Nodame Cantabile 130

Waah, I'm so happy. It's already out, just right before my birthday. Haha. See, it's really an otanjoubi no presento!

On to the summary.

Lesson 130

Music that sounds more pleasant

Somehow, in Nodame's flight, she ended up in Cairo, Egypt. The first scene showed her asking for a drink in a bar. The bartender started a conversation with her. Well, actually, he kept asking her questions like what she's doing alone in Egypt? Where are her parents? Nodame said that she's not a baby and wonders why people are treating her like a kid. The bartender just laughed but kept on asking her questions. "You're a tourist right? Are you Japanese? Why are you here alone?"

Nodame explained that she carelessly got off the bus. The bartender asked her where is her real destination, her final destination. She said it was supposed to be where he is. He being Chiaki. Then she went on saying that she already went there with somebody else. The man asked her if she's already on her way home.

The scene shifted to London and here we see a character that, although we have seen a few chapters back, hasn't played so much role yet. It is Charles Auclair. He's in London as a judge for some competition. At the hotel lobby, he bumped (not literally) to Stresemann who's going out with Elise on his heels. Stresemann is worried about Nodame.

Apparently, Stresemann and Auclair had already performed together and it has been 20 years since they last saw each other. They quabbled with each other a bit, arguing who's younger. Stresemann asked if Charles was there to see him. He said he wasn't and was there for a competition.

Charles mentioned that Stresemann did something really crazy to his student (Nodame). Stresemann said that there was no need for Charles to thank him but Charles vehemently said that there was no reason for him to thank Stresemann because he destroyed his plan. Just a little bit more and Nodame would've become a true pianist.

Stresemann wonders what's being a true pianist all about. Charles explained that it is the resolve to make living as a pianist regardless of whatever happens. He said that Nodame didn't like the competition and the business of the music world even though she likes music. Worst of it all is the fact that she made that far with only the goal of performing with her boyfriend.

Stresemann talked about seeing Nodame in Japan first and thought she was wonderful. He said he thought that the only thing left was to get her to perform on stage. He was just like being a parent. He said that the performance was a success and so was her debut. Charles reminded him that Nodame has gone off and he was a devil who doesn't know about parental love. He should stop being childish and grow up. Elise who was listening nearby agreed with him. Charles continued that he doesn't care about the people around him. Stresemann, a bit taken aback, wondered what he should do. Charles said that there's nothing for him to do. Nodame has to decide for herself.

In Italy, Chiaki was having lunch with Jean when he received a phone call from Nodame's number. When he answered, the caller said, "Shinichi-kun, it's Nodame. I love you." However, it wasn't her. Chiaki quickly realized it was Elise and asked her what she's up to. He even said that it pisses him off because she just sounds like Nodame. Elise asked him if Nodame was with him. Elise said that Nodame had gone missing after saying she cannot play. Chiaki said that he wanted to look for her but Elise said that it's better for him not to. After that, she said she has work for Chiaki in Brazil. Elise said that he has to concentrate on his work and to take care. After he hung up, he thought to himself, "what do you mean you can't play?" All this time, Jean was listening.

Back in Cairo, Nodame is sharing a room with some Chinese girl. She said that she's gonna go outside to buy some food and asked Nodame if she wants to come with her. They talked about sightseeing and the pyramids. However, some guy noticed them and recognized Nodame as the pianist who performed with Stresemann. This guy was so impressed with Nodame's playing and said that she moved him. He said that he was her fan. The Chinese girl was surprised to learn that Nodame was a famous pianist. She said that it was amazing how she can move someone's feelings with her playing. She said she wanted to hear it too. Nodame thought that she did it properly and yes, she faced the music so she doesn't need to anymore.

Meanwhile, back in Italy, Viera was looking for Chiaki as he was finishing a rehearsal. Jean told him that he was in the balcony. Chiaki is in the dumps and he can't be of any help. Jean told Viera-sensei what he heard earlier however he got it all wrong. He said that Chiaki is entangled with a girl named Elise in Brazil. Jean told maestro that he should talk to Chiaki and say something like "I'm the maestro of love." Viera-sensei thought that was pretty idiotic to say. Jean tried again and said that why not the treat me as your father thing. Viera said, "There's no need for him to think of anyone as his father." Lo and behold, Chiaki Masayuki came. He was out to ask Viera-sensei to eat out.

