So my first point is that this is certainly NOT a comedy. Certainly, there are a few laughs here and there to keep the mood not so serious all the time, but Piano no Mori is definitely a serious kind of story.

That being said, whoever said this was filled with shounen cliches obviously hasn't actually read the manga. Certainly, there's a rival and the main character is very talented. But to be honest, that "rival" isn't even the biggest point of the story. Rather, it's the growth and development of Kai into a professional pianist. And certainly, Kai is very talented and a prodigy, but he doesn't play the piano just based on that. I don't recall if the eng scans have shown this yet, but he works so hard for everything. He really deserves all that he has, especially considering his background.

What I also like about this manga is that Kai isn't the person winning the awards all the time. Certainly, he always manages to awe the audience, but so far, he's never actually won a competition. And he's not without faults either. Although I suppose I can understand why people would regard him as an emo Gary Sue, but hey, he's a very likable one.

This manga is my favourite, through it's drawings it shows, how simple a child's point of view is. Also the differences between Kai and Shyuhei life is very prominent.
Kai's mother is very beautiful in a whore life, she also uses Kai's piano skills to make her forget all of her troubles. where Shyuhei's mother isn't as pretty and uses Shyuhei's skill to make her husband and mother proud.

This also is seen in there piano's Shyuhei see pianos as a tool, where Kai sees them as a part of him.

Kai and Shyuhei lives are so different yet they connect so well.

This manga is piece of art. I always treasure every chapter I read, this is one of the best manga's ever made

Now THIS was a shocker. I'm not a fan of Nodame (sorry to all the raving fans who already posted), so I didn't know what to expect from this. In short:
Art- 7
Story-10
Characters-10

The art was lacking...in depth, realism, etc. etc. Just above mediocre, but it wasn't annoyingly bad, as with some manga I have read. The art has faults, but is nice in the way that it doesn't distract readers (especially critics) from the story. The story, I must say, blew me away. Yes, cliches are present, but there are different twists that make the situation unique and doesn't veer off the road of plausibility. Also, the characters can be easily related too, and I find that such an interesting and diverse cast of characters is a tough thing to find...even if some of them are a bit crude
I love this manga, can't wait for more. The artist needs some work on his technique, but his storytelling is phenomenal. Bravo!

I fell in love with this manga after only 3 chapters. Although the art is simplistic, the setting of the story is nothing less than mesmerizing. The first time I saw the piano standing amidst the forest trees, I was captivated. It was so enchanting, it made me wish I could actually sit beneath the trees and listen to Kai play.

Some people are put off by the art, but I disagree. I rather like it. The simplistic art, although not as vividly detailed as other manga, is actually charming in its own right. Personally, I think it is a conscious choice on the part of the mangaka to draw the manga very simple. Because every once in a while, you'd get these incredibly detailed drawings, so intricate and vivid that it takes your breath away. The effect wouldn't be as strong if the entire manga was always drawn that way. But because most of the manga is looks simplistic, and only the important scenes are drawn with incredible details that the effect it has on the reader is so strong.

But all that aside, this manga is an example of how good storytelling can make even simplistic art come alive. Kai is an incredibly well written character. You'll definitely fall in love with him.

The tone of the story is very mature, although it features little kids. Actually, because of how serious and crude some themes are, it's recommended for people 15 years +

... Last updated on May 24th, 2009, 12:20am

I fell in love with this manga when I first read it, but as the story has progressed, it (in my opinion) has grown a bit stale. The beginning of the story was absolutely amazing, which is all a result of Kai and Shuuhei's drive and passion for the piano, their conflicting friendship, and their resolve to pursue a life of music. But in the second part of the story, when the main characters are teenagers, their love music seems to have dissipated. Kai and Shuuhei are dull and lifeless. The plot is a mess. And overall, it just seems like the manga is going nowhere.

... Last updated on November 14th, 2011, 3:43pm

Gorgeous manga, in a "less is more" sense. Don't expect this to blow you away, more let it win you over with its subtle touches of magic. It's also hard to label this manga, as pretty much any kind of reader (shounen, seinen, shoujo, josei) can enjoy this.
A very wholesome read, similar to the works of Masahito Soda, Hitoshi Ashinano, and even Mitsuru Adachi.

... Last updated on March 22nd, 2008, 9:21am

I could literally hear the music inside my head when reading this.
It's not only the story and character development that are amazing but also the panel "directing" of this manga.

The characters are great... something about it just totally captures your heart. I'm sure even those who don't know anything about music will find it very touching. There's lots of rivalry stories out there but this one is really unique. I love Kai! Even though the series is long, so far I don't feel bored at all. I thought the art is quite nice too, just different, funny and cute in its quirky way, like the art from Gokusen. Like others said, the art suits the story.

when the main character grown, the enthusiasm for how the story develop is present, but unexpectedly bland storyline as the follow up, this manga became annoying.

The childhood story of Kai and Shuuhei surely enticing to the point made anybody fall in love with this manga. The serenity and excitement continues up until when the two separated (after the contest). But when they actually met up, all grown, the focus shift to which one of those can play better, how the contest held, and many unimportant knick knack. All the attractive element of piano no mori suddenly vanish, replaced by meaningless episodes.

beautiful, i stopped watching nodame coz of that mustache girl wtf?? and apparently its good so mite pick itup...but this manga is the best music one ive ever read...prob the only one...but its nice...its real...hes a genius...and his life is tough...real tough...but he keeps his positive tude to the max at most times which is cool.

... Last updated on March 14th, 2009, 9:00pm