Nodame Cantabile

Shinichi Chiaki, born into a musical family, was immersed in the atmosphere of Europe's music capitals during his youth. He once had a chance encounter with the famous conductor Sebastian Vieja, but returned to Japan immediately after his parents' divorce. Ten years later, the grown-up Chiaki is a senior student at Momogaoka College of Music. Arrogant and looking down on those around him, Chiaki dreams of becoming a renowned conductor, believing his talent has not been fully utilized. His fear of airplanes and ships prevents him from studying abroad in Europe, which remains a permanent pain in his heart. One evening, while walking along a path near campus, Chiaki hears beautiful piano playing and follows the sound to Noda Megumi's practice room. Just as he prepares to open the door to investigate, his girlfriend Ayako drags him to a bar, declaring she can no longer tolerate his self-destructive attitude and breaking up with him. After getting drunk, Chiaki collapses outside his apartment building. Noda Megumi, a junior living next door, takes him into her room. Although Megumi possesses exceptional piano skills, her common sense is nonexistent; she loves eating but hates practicing, leaving her room piled high with trash. Unable to endure it any longer, Chiaki cleans Megumi's room himself. After clashing with his mentor Eto, Chiaki is transferred to Professor Tanioka, who specializes in teaching underperforming students. Tanioka assigns Chiaki and Megumi to rehearse Mozart's sonata for four hands within three days. One day, an oddly dressed old man comes to the school. Megumi brings him to Chiaki's apartment, and Chiaki, mistaking the old man for a pervert, kicks him out. Megumi's dislike of reading sheet music gives Chiaki a headache. Eventually, Chiaki recognizes Megumi's talent and decides to let her play freely. Megumi's innocence and brilliance give Chiaki new motivation. Just as Chiaki eagerly prepares to submit his application to transfer departments, he hears that the famous musician Franz Stresemann will be visiting the conducting department to teach. When Chiaki sees Franz Stresemann, he is shocked—it turns out he is the very "perverted old man" he kicked out a few days ago...