it's different, and interesting. I like that it doesn't really feel like 23 volumes and yet there are lots of things to remember it by. BTW Anime is as good as the manga, so you shouldn't miss out on "Nodame Cantabile" in any form of media ))

Nodame and Chiaki are really unique characters. It is not like i can "feel" the music through the manga (the artwork is not that good though) but this weak point disappeared with the touch of the anime. Amazing >.<!!!!
Manga & anime, I love both. I never dare to watch the live-action. Having a live-action means that the series is popular and much loved, but if it turn out to be a failure, people who watch without knowing the original version will have the wrong view point of the series.
I'm a fan of this series, I love the anime version best and I always hope that the live-action and movie never exist. It's really painful when someone (who knows I like Nodame Cantabile) tell me that they've tried the live action or the movie and it's not good. >"<

... Last updated on November 15th, 2010, 4:16pm

This is, by far, one of THE BEST manga series that I have EVER read. Coming from a family with a strong musical background, and knowing what it's like to feel pressured and stressed to achieve certain success from early childhood and up, I must admit that I was a little hesitant about reading this manga. I thought "Now why in the world would I want to read about someone else's musical drama when I've suffered my own trauma?!" But, unable to fight off the temptation, I gave NC a try....and instantly became hooked. I can't shower this series with any more praise than everyone else already has. I mean, the characters are awesome, and the storyline is strong, clear, and flows perfectly, and the overall tone is a lot less tense than I'd initially thought it would be.

The only reason why I haven't given this series a 10/10 is because I'm waiting for the final chapter . If the ending does not disappoint, then I'll definitely raise my rating to the max.

Highly recommended series here

... Last updated on September 30th, 2009, 2:05pm

Oh please, I don't think I can take it if the ending of this manga sucks. I mean, I love this manga and I've followed it from the very start. I am expecting a totally romantic and funny ending. One that is befitting of the whole idea of the story. Haven't tried reading Nodame Cantabile yet? Then you're missing out. This one's a must read and it's finally (but sadly) coming to an end. 10+/10

I wasn't sure about picking it title up, but I'm not regretting to picking it up now.

I love the comedy between Megumi and Chiaki. The level of their love isn't physical; it's emotional, which is very rarely found when it comes to manga. Most of them are generic, which pisses me off. They often give me a warm feeling after reading each chapter. Another good point about this manga is the introduction of orchestra / chamber music. I've learned of the names of the music that I love, and also learned to love pieces that I've never heard of.

True, there are times when you see familiar scenes or problems they faced in Japan happening in Paris but isn't real life just like that? Most of the times we face similar problems, just with slight variations of it.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a title I look forward to adding into my collection.

I've only just finished the first volume of this, and obviously there is a lot more to read, so this isn't the most complete review... am I going to buy the 20+ volumes of manga needed to keep up with it? Hmmm not sure. Possibly.

In any event, I'm really impressed with what I've read so far. I'd heard a lot of good things about this series, and it was one of those that sat around on my "to read at some indefinite point" pile for a while. The idea of it appealed to me both because it is a serious josei series (I loved "Tramps Like Us") and also because the subject matter is so relevant to me as a college student and pretty serious musician. "Nodame Cantabile" delivers on both fronts.
From the beginning, the main characters Nodame and Shinichi are portrayed in a realistic, warm way which made me feel for them. They remind me a little bit of Haruna and Yoh from "High School Debut". Their relationship is warm and honest, built on trust, respect, mutual desire to grow. I appreciate Shinichi's apparent coldness, and the desperate desire to succeed which lies beneath the surface of that. Just as much as I appreciate the free spirit within Nodame which makes her music shine.

As a manga about music- I find myself identifying much more with the young characters here than I ever have with "rock superstar" oriented mangas like "Nana". Some things are right on here- the incredible prodigy who's good at everything (piano, violin, etc), who makes you feel jealous, angry, inadequate, because they don't seem to work for it, while you work your ass off with little return, the feelings of anxiety and doubt which come with each small failure, which the seriously good and the not-yet-so-good experience alike. The regular questioning of one's own talent. "Am I really a good musician? If I practice, can I be? Is there a great artist inside of me?" -as well as the drudgery that is technical practice, versus the passion and soul which every performer wants to bring to their music. Being rewarded for your free, expressive playing, while at the same time struggling to tone it down so it is technically within reach... Being the "beginnings" of an artist. I liked Mine's attitude a lot- his electric violin, the attraction of other styles of music that are more free from the rigid classical structure, that are more accessable to a modern audience, maybe more fun. As someone who has played classical music for a long time, as well as jazz and rock, and loves all of it, I can say it can often be very confusing which way to go- which way to direct your energy and focus.
So, a lot is resonating with me so far.
Anyway, going to keep reading, I'm sure it will be worth it!

well, indeed..

i've been reading lots of manga for the past 5 years and i'm picking titles to read first by looking at the art and then skimming through its summary and first chapters if available. just like the previous comments, this one doesn't have that great art but the plot and character creation makes up for it: art=9 and story=11 which makes a grade of 10 for me.

i've come across some series that i've graded like this one, the most popular might be Skip Beat! (well, i must admit that Shou and Ren looks hot in some panels) and very few are godly with both perfect art and story (i won't mention them here).

well to summarize it all, Nodame Cantabile is a must read! It's better to also watch the anime and/or live-action adaptation so you could make out with the music that you can't hear from the pages of the manga.

Let me add this... I'v read till chapter 133 and i love how the story keeps on going, i'm really excited how the story turns and twists and wondering what will happen next

Definitely recommended !! At first glance, the art was sooo ugly that it made me lost any interest in it. But when i finally tried it, the story was unique, funny, exciting and very sweet ! And ah, the art keeps on getting better each volume. The story is progressing, and i must say that this manga has pretty high population (i mean there are many characters in it) but it makes it more interesting, and it has many different background setting. To put it simple, a must read !

And i must agree, i started to pay attention to music (especially classic ones) after i read this, i even took a class of music appreciation and i think i enjoy it more now than before when i was blind about all the music terms

... Last updated on August 16th, 2009, 8:43pm

like most of my collagues, i was looking down at this particular manga. no art, poor potential (at least at that time--i am not into classical music). then a volume brought everything to live. i bought the whole set (it was until 13 that time) the next day. i even argued with my parents as they dissaproved me buying alot of comics. (What are you, a junior schooler?)

the story about two funny, full of live and likeable characters. the supporting charas are quite perfectly designed too, they can be an ass sometimes but can be the hero the next page. (i am talking about milch/Stresseman here). and you can't just stpo laughing--it made me laugh more than Ouran HS, or any other stories out there.
warning, once you get hooked up you can't stop reread and reread again the whole sets.don't read it in exam period, lol.

... Last updated on October 4th, 2009, 10:03pm

i always loved piano but this manga pushed my love to max i even dream of playing piano in dream. i cant get one though . the writer has done amazing job with story light romance.sweet sad encouraging. and more. i thank u for continuing so soon after your baby being born.you still must need rest.wishing u a happy life ( if the writer ever reads this its for u ).