First Impressions / Sakamichi no Apollon

「 サマータイム」
“Summertime”

It would be hard to imagine an anime having two better opening episodes than Sakamichi no Apollon.

I promise never to take NoitaminA for granted again. Nothing like a couple of rough seasons (especially this last one) to make one appreciate what a luxury it is to have great and artistic anime in the middle of the week, and it’s been a long time since the block had two series of such stature and quality as Tsuritama and Sakamichi. The product of two renowned directors with a very individual sense of style, these shows couldn’t be more different – yet that and the fact that both are visually stunning and completely engaging makes them that much more perfectly complementary as partners.

Sakamichi is many things. Where Tsuritama is surrealistic, Sakamichi is hyper-realistic – right down to the expensive and precise rotoscopic animation used for the jam sessions in Mukae’s basement (I’ve never seen drumming look this good in an animated film). I’m trying to find the words to describe this series – “elegant” certainly comes to mind, maybe even “regal”. Indeed, this has the feel of anime royalty to it – classy and smart and sensitive. There’s a certain nostalgic quality to it’s look at the mid 60’s, but the effect is as if we’re eavesdropping on the lives of these characters, picking out small details and getting caught up in the passions of the moment. There’s no element here that seems average – the cast is superb, and the music is incredible. I could listen to the ED over and over (I have, in fact) and never tire of it.

Sakamichi seems like a fairly straightforward story – two boys and a girl – but we’re seeing complicating elements begin to enter the narrative. One interesting twist is that Sentarou and Ritsuko are Christians, which is a relative rarity in manga and anime. Kaoru discovers this in a beautifully animated scene in their church, as he peeks in on a service while waiting for what he thinks is a study date with Ri-chan. It’s not at all clear yet what role their faith will play in the story, but there are hints that it plays a significant role in Sentarou’s life – Ritsuko is about to share the reason why he wears a cross at all times, but this is a topic Sentaro is clearly not willing to share with Kaoru yet.

Before that happens, though, we can see that music is one thing he is willing to share. After a painfully realistic scene of bullying that results in Kaoru again being rescued by Sentarou (which for him is almost worse than the bullying, since in Kaoru’s mind it highlights for Ri-chan how different he and Sentarou are) the trio end up in the studio under the music shop, where we meet Junichi (Suwabe Junichi). “Brother Jun” is the Mukae’s neighbor and a college student home for summer break, and he serves as the trumpet player in the jam sessions Ritsuko’s Dad (Kitajima Zenki) joins in on upright bass. Kaoru has been practicing – playing the intro to “Moanin’” on the phonograph in his room and dashing downstairs to practice before his Aunt gets home (surely a scene that will feel familiar to many of us who loved music as kids) but he’s still reluctant to join in the session, doing so only after Sentarou insists.

As great as the episode was on the whole, I won’t deny this jam session is my favorite scene. Part of it is certainly the fact that I love jazz – when Kaoru said “I thought I understood the distinctive features of jazz in my head, but reproducing them was proving to be extremely difficult” I thought he perfectly captured both the magic of jazz and the agony of frustrated musicians everywhere. As much as my love for jazz, though, it’s Watanabe-sensei’s love for jazz that makes this scene sing for me. It’s a pleasure to watch a great director express his love for something as profound as jazz on screen, and Watanabe’s passion is evident in everything in this series – from that rotoscopic animation to his choice of jazz tracks to Kanno Youko’s BGM.

If there’s an overarching theme here, it’s definitely freedom. It cuts through the story at all levels – socially for starters, as the mid 60’s was the time when the cultural revolution was exploding everywhere and splitting society neatly down the middle. It seems to play out in Karou’s contrast with Sentarou too – both as expressed musically and in the way they live. There’s the imagery of the titular slope, which Kaoru loathes but Sentarou gleefully runs down. There’s the freedom of musical expression, with jazz representing the exhileration of improvisation and the classical that Kaoru is trained in the importance of structure. Kaoru doesn’t get this at the start of the episode – his method of trying to capture Bobby Timmons’ intro to “Moanin’” with musical notation – but he gets a taste of it by the end of their jam session in the basement. In short, Sentarou represents freedom and Kaoru inhibition (right down to choice of underwear) – but in almost all cases, freedom comes at a cost, and that’s the part of the story we haven’t reached yet. What is the price Sentarou pays for his freedom – is it tied into that cross he wears around his neck? I think this is going to be a subtle and layered exploration that defines much of the series.

