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!
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A roundup of manga works themed around music (1–10)
K-On!
K-On! is a rare example of a four-panel manga that focuses on music.
However, unlike four-panel strips like Sazae-san that wrap up a story in each installment, K-On! uses an unusual structure where reading multiple strips in sequence reveals the main storyline.
The story itself is an easy, casual read, depicting the everyday lives of four girls who join the light music club.
Incidentally, the anime adaptation is produced by the globally renowned Kyoto Animation.
It’s recommended to enjoy both the anime and the manga together!
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April was serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine and became a hot topic, spawning an anime, a live-action film, and even a musical.
The protagonist is Kosei Arima, a boy with genius-level piano skills.
Although he won numerous competitions while still in elementary school, he lost the ability to hear the sound of the piano after his mother passed away.
As a junior high school student, Kosei meets his classmate, the violinist Kaori Miyazono.
How will this encounter change him? This beautiful yet heartrending story is sure to resonate with everyone.
Kids on the Slope
Do you have any bittersweet memories of young love? Kids on the Slope is the kind of story that brings back those student-days feelings.
It’s an award-winning series from its early run, with quality you can trust.
The story follows three classmates who grow closer through jazz, portraying their friendship and budding romances—a romance-meets-music tale.
It’s a work you’ll want to read while guessing at the hidden meaning behind the title.
The series runs nine volumes in total, perfect for a binge read.
A roundup of manga works themed around “music” (11–20)
You and I on the G String
This work portrays the protagonist, Yaeko Kogure—who joins a violin class inspired by Bach’s famous Air on the G String—and her relationships with the people at the school.
It’s a human drama that depicts how people of different ages and backgrounds deepen their bonds through the violin.
Through music, characters burdened with their own troubles find the courage to move forward.
While the musical elements are a key highlight, the story also thoughtfully teaches the importance of heartfelt human connection.
It’s a deeply reflective manga.
SHIORI EXPERIENCE: Me, a Plain Girl, and a Strange Old Man
This work begins when Shioli Honda, the protagonist who works as an English teacher, becomes possessed by the ghost of Jimi Hendrix.
To avoid death, she struggles to leave a musical legend behind by the age of 27.
The story vividly portrays how the characters grow through their musical activities.
It’s also captivating that real artists who died at 27—starting with Jimi Hendrix—appear as spirits.
The manga is intriguing for its unique depiction of sound, such as descriptions that crash in like waves.
SOUL CATCHER(S)
This work depicts two protagonists—Shota Kamimine, who has the ability to see into people’s hearts, and Hibiki Tokisaka, who has the power to capture people’s hearts—as they grow through friendship and music.
The story conveys a strong sense of friendship and youth, centered on the idea that “encounters with others spark new possibilities within oneself.” It portrays activities in the concert band and the relationships formed there, highlighting not only the protagonists’ development but also that of the other characters.
Unique directorial choices—such as the depiction of sound surging like waves during performance scenes—are also noteworthy points as you read.
To-y
If you’re looking for a somewhat straight-laced, serious music manga, I recommend To-y.
“To-y” is the stage name of the protagonist, Tōi Fujii.
The story portrays the exploits of To-y, who’s handsome, has a great physique, and possesses exceptional musical talent.
However, Tōi Fujii isn’t a flawless character; he’s depicted as a realistic, relatable person who struggles with the gap between what he wants to sing and the activities he’s expected to do.
Although the series ended its run in 1987, it continues to gain fans today for its timeless depiction of band members’ worries and way of life.