Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter (DVD)
Screwball romantic antics continue against a Parisian backdrop and a classical music soundtrack in Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter. Picking up where the last season left off, Chiaki, now cured of his various forms of motion sickness, finally manages to get back to Europe, the classical music hub of the world.
Originally an award-winning manga by Tomoko Ninomiya, Nodame Cantabile has also been made into a live action television show starring Hiroshi Tamaki and Juri Ueno. Paris Chapter was also made into a two-episode live action special with Tamaki and Ueno reprising their roles.
The anime is produced by J.C. Staff, who animated the first season, and also brought Excel Saga, Starship Operators and Zero no Tsukaima to the small screen. It is showing on Japan's Fuji TV.
Chiaki and Nodame have moved to Paris to further their musical skills. Chiaki hopes to win a conducting competition before going to see his childhood mentor, famous conductor Sebastian Viera.
And Nodame has got into the French Conservatory of Music to pursue her piano-playing career.
The couple move into an apartment complex for musicians owned by Chiaki's mother. Nodame's room is small and simply furnished, with an out-of-tune grand piano. In comparison, Chiaki's room is huge and luxurious, with a perfectly pitched set of keys. Chiaki attributes his more impressive lodgings to 'the benefits of being the owner's son.'
Slated for 11 episodes, the series follows Chiaki and Nodame as they overcome new challenges to both their careers and relationship. Keep an eye out for this heart-warming series on DVD soon.