Of course there’s a love story here, too, with Kaoru obviously smitten with Ri-chan, to the point where he sacrifices his popsicle to prevent her from indirectly kissing Sentarou. Sentarou’s feelings about his osananajimi aren’t crystal clear. But after another lovely scene where the three leads row out into the islands of Kyushu to swim near a lonely beach, Sentartou engages in yet another rescue – this time a young woman named Yurika (Endo Aya) being harassed by three boys on the beach – and appears to fall in love with her on first sight. In addition we have the signature humorous touches that mark Watanabe as a director – the boy on the bicycle showing up at both ends of the boating trip, Kaoru’s cousin peeking in on him as he practices Timmons’ intro, the bully saying “Hey – my neck feels better!” after Sentarou roughs him up. Watanabe is among the very best at balancing whimsy and gravity, and he’s showing his mastery again here. Maybe “masterful” is indeed that one word I was looking for to describe Sakamichi no Apollon, because it certainly fits.

53 Comments

  5. i’m entirely smitten with this anime, just like how the characters had their breath taken away by their love interests. it’s so refreshing to have this type of mood while watching this. i can never JUST finish the episode, i have to rewatch it tbh. (and since i usually never rewatch anything..anytime i ever do it’s a pretty big deal, especially when it’s right after finishing the episode..)

    but i can’t say it’s my first time having this feeling. i had it with chihayafuru too. and i’m so glad there’s another series that has..~replaced it – an anime that i look forward to watching every week and has such strong characters that i already feel emotionally connected to, oh and enzo’s amazing posts.

    grey
    Reply

    1. I did the same – for both Apollon and Chihayafuru – re-watching the episodes…but in my case again and again…can’t help it. Apollon is very polished, and I really love how well the main characters play off one another…the chemistry, the bond…

      ronbb
      Reply

  6. Woah that was fast. 1 whole volume summed up in 2 episodes.

    This anime reminds me of Honey and Clover mixed with Nodame Cantabile. It really is a heart-warming anime to watch where each relationship is beautiful and bittersweet.

    Thank you for blogging this. Can’t wait till next week 🙂

    Corn
    Reply

  7. I always thought Richie looked like he was praying at one point in the OP.

    Personally, I think it would be refreshing to see an Anime with a religious message. So long as it’s kept subtle rather than attempting too shove something down the viewers throats.

    I mean, even a character converting too a religion is enough.

    Anomalous
    Reply

    1. Interestingly, Kodama-sensei (the mangaka) has said that she’s not a Christian, but she attended a Christian school as a young girl and fell in love with Jesus because she thought he was hot…

      I think there have been any number of anime with some religious themes, but Christianity is pretty rare as a central theme. It’s a pretty small minority in Japan – less than 1% of the population.

      Guardian Enzo
      Reply

      2. The more you know… Thanks, Enzo.

        Also, I can kind of see where Kodama-Sensei is coming from.

        http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6949289532_de098a4cdb_b.jpg

        I mean, really. Wouldn’t you worship her?

        Kidding aside, I think it would be good as a tool for character depth as well… I hope it ends up like that, actually. Christianity is an interesting religion, and it’s just nice too see it portrayed at all- especially in a non-negative light in an Anime. Considering, as Enzo said, Christians make up a small minority of the Japanese people- Quite small. Either way, I am looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I love Jazz, I love Jesus (not in that sense, although were Jesus a cute girl, I can’t say it would be the same- don’t judge me) and I just love… This. Everything Sakamichi no Apollon has been so far. Everything it promises to be.

        I’m looking forward to your continued coverage, Enzo ^^

        Anomalous
        Reply

    2. Well there’s a difference between using religion as a message and using religion to give some depth to the characters and setting. Here it seems to be the latter, perhaps to give a bit of perspective to the air of conservatism of the 60’s.

      fragb85
      Reply

    3. There is a surprising amount of Buddhist influence in a lot of Anime. The most striking I can remember is the dead bird in Honey and Clover, but it’s all over.

