A roundup of manga works themed around “music”
There are plenty of works in the world that use “music” as their theme—dramas, movies, anime, and of course, manga as well.
In this article, we’ll be introducing recommended works centered around the theme of music.
From rock and classical to jazz, you’ll see there are stories spanning a wide range of genres.
So you’re sure to find a favorite.
Some are easygoing reads too—like gag comedies and slice-of-life!
Be sure to check them out to the end!
A roundup of manga works themed around music (1–10)
BECK
BECK is a coming-of-age story that depicts the growth of its protagonist, Yukio Tanaka, through his activities as a member of the band BECK.
The manga was serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine until 2008 and was adapted into both a film and an anime.
The song ‘Moon on the Water,’ performed by the protagonist in the story, was also used as the anime’s ending theme and is beloved by fans.
Those who played in bands during their school days will find much to relate to, so please give it a read.
BLUE GIANT
Blue Giant is a work that has gained popularity as an authentic jazz manga.
Its success led to sequels that follow the protagonist’s later journey: Blue Giant Supreme and Blue Giant Explorer.
The main character is Dai Miyamoto, a high school student.
One day, he happens to hear a jazz performance and sets his sights on becoming a saxophonist.
While jazz is the core of the story, its portrayals of family love and friendship are also key reasons for its popularity.
Another fun aspect is that the comic’s covers are modeled after various classic album jackets—definitely worth comparing side by side.
PPPPPP
“PPPPPP” is a popular series serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.
The story follows Lucky Sonoda, the only ordinary person in a family of genius pianists, as he connects with his prodigious siblings through the piano.
The popular artist Ado has openly declared herself a big fan of the series.
The unusual title represents one of the dynamic markings in music, “pppppp” (pianississississimo).
It’s interesting to pay attention to how the story and the title relate to each other.
Nodame Cantabile
When it comes to famous music-themed manga that everyone knows, Nodame Cantabile is at the top.
Many people may know it from the TV drama or films.
The story’s protagonist is Megumi Noda, nicknamed “Nodame.” By chance, she meets Shinichi Chiaki, who attends the same university’s piano department.
In contrast to the sloppy Nodame, Chiaki is meticulous.
The two recognize each other’s piano talent and are drawn to one another.
It’s a work that, in a good way, never gets too serious, using pop-styled direction and artwork to deliver plenty of laughs.
Forest of Piano
“The Piano Forest” is an authentic piano-themed manga that was serialized in the magazine Morning.
Kai Ichinose, who grew up in an underprivileged environment, spent his days playing a piano abandoned in the forest.
Awakening to the joy of the instrument and his own talent, he sets his sights on the Chopin Competition.
The story features many famous pieces, starting with Beethoven’s Piano Sonata “Moonlight.” Combined with the direction, it creates the uncanny feeling that you can hear the music even though it’s a manga.
It’s a work that pianists and former players alike will find irresistibly relatable.
Me and the Devil Blues
Mine is a Devil’s Blues is a blues-themed work by manga artist Akira Hiramoto, known for Prison School.
The story is set in the American South in the late 1920s, during the dawn of jazz.
RJ is a Black man who loves music and performs in bars night after night.
After making a deal with the devil, he transforms into a genius bluesman.
But that doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly—far from it.
With its slightly dark, horror-tinged tone, it’s recommended for those seeking a more mature atmosphere.
NANA
NANA is a shoujo manga themed around band life and romance.
The story follows Nana Komatsu, who moves to Tokyo to chase her boyfriend, and Nana Osaki, who moves to Tokyo for her band, as they develop a friendship through sharing an apartment.
It adopts the unusual style of unfolding through the characters’ introspective narration.
In 2005, Mika Nakashima, who played Nana Osaki in the film adaptation, had a major hit with GLAMOROUS SKY, a song she performs in the story.
If you only know the song, I hope this inspires you to pick up the manga as well.