There are plenty ofmusical dramas from Asiathat capture various elements of the music industry through their passionate stories. The best of these are able to offer a spark that goes beyond the surface-level exploration of how music connects to its characters. These are ones that focus on how music is tied to the dreams of its characters, especially when its done in ways that elevate the narrative.Glass Heartis one of these times, focusing on aspiring drummer Akane Saijo, who, after three years of trying to become a musician, decides to give up her dream.
However, while delivering food for her mother’s restaurant, she was asked to the house of Naoki Fujitani, a reclusive musician who disappeared three years ago after getting struck by lightning at a music event. A singer and multi-instrument musician, he’s joined by Sho Takaoka and Kazushi Sakamoto, forming the band TENBLANK. As it turns out, Akane has a surprising connection to Naoki’s music event, something that prompts him to bring her into the fold. What follows is a beautiful story about dreams, artistic endeavors, and the relationships that form on the path to stardom.
Glass Heart’s Music & Characters Intertwine To Form A Memorable Melody
The Story Built Around Their Band Is Emotional & Heartfelt
The Japanese drama’s most outstanding quality is its music. The songs performed throughoutGlass Heartinclude glorious compositions which are heartfelt reflections of the series' main story beats. From the moment Yu Miyazaki’s Akane started playing the drums, followed by when Takeru Satoh’s Naoki played the piano with expert precision, it became clear just how incredible these musical components would be. Every instrument has a part to play, the sound and lyrics coalescing into meaningful sequences that weave a compassionate narrative encompassing its many characters.
Just how compelling said characters are adds to the story. Their motivations and decisions are fleshed out in harmonious detail, everyone feeling like an important instrument in a concert. While Miyazaki and Satoh are the real stars, Keita Machida as Sho and Jun Shison as Kazushi elevate the series with their own contributions to the band. The show does an incredible job at illustrating their reasons for being in TENBLANK, while further exploring how the interactions between the four main members change them. Thestory is about music, which also reflects their personal journeys as musicians.
Even side characters like Naoki’s rival, Toya Shinzaki (Masaki Suda) and TENBLANK’s manager, Miyako Kai (Karata Erika), get plenty of screen time to showcase how their dreams intertwine with the main band members. But the real standout in the supporting cast is singer Yukino Sakurai, played by Akari Takaishi. Not only was her character arc compelling and ever-evolving, but her vocals blew me away. She especially emphasized how, despite the focus on Akane and Naoki, the show does a wonderful job at fleshing out all its characters. Their connections and how they change each other is crucial to the series.
Glass Heart’s Story Is A Captivating Tear-Jerker Full Of Inspirational Messages
Pushing Through Impossible Odds To Achieve One’s Dreams
The characters and their connection to music is also what elevates the central ideas of the show’s story. As the series progresses, the way music weaves through everyone’s lives becomes a central thread that tethers them all together. It’s not just about the carefully-crafted music in the story, but instead about the human connection that forms between everyone because of their passion for a shared dream. This is, of course, most apparent within TENBLANK’s band members, especially Akane and Naoki as she learns to navigate his eccentricities. He also has a respect for her that’s bolstered as they grow closer.
Asthe Japanese bandcontinues to evolve, so too does their music, with various songs that all have very different feelings attached to them. With the show’s evolution of the band’s art, the members themselves also go through changes that link them for life. Not only did it provide some dramatic twists, some of which were heart-wrenching to watch unfold, but it also made them feel closer in an uplifting way. The show’s biggest theme is to pursue one’s dreams, even in the face of impossible odds. It’s a good message delivered through a strong story told through song.
With strong, memorable characters and a story that twangs the heartstrings,Glass Heartis a fantastic Japanese drama that will resonate with creatives and non-creatives alike. The beauty of its story may be simple, but it’s an effective look into the importance of following one’s passion, and how music can bring people together. It’s one of the best shows of the year for me, resonating at a deep level of my soul, and a must-watch for anyone who engages in or appreciates the struggle of creation.
