matsugoro's improvisation shamisen song Shungyou, leading Setsu to ask her about how she came to know that song. Shuri reveals that her grandmother first met Matsugoro back when she was a kid having evacuated to the countryside, and that she formed the Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club hoping to find someone who understands the meaning of that song. However, with the song being improvised and changing with each performance, Setsu tells Shuri to give up on it. This response prompts Shuri's friends Yui Yamazoto and Kaito Yaguchi to join, with Keiko Koyabu becoming the club's advisor. Koyabu reveals that the broken shamisen found in the clubroom belonged to school alum Kousuke Ogata, known by his stage name Kamiki Seiryuu. To ask about the shamisen, the club attends one of his concerts and asks him afterwards. Seiryuu's response that he does not care about it being played again angers Setsu, and in response Seiryuu asks Setsu to play for him with Setsu giving a substandard performance. Setsu becomes lost in thought, but is convinced to play for Shuri's grandmother.
4"Spring Dawn"
Transliteration: "Haru no Akatsuki" (Japanese: 春の暁)		Masamune HirataAki ItamiApril 24, 2021 (2021-04-24)
Having accepted Shuri's request to perform Shungyou, Setsu scrambles to learn how to play that song, but comes to realize that he is incapable of playing it. However, Wakana tells Setsu that because Shuri and her grandmother do not realize the song's difficulty that he should focus on performing his own version. As he practices his song, he realizes the skill gap between himself and Matsugoro, but understands the importance of making the song his own. At the performance, he plays his modified version of Shungyou for Shuri's grandmother, and she reflects on the time when she first met Matsugoro when she evacuated to the countryside at age six. Despite being able to easily tell that this version is not the same version she remembers, she expresses her appreciation and explains the qualities that she remembers from meeting Matsugoro and how it was crafted into his performance, while Setsu responds by explaining why that is a difficult song to master. This performance inspires Shuri to keep the club going. Meanwhile, Umeko arranges to have Setsu enter the Matsugorou Cup, a high school shamisen competition.
5"Playing Together"
Transliteration: "Gassō" (Japanese: 合奏)		Masahiko WatanabeHiroko FukudaMay 1, 2021 (2021-05-01)
Rai Nagamori, who is experienced with a different style of shamisen, joins the club as they are set to enter the Matsugorou Cup as a team. Setsu becomes the club's teacher, but frustrated by the club's inability to produce a decent sound, as well as his unwillingness to lower his standards for them, Setsu quits the role. Setsu returns home and is greeted by Umeko, who is pressuring Setsu to enter the individual competition of the Matsugorou Cup causing him to get in an heated argument. The next day, Setsu apologizes to Shuri, and Koyabu brings in Seiryuu to teach the club and give them advice. Setsu performs the song the club intends to play for the competition, Shinbushi, and Seiryuu joins in, demonstrating their abilities to play in harmony with each other. Despite not getting any advice, the club has a better understanding of how to match each other as Setsu managed to match Seiryuu's simplistic performance. Sometime later, the club is able to play in sync for the first time.
6"Homeland"
Transliteration: "Genkyō" (Japanese: 原郷)		Masakazu TakahashiKan'ichi KatōMay 8, 2021 (2021-05-08)
Hiroshi Odawara, the owner of a traditional Japanese instrument show, brings the club to Aomori for training camp over summer break. Shuri falls into a slump and with Setsu reminded about his own worries having returned to his hometown, he feels disinterested in helping her out. That night, Rai tells Setsu about how Kaito used to play soccer, but he retired after suffering a serious knee injury, and his father saw this as an opportunity to get him to study to become a lawyer like his father. The next day, Odawara brings the club out to the Tsugaru Strait and explain the history of the Tsugaru shamisen. Afterwards, Wakana drops by asking Setsu if he is entering the individual competition or not and responds with uncertainty. Wakana then explains that the most important part about playing the shamisen is the audience. Later that day, Setsu practices the shamisen by himself as he decides to enter the competition, and Shuri listens in on it inspiring her to keep on trying. On the day before returning to Tokyo, the club performs Shinbushi without any mistakes, and that night they attend the Nebuta festival.
7"Wind"
Transliteration: "Kaze" (Japanese: 風)		Matsuo AsamiHiroko FukudaMay 15, 2021 (2021-05-15)
