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” (11–20)
Kageki Shojo!!
Set at the Koka Opera Music School, which trains members for the Koka Revue, this work portrays the struggles of protagonists aiming to become stars.
From this premise, it’s clear the story is inspired by the Takarazuka Revue.
The narrative conveys how extraordinary effort is required to create a dazzling stage.
It also gives the impression of a youth sprinting at full speed, with themes of cooperation and competition among peers.
It has also been adapted into an anime, so be sure to check that out as well!
Tonkatsu DJ Agetarou
This work follows Ayataro Katsumata, the heir to a tonkatsu restaurant, who, prompted by a certain incident, realizes that running a tonkatsu shop and being a DJ are the same, and sets out to become a man who can raise both the cutlet and the dance floor.
It has a unique worldview, featuring lines about how tonkatsu and DJing are alike and characters who explain in detail what they have in common.
While it’s a story about the protagonist’s growth as a DJ, it also shows him simultaneously mastering tonkatsu, with gags sprinkled throughout—like friends who each have their own family businesses—which is another highlight.
Solanin
Solanin is a rare music-themed manga that features working adults as its protagonists.
It portrays the struggles of characters who, despite graduating from university, can’t quite let go of their dreams.
The song “Solanin” that appears in the story was composed by the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION for the film adaptation.
A track that readers could only imagine while reading the manga became something they could actually listen to, which sparked a huge response.
It’s a work crafted for adults in particular, depicting the challenges of continuing musical activities after entering adulthood and how one should face their dreams.
Detroit Metal City
The gag manga “Detroit Metal City,” also known as “DMC,” became popular and was even adapted into a live-action film.
The protagonist, college student Soichi Negishi, dreams of becoming a pop musician, but against his will he ends up displaying genius-level performances as “Johannes Krauser II,” the vocalist of the death metal band DMC.
The gap between his two identities is hilariously entertaining.
DMC’s songs are filled with extreme, unspeakable lyrics, yet because the performer is a kind-hearted young man, you somehow find yourself letting it slide.
The showdowns between DMC and other artists are a blast too, so definitely check it out!
Blue Orchestra
Blue Orchestra is a work by manga artist Makoto Akui, created after conducting interviews with a real high school symphonic orchestra club in Chiba Prefecture.
Thanks to that effort, it achieves a level of realism that makes it hard to believe it’s fiction.
In particular, the factional conflicts between different instrument sections depicted in the story are classic orchestra tropes.
Of course, it doesn’t only show the negatives; it also portrays in a realistic way how the club members grow through their orchestra experience.
The artwork is outstanding, so it’s also recommended for readers who love beautiful illustration.
Hallelujah Overdrive!
This work portrays the youth of students who secretly play in a band at a high school where the light music club is banned.
A major charm of the story is the distinctive members of the Metallurgical and Physical Chemistry Research Club—the camouflage club for the light music club to which the protagonist, Komame Asazakura, belongs.
Another highlight is how Komame Asazakura’s singing voice is depicted through images like raindrops and tears, which makes it easy to grasp the mood and texture of the sound.
It’s a manga where you can savor the atmosphere of adolescence and the characters’ growth through their musical activities.
In conclusion
There sure have been a lot of music-themed manga.
People often say it’s very difficult to depict “sound” in manga, but I think each of these works had a charm that made you feel as if you could hear the melodies and performances.
Of course, there are many titles we couldn’t fit in, and the list will surely keep growing.
We’ll keep updating it from time to time, so please drop by again whenever you have a moment!