Comics / Manga

Nodame Cantabile Volume Six

By Julie Gray
November 10, 2006 - 22:54

Nodame Cantabile Volume Six Cover

“High hopes and sour notes”

Where would the world be without music? Megumi Noda (nicknamed 'Nodame') certainly knows that music is a powerful and cohesive force in her life and in the lives of the people she is closest to. Nodame Cantabile is all about musicians and in particular, Megumi Noda and her male counterpart (and love interest) Shinichi Chiaki.

The background to this manga is ultimately what makes the story so appealing. A manga about love is old news but when you mix in music and a little bit of rivalry, things start to get more interesting. And even though this story is ultimately about the destiny of two main characters, it isn't exactly what you would call a love story. In fact, the love story between Nodame and Shinichi is kind of confusing to figure out.

The other characters in the manga are also interesting but have less attraction than Nodame and Shinichi. The gay student Okuyama certainly spices things up a little for Nodame. Okuyama is also in love with Shinichi and doesn’t have any qualms about showing it! On top of that, Okuyama is also a very talented percussionist to boot.

Nodame and Shinichi seem like a rather odd couple and it appears that their relationship is more on the platonic side than anything else. As things progress between them, the situation escalates after a celebration night on the town for graduation and suddenly, Shinichi finds himself being invited back home by his uncle -  with Nodame as his girlfriend!

On the artistic side of things, Nodame Cantabile Volume Six is drawn in a style that definitely compliments the manga. It doesn’t seem too cluttered on the page and in fact, looks minimalist in comparison to other manga that is comprised of detailed and exaggerated animation. It looks great for this manga and works. This manga has certainly turned all the right heads because Tomoko Ninomiya was the winner of the 28th Kodansha Manga Award in 2004 for Nodame Cantabile.

The reality of the music world is probably not that far off from what is portrayed in this manga. Speaking solely from an amateur and budding pianist’s point of view, music is a living, breathing thing and like any art form, the people who pursue music are as passionate as the pieces they play. This atmosphere is captured beautifully in Nodame Cantabile and it is a credit to the manga-ka.

Nodame Cantabile Volume Six includes detailed character portraits, a note from the author, translation notes and details all about the manga-ka at the end of the book. If you love music and you think you would love to read this manga, you can visit Del Rey’s website here

Art Work: 8/10
Story: 7/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Email the Author: Julie@thecomicbookbin.com

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51