The team competition for the Matsugorou Cup begins and among the participants is Mai Tanuma, who is Setsu's childhood friend, Yui's friend on social media, younger sister of the prodigy Souichi Tanuma, and daughter of the accomplished shamisen performer Kamiki Ryuugen. Mai gets upset when she finds out that Setsu is competing, but is unable to participate in the individual competition. Setsu walks out of the concert venue intending to skip the opening ceremony and meets Souichi, while at the venue Mai meets Yui in person for the first time. After the opening ceremony in which Umeko puts on a stage show, the competition begins. Setsu returns to the venue as Kai scolds him for walking out causing his teammates to worry. After some teams perform, the team from Osaka led by Kaji Takaomi performs. The Osaka team performs with perfect technique and synchronization that wows the audience.
8"Tuning Fork"
Transliteration: "Onsa" (Japanese: 音叉)		Yasuaki FujiiAki ItamiMay 22, 2021 (2021-05-22)
As the Umezono shamisen club continues to wait, Yui tells Shuri that she intends to quit playing the shamisen after the competition. Meanwhile, the team from Fukuoka led by Ushio Arakawa performs, and despite the unorthodox nature of the performance, the crowd is wowed by the energy channeled into the performance. Shuri's nervousness reaches its peak and turns to Yui for support, while Yui tries to keep the club focused by acting tough. Mai's team then goes on stage and performs flawlessly with their modernized style, performing as if they were responding to a challenge. After trying to keep each other relaxed in the backstage area, the club goes on stage to perform.
9"Snow Flurries"
Transliteration: "Kazabana" (Japanese: 風花)		Naoki MurataAki ItamiMay 29, 2021 (2021-05-29)
The Umezono shamisen club performs and after a rough start due to Setsu's play overwhelming the others, the club's sound becomes more harmonized as the song progresses, winning the approval of the crowd with their energetic performance. While the judges evaluate the performances, Mai, Kaji, and Ushio see Setsu and complements him on his team's performance. The results are then announced with Umezono finishing third, with Mai's team finishes second and Kaji's team wins in a tightly contested evaluation, while Umezono wins the judge's special award for showing the most potential in their performance.
10"Wind From the Mountains"
Transliteration: "Yamaoroshi" (Japanese: 山颪)		Hiromichi MatanoHiroko FukudaJune 5, 2021 (2021-06-05)
The individual competition for the Matsugorou Cup begins, and Ryuugen has come from Aomori to assess Setsu's abilities, adding more pressure for Setsu to perform. As Setsu prepares, he is informed that Souichi and Mai are both adopted and are not blood-related. Meanwhile, Umeko and Ryuugen have a heated conversation as Ryuugen wants Setsu to inherit the Kamiki school much to Umeko's disapproval. Ushio performs and despite poor posture and an unconventional playing style, the crowd feeds off his energy. Kaji then performs and after a strong start, a string on his shamisen snaps.
11"Memories"
Transliteration: "Kioku" (Japanese: 記憶)		Kyoung Soon ParkKan'ichi KatōJune 12, 2021 (2021-06-12)
Despite a broken string, Kaji continues playing managing to delight the crowd with his improvisation using only two strings. Afterwards, the competition goes on a lunch break. Outside the venue, Souichi is approached by Seiryuu asking who he is interested in, and Souichi answers saying that he is interested in nobody. Elsewhere, Setsu is approached by Umeko, who explains that the purpose of the competition is for Setsu to revive Matsugorou's sound and make it known to the world. Setsu becomes conflicted between playing like his grandfather for Umeko and playing his own stil as requested by his teammates and competitors. Setsu goes on stage and starts off playing Matsugorou's style with lukewarm reception from the audience. Midway through the performance, he changes back to his usual playing style to the delight of the audience.
12"Those Snow White Notes"
Transliteration: "Mashiro no Oto" (Japanese: ましろのおと)		Yoshiyuki ShirahataKan'ichi KatōJune 19, 2021 (2021-06-19)
Setsu shows off his playing style after a change mid-performance, resulting in a huge ovation from the crowd. After a few more performances, Souichi goes on stage and performs his song flawlessly also generating a huge ovation. After the judges evaluate the performances, Setsu finishes in third while Souichi wins the competition. At the awards ceremony, Umeko presents Setsu with his trophy and drops it just before she hands it to him, breaking it, while telling him that she is disappointed with his decision not to play Matsugorou's style. As criticism continues to pile on from Ryuugen and Seiryuu, Setsu leaves the competition feeling dejected. Setsu goes on to skip the next several days of school afterwards as he reflects and debates on the playing style he wants to pursue.

