Your lie in April (22)

Your lie in april is a romantic anime that revolves around the lives of two young prodigy musicians, Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazomo. Kousei was once a famous pianist, known for his incredible precision and hardwork. As a child, Kousei’s mother tirelessly forced him to play piano day after day, even those he wanted to play outside with his friends. She devoted Kousei life to focus on Piana 24/7 and her intense pressure and manipulative behavior had a strong impact on Kousei psyche. She used fear, harsh criticism and physical violence as motivation, hoping he would be better than his late father, who was a professional pianist; eventually resulting in Trauma-Induced-Amnesia. However, after the death of his mother, he unfortunately lost the ability to hear the notes and sounds of the piano, forcing him to quit.

Kousei enters Sumiya Junior High School and because of his lack of social skills, he has difficulties finding friends. Kousei meets Kaori Miyazono and other friends, Kaori, a fellow musician, grew up idolizing Kousei and wants him to continue being a pionast. Kousei finds himself in love with Kaori, but he believes Kaori likes his best friend so he hides his secret. Kaori becomes Kousei’s biggest supporter and trains him with an unwavering belief he will be the best, just like his mother. Through her gentle support and understanding, he gradually learns to confront his past and rediscover the joy of music.

Kousei gradually regains the ability to hear the notes of the Piano while performing with Kaori. The duo played beautifully and Kousei managages to express his majestic songs. 

 It seems Kousei has finally obtained what he has been looking for his whole life, love.

However, shortly after their performance, watchers learn that Kaori sufferers from a health issue and she undergoes a surgery. As the episodes progresses, Kaori’s health worsens and it becomes apparent that her time is limited. Numerous days after school, Kousei sits next to Kaori, and plays music for her by her bedside, just like he did when his mother was dying. The performance is deeply emotional, and similar to Kousei’s mother, Kaori was visibly moved by his music. 

The show ends with Kousei in a competition playing “Love’s Sorrow”, a piece which holds significant meaning for Kousei, representing his journey of healing and rediscovery of music. Kousei plays through anger, his rapid hands quickly bouncing between notes, he plays through sorrow, and pain, yet love; and he begins to see a faint light in the crowd, a vision of his late mother and Kaori. The combination of their presence fuels his performance with intense emotions, making it a deeply melancholic and powerful conclusion of the anime.