Ep 1. (Sub) New Club Members

(Sub) New Club Members: The first episode of Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life revolves around the story of a high school teenager named Chika Kudo, who is a delinquent but has a passion for traditional Japanese musical instruments. Chika walks into the school clubroom hoping to play an old Japanese musical instrument known as the koto only to find out that the club has been dismantled due to lack of members.

While trying to sneak out of the room, he accidentally bumps into a girl named Satowa Hozuki, who is the only remaining member of the Koto club. Satowa tries to convince Chika to join the club in the hopes of finding new members to save it. But, Chika's pride is hurt as he overheard a conversation between Satowa and a teacher who is the advisor of the club, suggesting that she finds it hard to recruit new members as the Koto is hard for beginners.

Chika, who is easily provoked, challenges Satowa to play a song together on the koto, only to discover that he has no idea how to play it. As he fails miserably in front of Satowa, she plays a beautiful melody that leaves Chika in awe. The next day, while walking through the school corridors, Chika hears a melody being played by Satowa from the Koto. Chika is drawn to the music and finds himself standing by the club room, listening to Satowa play.

As he watches her play, he starts to notice how much passion and emotion she puts into her playing. He is so moved that he cries without realizing it. Satowa catches Chika standing outside and sees him crying. Not knowing what to do, Satowa proceeds to tell him her story of how much the koto means to her and how she has been trying to keep the club alive because of her love for this traditional instrument.

Realizing how foolish he was to make fun of something that means so much to someone else, Chika decides to join the Koto club along with two more members, Hiro Kurusu, and Kouta Mizuhara. The four musically challenge themselves to learn the Koto and prepare for their upcoming performance.

The episode ends with the four of them playing their respective parts and creating music together, realizing that the koto is not just a traditional instrument, but it is a way to showcase their emotions and passions. The episode sets the stage for the rest of the series, showing the beautiful music the Koto can make and the bonds that are forged between these four characters who set out to learn and play it together.

In conclusion, Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life season 1 episode 1 is a heartwarming introduction to the world of the Koto and the characters that form the Koto club. The series stands out due to its unique blend of music and drama, and the character development that comes with it. The first episode sets the tone for what promises to be an emotionally engaging story.