Reception

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Those Snow White Notes was nominated for the 4th Manga Taishō,[79] and it was ranked third in the 2012 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Top 20 Manga for Male Readers survey.[80] It also won the 36th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category[81] and an Excellence Award at the 16th Japan Media Arts Festival Awards.[82] The series was nominated for the 23rd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2019.[83] Volume 9 has sold 70,223 copies as of October 20, 2013.[84]

Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network reviewed the manga's first volume in 2021, giving high praise to the opening "Track 0" chapter for its introduction of Yuna, criticized the story going downhill once she leaves for less interesting characters but felt there was potential going forward in subsequent volumes, concluding that: "There's definitely more for this series than against it at this point, and I'm looking forward to continuing to be proven wrong in my earlier assumptions about Marimo Ragawa as a creator."[85]

Anime

[edit]

Fellow ANN editor Nicholas Dupree placed Those Snow White Notes at number three on his top 5 best anime list of 2021, saying despite being "woefully incomplete", he praised the "heart-wrenching and deeply human journey" of its main character and the "excellently animated instrumentation" throughout the musical numbers, concluding that: "It desperately needs an encore, but only because a really good concert leaves you wanting more."[86]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Those Snow White Notes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Those Snow White Notes (Japanese: ましろのおと, Hepburn: Mashiro no Oto) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Marimo Ragawa. It was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen magazine from December 2009 to August 2022, and collected into 31 volumes. The story centers on Sawamura Setsu, a talented young player from rural whose grandfather, the legendary musician Matsugorō Sawamura, has recently passed away. Grieving and unable to replicate his grandfather's distinctive "sound," Setsu relocates to , where he encounters new friends, rivals, and challenges that help him rediscover his passion for . The explores themes of artistic identity, , and personal growth through the lens of , a dynamic style of playing originating from northern . Ragawa, inspired by real-life shamisen performances and collaborations with musicians like the Yoshida Brothers, incorporates authentic musical elements to depict the characters' emotional journeys. An anime television series adaptation, produced by , aired for 12 episodes from April 3 to June 19, 2021, on the Animeism programming block of MBS and TBS. Directed by Hiroaki Akagi, the anime features music supervision by the Yoshida Brothers and voice acting by talents including as Setsu, emphasizing the series' focus on performance and sound design. Those Snow White Notes has been praised for its heartfelt portrayal of traditional in a modern context, blending , , and slice-of-life elements to appeal to audiences interested in cultural arts. The English-language release of the by began in 2021 and completed in 2025, making the series accessible to international readers and highlighting its role in promoting globally.

Synopsis

Plot

Setsu Sawamura is introduced as a young prodigy from , rigorously trained from childhood by his grandfather, Matsugorō Sawamura, a legendary Tsugaru shamisen master renowned for his distinctive style. Upon Matsugorō's deathbed, he implores Setsu to abandon the shamisen and seek out his own personal sound, a request that shatters Setsu's confidence and leaves him unable to play, as his technique had always mimicked his grandfather's. Devastated and directionless at age 16, Setsu drops out of high school and relocates to to live with his older brother, Wakana Sawamura, where he drifts into aimless behavior, including odd jobs and avoidance of music. While lost in the city, he encounters aspiring actress Yuna Tachiki, who rescues him from trouble and encourages him to perform publicly, helping him begin to reconnect with his passion. His unconventional mother, Umeko Sawamura, intervenes by tracking him down and compelling him to enroll at Umezono High School, thrusting him back into a structured environment. There, Setsu is recruited as an instructor for the newly formed Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club by Shuri Maeda, an enthusiastic student and admirer of Matsugorō's performances, who sees potential in Setsu's latent talent. The club recruits additional members, including Yui Yamazato, Kaito Yaguchi, and Rai Nagamori, and begins rigorous preparations for the National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition, the prestigious Matsugorou Cup, marking the start of their collective journey. The narrative unfolds across Setsu's high school years, chronicling the club's progression through regional qualifiers and escalating challenges, including intense rivalries with competitors like the skilled Sōichi Tanuma. Setsu's arc centers on his profound internal struggle to escape his grandfather's overshadowing legacy, compounded by tense family interactions with Wakana, who supports him quietly, and Umeko, whose unpredictable presence adds emotional layers. Through collaborative performances and solo endeavors, Setsu gradually rediscovers sparks of personal inspiration, evolving from mimicry to authentic expression amid the high-stakes world of competitions. The serves as the driving force, intertwining musical events with pivotal plot developments. Spanning 31 volumes from 2009 to its conclusion in August 2022, the series builds to a climax in the national competition, where the Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club confronts top-tier opponents, and Setsu confronts his deepest insecurities. The resolution emphasizes Setsu's maturation as a , achieved through a series of emotionally charged performances that affirm his unique voice, while resolving key tensions in his relationships and club dynamics.