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Thoughts:

Quite a long wait, however, not as long as the hiatus so I am not complaining.

After I read chapter 129, I didn't know what to expect for the next chapter. We all know that Nodame's gone off to somewhere. I thought that she had a clear destination but it looks like she just went off in a daze. Hmm, Egypt. I wonder why.

It seems like the thing that happened back in London is still on her mind. No doubt that she's avoiding Chiaki and she's trying to drift away from him. It saddened her that her dream of performing with Chiaki wasn't realized and her debut happened with someone else. However, it also seems like she's also trying to get away from music. It was implied on her thoughts when the Chinese girl was talking about her being a pianist and wanting to hear her performance too. Nodame said that since she already did it properly and faced the music head on, she doesn't need to anymore. It's already enough.

Prior to this, Auclair was talking about how Stresemann messed up his plans. He talked about how he wanted to make Nodame realize that no matter what happens in her life, she has to be with music. And she has to know the true joy, meaning and pleasure that comes from music. He also talked about how bad it is that Nodame's dream is only to perform with Chiaki.

Saying that, it all makes perfect sense. The problem that Auclair was trying to avoid is for Nodame to give up music. We kept saying that it was Nodame's dream to perform with Chiaki. It didn't happened. However, there was a point in her life when she already acknowledged that it was because of that dream that she got that far. And like what happened back when the first time they got to Paris, when Chiaki's all busy and his career is taking off, Nodame decided to do a recital so that she herself could move forward. Now, she decided to do it again when she debuted with Stresemann.

When she's saying that she didn't want to do it anymore, she's thinking that it's already enough. Since, she can't perform with Chiaki, she decided to make her debut anyway. She can't fulfill that dream, so she'll rather do it anyway, even without Chiaki. Atleast, she's doing it for her music.

It's because, after that failed 'marriage proposal', she's giving up on Chiaki. So, maybe, she did that final act as a musician and then quit.

On the surface, you might think Nodame's being really shallow. Just because she can't be with Chiaki, she's quitting? She decided to face the music because that's all there is to it? Then after that, ta-ta piano playing?

However, when you think about it, it really wasn't in Nodame's plan to be a pianist. Though gifted, she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. It just all changed when she met Chiaki-sempai. She wanted to be with him so she decided to pursue her music so she can be wherever Chiaki is. So, maybe, yes, her reason is shallow. And that's what Auclair-sensei wanted to change in her. He wanted Nodame to be truly in love with music so no matter what happens, when her only reason (Chiaki) for moving forward with music is gone, she'll stay with her music.

I wonder what's going to happen next?

In other stuff, we finally see Masayuki again. Looks like it's now time to patch up ongoing family problems.

Okay, I know it's already an eyesore for being so long but I just want to make another point. The very first thing that I noticed when I read chapter 130 is the inscription "The Fourth Movement" on the first page (in French). For those familiar, the fourth movement is usually the last movement in symphonies. Could it be that Ninomiya-sensei is hinting that Nodame Cantabile is nearing the end? It could be a new arc but I can feel it in my gut that it's gonna be the end. Nodame Cantabile is running for 9 years now.

Let's all wait for Nodame Cantabile Chapter 131 on June 10, shall we?

Osamu Tezuka's MW (starring Tamaki Hiroshi) trailer

MW: A diligent and efficient bank employee, Yuuki Michio, has another side: that of a brutal kidnapper who commits horrible crimes, one after the other. Yuuki frequently visits Father Garai at his church, repenting for his sins each time he commits a crime. The two had witnessed a terrible event on Okinomabune Island in the neighboring of Okinawa Island fifteen years ago. During the incident, all the island's residents were killed by a poisonous gas (called "MW," a secret chemical weapon), which leaks from the storage area of foreign military forces on the island. Yuuki also goes mad under the effect of the gas. While taking revenge on criminals who cover up the event, Yuuki finally locates the whereabouts of MW. Knowing that he has little time left, as his brain and heart are increasingly affected by MW, he plans to release the toxic gas all over the world when he dies, to bring the whole human race to extinction.

The movie is scheduled for a July 4 release. It stars Tamaki Hiroshi as the banker who's out for revenge and Yamada Takayuki as Father Garai.

A definite must see! See Tamaki in a different light. A dark and creepy Chiaki-sama.

Tamaki Hiroshi on Tour

You guys know that "Chiaki" can sing right? XD

Well, he'll be having a tour.




Go to his official website for the schedule.

