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Synopsis

Setsu Sawamura leaves his rural home after the passing of his grandfather, renowned shamisen master Matsugorou Sawamura. On his deathbed, Matsugorou urged Setsu to abandon the instrument if he meant only to mimic others instead of developing a personal style. Grieving and determined to find his own musical identity, Setsu moves to Tokyo hoping the city will inspire him. Instead, the metropolitan clamor overwhelms the subtlety he seeks. Worried, his affluent mother Umeko reenters his life and compels him to enroll at Umezono Academy. There he encounters Shuri Maeda, a student captivated by the Tsugaru shamisen who wishes to recreate a melody her grandmother once heard. Shuri establishes a shamisen appreciation club and persuades Setsu to instruct its members. As he becomes more engaged with the club and its musicians, Setsu faces the challenge of regaining his passion for the shamisen and uncovering the distinctive sound his mentor demanded.