Themes

Central to Those Snow White Notes is the theme of inheritance and legacy, exemplified by protagonist Setsu Sawamura's internal conflict in honoring the traditional Tsugaru shamisen style passed down by his grandfather, Matsugorō, while seeking to forge his own unique expression known as mashiro no oto—the "pure white sound" representing an unadulterated, personal resonance. This motif underscores Setsu's journey from rural , where traditional folk roots run deep, to urban , where he grapples with the pressure of living up to a legendary lineage that once defined his passion but now feels like an inescapable shadow. The narrative delves into themes of passion and loss, portraying Setsu's creative block as a direct result of grieving Matsugorō's death, which severed his emotional connection to the and left his performances technically proficient yet devoid of soul. This desolation contrasts sharply with his gradual rediscovery of inspiration through collaborative efforts within a supportive group and the intensity of competitive performances, reigniting his drive to create meaningful music. Family and rivalry dynamics highlight tensions between artistic purity and commercial pressures, as seen in the influence of Setsu's mother, Umeko, who embodies a more performative, audience-oriented approach to , clashing with traditional ideals and fueling rivalries among musicians like the prodigious Seiryū Kamiki, whose polished style challenges Setsu's raw authenticity. These interactions explore how familial expectations and competitive environments test the balance between preserving heritage and adapting to modern demands. The cultural significance of the emerges as a lens for examining the evolution of Japanese folk music, blending its origins in rural Aomori's vibrant traditions—such as festival performances—with the contemporary youth culture of , where the instrument confronts commercialization and innovation in urban settings. This duality illustrates the shamisen's role as a bridge between past and present, symbolizing cultural continuity amid societal shifts. Music serves as a vehicle for emotional manipulation and , with performances designed to evoke profound release; for instance, Setsu's breakthrough pieces, like his heartfelt rendition during key competitions, channel suppressed grief into evocative sounds that resonate with audiences, symbolizing personal liberation and emotional unburdening. Broader motifs of growth and frame the formation of the Tsugaru Appreciation Club as a for achieving collective , where individual identities harmonize within a group dynamic, ultimately resolving in the manga's exploration of balancing personal sound with communal bonds.