      Incidentally, Christianity has a longer history in Kyushu than the rest of Japan. Nagasaki is famous for showing the influence of missionaries and traders, but there is a little of that flavor in other parts of the island as well. It’s a really interesting place!

      rufe
      Reply

  9. The jamming session was the best part of the episode. Part of the appeal of live performances is that you get to see the effort put into the music like how a guitarist works the electric guitar in a rock concert. Watanabe understood that as it shows shots of the different instruments being played in loving detail. I felt myself being caught up in the jazz groove. It’s the magic of Watanbe’s visuals especially for something so simple.

    fragb85
    Reply

  10. Enzo, is retroscopic animation just something I’ve never heard of or were you perhaps referring to rotoscoping?

    The jam scene animation was definitely impressive and if it was rotoscoped they did a pretty good job of masking it. Animation of playing musical instruments in general is something that seems to be hard to get right (though a few shows have done it well; Nodame Catabile comes to mind) but I agree that this is the best I’ve seen.

    terrukallan
    Reply

    2. This seems way more convincing and possibly way more work than Nodame’s piano scenes. In Nodame they definitely look like they were 3D computer graphics, and probably animated with motion capture. So yeah, an amazing scene for sure!

      Ryan
      Reply

  11. I was a little unsure about the first episode, but I really liked this second episode. Stronger than the first, IMO. The characters are showing a lot of hidden depths.

    I actually feel a little bad for Sentarou, because he honestly thinks that he and Kaoru have become friends. Meanwhile Kaoru is just tolerating him for a chance to hang out with Ri-chan. Obviously Kaoru probably likes Sentarou more than he’s letting himself acknowledge, but it still feels a little skeevy every time Sentarou honestly wants to be buddies and Kaoru is all like, “Well, whatever, as long as the girl is around.”

    Dayriff
    Reply

    1. I disagree that Kaoru is just tolerating Sen-kun. It may have started that way, and Sen makes him uncomfortable because he’s so much more uninhibited. Plus, as a navy brat I think Kaoru is highly unused to having friends to begin with. But he’s beginning to get swept up in Sentarou’s enthusiasm and open nature.

      Guardian Enzo
      Reply

  13. “It would be hard to imagine an anime having two better opening episodes than Sakamichi no Apollon.”

    Lupin III Fujiko Mine comes close. :3

    Great shows all around this season.

    Jo Jo X
    Reply

      2. Heretic. Git thee to a nunnery and repent thy blasphemous rankings, POST-HASTE!

        For me, it’s Fate/Zero by a large margin, and then Mouretsu Pirates, Mysterious Girlfriend X, Apollon, and Space Brothers in some order. Sankarea & Tsuritama are unexpectedly moving up the ranks.

        Zammael
        Reply

  14. Another excellent episode. I don’t really listen to a lot of Jazz, but this show really gives me a better appreciation for it. Once again the animation is top notch. For a slice-of-life anime, the fight scenes are pretty darn impressive, but I guess it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise, knowing who is helming the director position.

    Cyrano
    Reply

  15. I’m speechless. I don’t think any comment here is good enough to describe the beauty in this show. You simply have to watch it. It’s so good ;o;
    And Enzo, I loved the post!

    Stereoman
    Reply

    1. Is that truly it? At this point, I’m thinking it looks more like this:

      A likes B, B doesn’t like anybody and has yet to take hints from A, B and C are childhood friends who get along well, C likes jazz, until D gets bullied on a beach, whereby C rescues and falls in love with D.

      Junglepenguin
      Reply

  17. This anime is, with no other words to describe it, like a gift. A neatly wrapped one that when opened is one of those things you’ve always wanted but forgot all about it.

    I should probably restrain myself, y’know in case that I let crazy feelings cloud my mind, but it really does hit right here *thumps chest* on how much it means to me.

    And also, how happy for me to know that Junichi Suwabe is voicing this! He’s one of my top favorite man-voices, which includes Hiroaki Hirata (Uchuu Kyoudai, YAY!), and thank god he’s getting more anime work!

    The Truth is in the Axe
    Reply

  18. Best series of the season so far. Not surprising with Watanabe directing, but special mention has to be given to the mercurial Yoko Kanno with regards to the timing of the music. The way the keys came in as Sentarou laid eyes on the chick was sublime.

    Litho
    Reply

  20. Great stuff. And re:

    when Kaoru said “I thought I understood the distinctive features of jazz in my head, but reproducing them was proving to be extremely difficult” I thought he perfectly captured both the magic of jazz and the agony of frustrated musicians everywhere

    I thought that this was just one of the many wonderful moments in this show so far. I also liked how you could just as easily replace ‘musician’ with ‘artist’ or ‘writer’ (etc.) and it would still work, highlighting the theme of creativity, as well as freedom.

    Hana
    Reply

  21. Each episode so far is packed with so many nuances and small details that don’t need to be beaten over the head to get the emotional depth from the characters and the situations they are in. This series is pure magic.