News Round-Up: May 2009

I am back for a couple of news.

First off, Oricon did a survey on which television series they would like to have sequels. Apparently a special and announcement of two movies were not yet enough because Nodame Cantabile was ranked No. 7 according to the poll.

Another survey was done by Oricon in which they asked women which "fresh" actors they have been paying close attention to. Tamaki Hiroshi was included in the list. He was ranked No. 8, below Eita (who played Mine in NC) who was ranked No. 7.

The list is a bit odd because it includes actors that were considered to be already established. Some of them were not so fresh anymore. But anyway, you guys decide.

news are from Tokyograph

Nodame Cantabile 129

Here it is guys, the real thing! We have been waiting for a very long time for this scanlated chapter.

Lesson 129

"If I wait, will she come back?

When I notice it, will that smiling face be next to me?"

Oh.my.God.

What another sad and a bit scary inscription. This is obviously Chiaki saying it.

Okay, onto the summary.

After the show, everyone was praising Nodame. They all think she was amazing having played Chopin like that. People also think that this kind of thing is expected from the Maestro Stresemann. Oliver was talking to Chiaki and he was trying to stop him from leaving. He said that he could wait a little longer and he will be able to speak with Stresemann. Chiaki begged off and said that he has to go back that night because of the rehearsal for the opera. They overhear people all around them mentioning Nodame's name. Oliver said that Nodame is a spectacular girl so this thing might turn into something spectacular. Chiaki agreed but sadly thought that they will not be able to go back to how they were before everything.

The next morning, the news of Nodame's was all over London. She's on newspapers, tv and Internet. Two friends were reading different newspapers. The one the girl was holding is praising Nodame saying she's an endangered species brought in front of them. The girl was so curious and said that she wanted to see the performance. However, the one that the boy was holding was saying the exact opposite calling Nodame's Chopin a "Novel Chopin" and was saying negative things. But all this made peope want to see the performance more.

Back in Stresemann's office, Elise and Oliver are busy with the phones. A lot of people are inquiring about Nodame. Elise said that Nodame must join there office since they were the one who handled her debut. Elise had no difficulties in making Nodame sign the contract because until now, Nodame is still floating.

Students in the conservatory are also talking about Nodame. Nodame's friends too were shocked. Auclair sensei was surprised too. Chiaki's family also watched Nodame's performance on Youtube. However, her own family wasn't aware of anything. They were busy watching some dramas.

Elise wanted Nodame to perform again on Stresemann's next concert however Nodame is adamant that she can't perform like that again. Then she noticed her phone ringing and Chiaki's name was on the screen. She ignored the call.

On the other hand, Chiaki was dumfounded. Viera-sensei noticed that Chiaki is not acting normal eversince he came back from London. Jean ended up telling Viera-sensei all about Chiaki and Nodame's situation. Makes you wonder how Chiaki opened up to Jean about his situation with Nodame.

Back to London, Stresemann was informed by Elise that Nodame left. She left her phone but her purse and passport was gone.

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Thoughts:

See!!! We are so right with our predictions. Nodame Cantabile is indeed going through a sad arc. Makes me a bit afraid because it makes me feel that my favorite manga is about to end. No, no, no. Erase that!!!

Okay, the first inscription. Chiaki was sitting there looking so gloomy. "If I wait, will she come back? When I notice it, will that smiling face be next to me?" This is definitely something. Looks like Chiaki's finally waking up. He was so used to leaving Nodame behind. He was also used to coming back whenever he felt like it and seeing her still there where he left her. Now, this time, Nodame was the one who left him. There is also no indication on when she will return. She doesn't want to see him and she doesn't want to talk to him. The impact must be so huge for him. This might be the first time he realized how much she means to him and how much he misses her.

Now about Nodame's shock. I think we can somehow (and I'm guessing here, okay) attribute it to Chiaki's appearance at the concert. All this time, she was so immersed with practicing. Maybe, Chiaki never so much entered her mind then. But when he appeared and wanted to talk to her, she was rattled. She might've remembered what made her did what she did. Why she decided to debut all of a sudden. Now, Chiaki's calling her. She doesn't know how to handle her feelings. Is she ready to talk to him? About what? For what? So, she left.

But this could also be because she was surprised at her own performance.

We are going to wait quite awhile for Nodame Cantabile Chapter 130. It will be released on May 25, 2009. Wow, a day before my birthday. Haha. It's a present, I guess.