Characters

Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club

The Tsugaru Shamisen Appreciation Club is the central group in Those Snow White Notes, consisting of high school students at Umezono Academy who bond over their shared interest in the Tsugaru shamisen, a dynamic style of the traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument known for its powerful, percussive playing. Formed by passionate member Shuri Maeda, the club emphasizes collaborative practice sessions, instrument maintenance, and local performances aimed at qualifying for prestigious events like the All Japan Tsugaru Shamisen Competition. Under the guidance of advisor Keiko Koyabu, the group starts modestly with rented instruments but grows through mutual support and dedication to blending traditional techniques with personal expression. Setsu Sawamura is the protagonist and reluctant lead performer of the club, a gifted Tsugaru shamisen player whose talent stems from his rural upbringing in . Following the death of his grandfather, the legendary shamisen master Matsugorō Sawamura, Setsu moves to , drops out of high school temporarily, and enrolls at Umezono Academy, where he joins the club after Shuri's persuasion to teach and perform. Though initially uninspired and disinterested, his raw, emotionally charged playing—rooted in the folk traditions of his hometown—serves as the club's driving force, gradually reigniting his passion through group interactions. Shuri Maeda acts as the club's passionate founder, primary recruiter, and vocalist, infusing the group with her dedication to . A first-year student at Umezono Academy, she establishes the club to pursue her aspiration of mastering the and organizes logistics, from securing instruments to motivating members during slumps. Her supportive role fosters emotional cohesion, often bridging gaps in the group's dynamics with her optimistic outlook and vocal contributions that complement the shamisen's rhythm. Yui Yamazato is a shamisen player in the ensemble, enhancing the club's performances with her contributions. Shuri's childhood friend and a fellow first-year at Umezono Academy, Yui is characterized by her otaku interests in , , and , which she applies to approach club activities with a playful, motivational mindset—often framing challenges as "quests" to engage the group. Her urban background contrasts with Setsu's rural roots, adding layers to the ensemble's sound through her integration. Kaito Yaguchi serves as the pragmatic, detail-oriented member, contributing his technical expertise to the club's operations and musical development. A second-year student and Shuri and Yui's childhood friend, he belongs to Umezono's crafts club and assists with instrument repairs and practical aspects of rehearsals. His structured, tech-savvy approach balances the group's more impulsive energies, helping refine compositions and ensure smooth performances while drawing on his longstanding familiarity with craftsmanship. The club's dynamics thrive on the synergy of its members' diverse influences, with Setsu's rural heritage introducing authentic, heartfelt Tsugaru folk elements that mesh with the urban, contemporary sensibilities of Shuri, Yui, and Kaito from . This blend creates a supportive environment where practice sessions evolve into profound musical collaborations, positioning Setsu as the emotional core who inspires growth amid challenges like competition preparations. Their interactions highlight themes of , as the group qualifies for larger stages through effort and shared rediscovery of .

Other characters

The Sawamura family plays a pivotal role in shaping the protagonist Setsu Sawamura's musical journey, providing both inspiration and conflict rooted in their shared legacy of shamisen mastery. Wakana Sawamura, Setsu's older brother, offers unwavering support as Setsu navigates his path in , drawing from their rural upbringing under their grandfather's influence; at 19 years old, Wakana encourages Setsu's pursuit of personal expression in shamisen playing, contrasting the family's more traditional expectations. Umeko Sawamura, Setsu and Wakana's mother and daughter of the legendary shamisen master Matsugorō, embodies strict adherence to classical techniques, often pressuring Setsu to emulate his grandfather's style and preserve the family legacy, which creates significant tension as Setsu seeks his own unique "sound." This dynamic highlights Umeko's complex personality—self-described as selfish yet deeply invested in her father's musical heritage—as she runs a successful company while occasionally performing , further illustrating her influence on the family's artistic pursuits. Matsugorō Sawamura, the deceased grandfather and renowned Tsugaru shamisen virtuoso, serves as the emotional core of Setsu's growth; his legacy is explored through flashbacks depicting his quiet mentorship of Setsu and Wakana, acting as both a profound inspiration and a burdensome weight that initially paralyzes Setsu's ability to play after his passing. Rivals like Rai Nagamori introduce competitive intensity, with Nagamori emerging as a prodigious shamisen player from a different school, characterized by his observant yet quirky demeanor and professional drive that challenges Setsu during national competitions. Other national competitors, such as those from established shamisen lineages like the Tanimura siblings—Souichi, a free-spirited talent, and Mai, a strong-willed enthusiast using —represent diverse styles and schools, fueling Setsu's motivation through rivalries that push him toward innovation. Mentors and peripheral figures, including teachers at Umezono Academy such as the expressive and student-focused Keiko Koyabu, local musicians like the enthusiastic shamisen lover Odawara Hiroshi, and competition judges, provide guidance amid conflicts, offering critiques and encouragement that help Setsu reconcile family pressures with his evolving artistry. These relationships collectively mold Setsu's development, with Umeko's rigorous demands clashing against Wakana's gentle encouragement, while rivalries and mentorships ignite his determination to forge an original sound beyond his grandfather's shadow.

Media

Manga

Those Snow White Notes is written and illustrated by Ragawa. It was serialized in Kodansha's * magazine Monthly from December 2009 to August 2022. The series was collected into 31 volumes. As of the series' completion in 2022, the had 5.5 million copies in circulation, including digital editions. Earlier, cumulative circulation exceeded 4.5 million copies by April 2021, with the adaptation boosting sales for later volumes. In January 2021, announced that they licensed the manga for English publication. It is released digitally and in print under their Comics imprint, beginning in 2021.