    “In addition we have the signature humorous touches that mark Watanabe as a director – the boy on the bicycle showing up at both ends of the boating trip, Kaoru’s cousin peeking in on him as he practices Timmons’ intro, the bully saying “Hey – my neck feels better!” after Sentarou roughs him up. Watanabe is among the very best at balancing whimsy and gravity, and he’s showing his mastery again here.”

    These are the details i loved seeing in the show as well that manages to put a smile on my face. I’m a sucker for the details.

    Also a little note one rotoscope: It’s like live captions suits are to CG. It’s only a tool but the execution of the jam sestions, is something alsmostly godly in the details that would have to be painstakingly added like the moment of sticks in Sentarou can’t be just copied frame by frame you can feel the added work(love)put into such a simple but realy complex motion.

    I’ve seen rotoscope done badly, I’ve seen it done well and this is just divine at parts.

    End of gush!
    I come from a cell animator family with my Uncle working for Nelvana in it’s prime before all the Animation house got axe of downsized when GC came on board as a cheaper way to spit out cartoon with less detail (or though) put into them. He learned to become a sound editor on the job as a trained animator as felt that vice clamp down on the cell animation industry in North America. Seeing this type of work that NOW is almost a miracle in it’s self.

    Ani_BEE
    Reply

    1. This is no way a statements to diss studio houses like Pixar, It’s was a general shift in the industry to make it cheap (more computers less people) and make it quick (less detailed and more glaring flaws). So long as it’s CG the buyers didn’t care as they were just trying to ride on the coattails of others.

      Ani_BEE
      Reply

    1. Did you just intentionally spoil the series for everyone? Because I wouldn’t know, considering I’ve yet to read the manga. But if not, then huh, that sounds quite right.

      Junglepenguin
      Reply

  24. I really liked this anime. It’s really a pleasant surprise. Mind you, I watch a lot of moe anime so watching this is such a huge relief. That being said, I can’t help but giggle when Kaoru is wearing tighty whities. Okay, I wear them too, but I would never be seen wearing that in public, ESPECIALLY with a girl that I like.

    That being said, I’m not a huge fan of jazz but like everyone here, it makes me appreciate it more. (And I think it’s bad but nontheless the first few opening notes of the song they played reminded me of Queen’s Blade ED “Buddy Body”.)

    underMebius
    Reply

  25. Sorry to discuss a minor point but it’s been bugging me : I never saw any christian women wearing something on their head when going to church. On the contrary, aren’t you supposed to take down any kind of hat ? What the hell

    Styxounette
    Reply

    1. Actually, up until the 2nd Vatican Council, (which happened in the 60s when Sakamichi no Apollon takes place) introduced a new form of the mass, women were expected to wear head coverings in church. They’re called mantillas, and you can sometimes see older ladies wearing them in church, or if you go to a Tridentine mass (the older form before Vatican II) women are still generally expected to wear them as a sign of respect.
      As a Catholic who has gone to many Tridentine masses, I really appreciate the accuracy of showing Ritsuka with a mantilla in church.

      KT
      Reply

      1. Yep, the religion is Catholic, not Christian (Protestant). Catholic have more focus on Virgin Mary, compared to Protestant. In Japan, the Catholic is the one which spread since old times (see Rurouni Kenshin in Sekigahara arc)

        Nandaka
        Reply

      2. I find it hilarious that you mentioned Christians as being Protestant but not Catholics. They’re both subsets of Christianity and I’m sure Catholicism has been around much much longer. Protestants were made by king henry iirc.

        Kurisu Vi Britannia
        Reply

      3. Henry founded the Anglican Church. The Protestant Church was founded by Martin Luther.

        But yes, Christianity is a religion with different subsets. Such as Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant etc.

        fragb85
        Reply

      4. Thank you very much I had no idea, even though the main religion in my country is catholic xD @Nandaka when I said christians I meant catholics I’m sorry I wasn’t accurate there is like almost no protestant at all in my country so in my language christians = catholics 😉

        Styxounette
        Reply

  26. The first one was decent but hampered by the fact that they had to force the relations between the lead characters. The second ep was already much better. In particular the jam sessions are great. I thought the Ritsuko-Sentarou-Kaoru triangle had a lot of potential so it will interesting to see where they are taking the romance aspect now.

    The one thing that keeps me bothering to no end is the glaring and over-prominent CGI on the brick wall in the basement room. Tune it down already.

    dustshadow
    Reply

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