Nodame Cantabile 129 (spoilers)

[Guys, the summary is already done. Click here. Chapter 129.]

Okay, a lot of people have been asking me about this. I already read the raw manga scans but well, my Japanese is not that good. But I do understand the gist of it.

This will just be a spoiler. The summary will be posted once NCIS released the translated manga scans. But just to whet the appetite of all Nodame lovers out there, here it is.

• Everybody who watched Nodame's show was praising her performance as they left the theatre.
• Chiaki thought that after this, things will never be the same again.
• The next day, London was abuzz with news regarding Nodame's performance. She's on the newspaper, on TV, and on the Internet.
• People who knew Nodame (her friends in Paris and back in Japan) heard about it and they were all surprised. Nodame's parents know nothing.
• Elise forced Nodame to sign a contract with their agency and she wanted Nodame to prepare for another performance. Nodame said she couldn't perform like that again.
  
• Nodame refused a phone call from Chiaki.
• Chiaki was looking at his cellphone dumfoundedly.
• Then, Nodame left bringing only her wallet and passport with her.

... what a sad looking Chiaki. Uh oh, looks like we're so right with our predictions.

Nodame Cantabile Chapter 128

Lesson 128

First, I'm so happy because the cover of Kiss Magazine is Chiaki-sama! However, I got a bit scared of the following inscription. It read, "since I've come this far alone, there's no need for me to run after him now." It was supposed to be Nodame saying that. Let's get to that later.

The chapter follows where we left off the last time. Nodame is still performing and is now into the 3rd movement. Chiaki's the one having internal monologue almost all throughout the chapter. He's commenting Nodame's use of Mazurka, a polish folk dance as the basis of her rondo. He also thinks that Maestro Stresemann is really good, not being fazed by Nodame's bad start. Chiaki is admiring how Nodame is really good not only in technical parts but she's good period. He thought, "I want to give life to the music along with her!"

After the performance, the crowd broke into a huge applause with people screaming "Bravo! Bravo!" Stresemann hugged Nodame and she shook hands with the concert master.

Later, Nodame was thinking back what happened on the stage. On the other room, a very beat up Stresemann (because of what Nodame had done, being clumsy and changing what they'd practice) doesn't want to come up for his next performance and keep saying, "Gimme some ice cream!" I dunno why ice cream? But still, he went back the stage and performed Brahms Symphony No. 4. (Haven't heard it yet, gotta look for it later.)

When all the performance was finally over, Oliver, Stresemann's bodyguard was shocked to see so many people waiting outside Nodame's room, guests and reporters alike. Oliver was with Chiaki and Chiaki wanted to leave and said that he will talk to her next time. But Oliver insisted and said that it must be Chiaki-sempai the first one who'll tell Nodame what he thought of her performance.

Oliver knocked on Nodame's room and told her that Chiaki was there to see her. A, I don't know, shocked? surprised? Nodame told Oliver that she doesn't want to see him. Oliver relayed the message to Chiaki, making him looked dumbfounded. And that's where the chapter ended.

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Thoughts:

First, Ninomiya-sensei's been leaving us with cliffhangers since she came back. I'm not complaining though, I'm already happy that she's back writing my favorite manga again.

So, about this chapter. I knew it the moment I saw the inscription about Nodame not following Chiaki anymore, that the series is turning over a new leaf now. We saw Chiaki appreciating how good Nodame is. Well, he already knows and acknowledge that she is very gifted but I think this is the first time when he actually thought of "giving life to the music along with her!"

Now, for Nodame, I think she's tired already. Having feeling left out all the time, with Chiaki further advancing in his career, and having been rejected by him that last time (see chapter 123), I think she had enough already. Maybe she feels that it's time for her to think of herself. And she made a decision to advance by herself. Her performance with Stresemann not only served as her debut but it's also the thing that separated her from Chiaki. Remember that she wanted to debut with Chiaki as the conductor.

She doesn't want to see Chiaki because I think, her feelings are of course still there. We know she loves him for real. After all, she did everything just to be with him right? She doesn't want to see him because she might change her mind, and run after Chiaki again.

Looks like Nodame Cantabile's heading for a sad arc. If I'm right with what I'm thinking, I think it's Chiaki's turn now to run after Nodame.

Let's now all wait for Chapter 129. Hopefully, it won't be too much of a cliffhanger like Chapters 127 and 128.