Anime

An television series adaptation was produced by . Akagi directed the anime, with scripts by Touchu Matsuura and character designs by Takahiro Chiba. The 12-episode series aired from April 3 to June 19, 2021, on the Animeism programming block of (MBS) and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). The opening theme song "Maji ni" is by , while the ending theme "Snow Fall" is performed by Sawamura Matsugorō (voice: Kōsuke Gotō). Music supervision was handled by the Yoshida Brothers. licensed the series for streaming outside .

Reception

Manga

The manga adaptation of Those Snow White Notes received significant recognition within the industry shortly after its debut. It was nominated for the 4th in 2011, an award that honors promising series across various categories. The series also secured the 36th in the shōnen category in 2012, highlighting its strong narrative and artistic merits among contemporary works. Additionally, it ranked third in the 2012 edition of Kono Manga ga Sugoi!, a prestigious guide ranking top for male readers based on votes from industry professionals. Commercially, the series demonstrated robust performance, with cumulative circulation exceeding 4.5 million copies by April 2021. Individual volumes also charted well; for instance, volume 9 had sold 70,223 copies by October 20, 2013. The 2021 adaptation notably boosted for later volumes, contributing to renewed interest and higher circulation figures during its airing period. Following the manga's conclusion in August 2022 with 31 volumes, no updated circulation figures were publicly reported as of November 2025. Critics praised the for its emotional depth, particularly in exploring themes of loss and personal growth through the protagonist's journey, as well as the meticulous depiction of performances that convey musical nuance visually. Reviewers highlighted strong character development, noting how relationships evolve organically amid the story's focus on artistic passion, with the soft, intimate art style enhancing intimate moments. However, some critiques pointed to occasional melodramatic elements in emotional climaxes and pacing challenges arising from its extended , which occasionally stretched narrative tension. The series appealed primarily to a shōnen demographic, drawing in readers interested in music and coming-of-age stories, while its unique emphasis broadened its reach to those exploring traditional Japanese arts. Fan discussions on platforms like reflect this, with the manga holding an average user score of 7.34 out of 10 based on 259 ratings as of 2025. In terms of legacy, Those Snow White Notes has influenced subsequent music-themed by demonstrating how traditional instruments can anchor modern shōnen narratives, paving the way for deeper cultural integrations in the genre. It is often compared to for its blend of musical performance and heartfelt drama, though it distinguishes itself through its focus on shamisen over classical Western instruments.

Anime

The anime adaptation of Those Snow White Notes garnered positive reception for its emotional storytelling and visual representation of shamisen music, though it faced some critique for pacing constraints. On , the series holds an average score of 7.53 out of 10, based on ratings from 63,068 users as of 2025. users rated it an arithmetic mean of 7.371 out of 10, placing it in the "Good+" category. Critics acclaimed the animation quality, particularly in shamisen performance scenes, which vividly captured the instrument's dynamic energy and cultural nuances. Reviewers praised the voice acting for conveying character vulnerabilities and the seamless integration of the soundtrack, which amplified the narrative's introspective themes. However, some noted rushed pacing over its 12 episodes, which compressed character arcs and led to perceptions of overdramatic behaviors in emotional climaxes. The adaptation largely preserved the manga's focus on personal growth through , with enhancing like loss and self-discovery. Among fans of music-themed anime, the series gained popularity for its relatable portrayal of artistic struggles and evocative , sparking discussions on emotional depth versus potential manipulation in its dramatic arcs. Streamed on , it achieved a 4.8 out of 5 user rating from 7,036 reviews, indicating solid engagement in international markets. The contributed to heightened interest in Tsugaru among younger audiences unfamiliar with , as evidenced by viewer testimonials crediting the series for inspiring deeper exploration of the instrument. It stood out in the competitive spring 2021 season, often compared favorably to contemporaries like 86 for its unique blend of cultural heritage and coming-of-age drama.

Music

The anime adaptation features music heavily centered on tsugaru-jamisen performances. The opening theme is "Blizzard" performed by , while the ending theme is "Kono Yume ga Sameru Made" (Until I Wake From Dreaming) by Miliyah Kato featuring the Brothers. The Brothers provided tsugaru supervision for the series. An album, consisting of 16 tracks of music performed by artists including Masato Shibata, was released on December 28, 2022, by eplus .
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.