Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Nodame Cantabile to return on July 25

I was pretty busy this past week that I completely missed out on an important news.

Apparently, last June 16 Nodame's author Ninomiya Tomoko-sensei was brought to the hospital due to an acute appendicitis. Because of this, chapter 132 wouldn't be released on June 25.

However just this morning, I paid a visit to sensei's personal blog and was glad to see that she is okay now. She was finally able to checked out from the hospital. Now she's at home resting.

Nodame Cantabile's serialization will resume on July 25.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Nodame Cantabile 131

I got hold of the raws last night however, I so badly wanted to watch The Devil (Mawang) so I just read through it and decided to make the post today.

On to the summary.

Lesson 131



Chiaki is clearly disturbed by the fact that Nodame was gone. He remembered the time when she went back home in Ookawa but he thought that was different because back then, Nodame lost the competition and went home in failure. But now, she had a great performance so Chiaki is wondering why Nodame's saying that "she can't play anymore." Chiaki thought that as long as he kept an eye on her, it's fine but now he has completely lost sight of her.

Masayuki went to Chiaki and said that he was tricked by Viera-sensei. He was told that his fan Nicole Kidman was there to see him and then it only turned out to be Chiaki. However, Chiaki doesn't seem to pay attention to his father. Masayuki wondered what's wrong with him because he thought that Chiaki hated him so much that he cannot bear to be in the same room with him, breathing the same air. But Chiaki said that those are petty things and it was not the time to think about that. Masayuki said that he is already on the stage of being ignored.

Chiaki asked what is he doing there and Masayuki told him that he saw the concert. Chiaki thought that his father was there to badger him about his mistake but then Masayuki told him that he did good when he conducted Beethoven. Masayuki said that he was glad that Chiaki was raised to be a proper and good person and that he was right to not raise Chiaki himself. Chiaki told him not to be proud about the fact that he wiggled out of his responsibilities. Masayuki said that at least he took Chiaki out and indulged him when he was small. Chiaki doesn't remember any of it.

His father reminded him that he used to take Chiaki on walks and he even brought him to work but Chiaki insisted that he was the one who followed his father back then. The two quabbled a bit about stuff before like Masayuki teasing Chiaki about his handwriting. The two agreed that they just cannot get along well.

Masayuki asked Chiaki what's wrong because it looked like he's worrying about something really important. He said that if he wanted to talk he'll listen especially if it's a funny story. Chiaki was a bit agitated that everyone seemed to be having fun at his expense.

Now the scene shifted to Nodame and we see her riding a train on her way to Paris. However, she overslept and the next stop is already Brussels in Belgium. Actually, her plan is to take a plane from Cairo to Milan. Then from Milan ride the TGV which is the train that goes to France and neighboring countries. But now since she overslept, she's in Brussels and the last train to Paris has already left. She had to wait for tomorrow but she didn't have enough money to spend a night in a hotel.

Back in Italy, Chiaki had apparently told his father all about Nodame. Masayuki was saying that it seemed that saying something like "you can't play anymore' happens a lot in their world (music world). Somehow, there a lot of people who after having a superb performance feel that they cannot do something like that anymore. Masayuki said that sometimes when you leave them alone, they'll eventually snap out of it but there are also people who no matter how long, they never come out of the stupor. So, their contracts are canceled. They're already satisfied with what they did and do not want to do anything anymore. Maybe Nodame was that type of person who gets easily satisfied.

It never crossed Chiaki's mind that Nodame will be so satisfied with what she has already done and would not want to perform with him anymore. Chiaki wondered if she has totally forgotten about him already. He also wondered why the hell is he telling this to someone he really hates.

Masayuki told Chiaki that if he was Nodame, he'll forget about Chiaki, go back to Stresemann and have another performance. Chiaki said that Nodame is not like him. Chiaki must have felt like he was being left behind and wondered when did being with Nodame become the most important thing in his life.

In Brussels, Nodame was allowed to stay in the hotel's storage room for free. The room's a bit messy but she felt right at home. She was hungry and she ate a packed sandwich. She fell asleep while smelling Chiaki's shirt.

Back in Paris, we see Tanya and Yunlong coming out of the apartment talking about random stuff. They didn't see Nodame come back.

Nodame, now back in her room, decided to check messages left on her phone. There were a lot of faxes and voice messages there. There were messages from Etoh, Mine, Kaoru and Moe congratulating her for her succesful debut. Her family also left messages for her.

Then she was disturbed by a sudden noise and saw that it was the mysterious girl on the upper floor. Yadovi apologized that the cymbals fell. She said No-san. Nodame replied, Nodame desu.

_____________________________

Thoughts:


I thought Masayuki went there on his own accord and thought how much of a coincidence was it that his son was also there. That was what I deduced from the last scene in Chapter 130 when he said to Viera-sensei, "I was nearby. Let's grab some lunch." However, it seemed that he was there because he was tricked by Viera. What a great timing it is to be there at the time when Chiaki is not his usual self.

I assumed that it was gonna be hard to get them to talk like that but I am glad that because of Chiaki's problem, he didn't seem to mind so much that Masayuki was there. On the other hand, what a change of heart for Masayuki. I couldn't believe he would actually talk to Chiaki as easily as that.

It's nice to see another side of Masayuki. He was a great factor to be considered when we talk about Chiaki's personality. It seemed that he knows his capability with regards to nurturing a child and knows that he could not do it well. So, rather than badly bringing up Chiaki, Masayuki left Chiaki and passed the responsibilities of rearing him to his wife. It's still not a good enough excuse (heck, not even near good), but I am glad that we are able to finally see the workings of the mind of this talented pianist.

On the other hand, Chiaki's finally coming around. He's worried about Nodame yes, but at the same time, his feelings are surfacing. He realized that he wanted to performed with Nodame. I think not only that but also he wanted to BE with Nodame. And the irony of it all, he was realizing it while he was talking to the person he hates the most.

One thing that confused me though in this chapter was the fact that Nodame went back to Paris. I mean, why that fast? I wonder what's her plan now. The crossroad at page 26 clearly described her problem. I really hope she goes back to Auclair-sensei.

And finally, we see the mysterious girl. Hmm, interesting, what could be her participation in this story now?

Okay, let's wait for Nodame Cantabile Chapter 132 on June 25.

(edit: Nodame Cantabile to return on July 25)

(another edit: Nodame Cantabile Chapter 132)

Monday, May 25, 2009

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.

----------------------------

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?



Saturday, May 23, 2009

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.



Sunday, May 17, 2009

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