This work is a heartwarming coming-of-age story packed with a variety of emotions – youth, romance, hard work, setbacks, and empathy – primarily focusing on events within a high school club activity ✰*+：・。 A must-read for anyone who wants to experience the feeling of sharing all kinds of emotions with friends and working relentlessly towards a goal! This story will surely make you time-leap back to your own youthful days ♡
After his seniors graduated, Musashi became the sole remaining member of the club dedicated to playing the koto – a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. When April comes, he works hard to recruit new members, but some students don’t even know the club exists. Then suddenly, a new student who looks like a delinquent and seems to have no connection to koto music appears before him, saying they want to join the club!?
| Title | Kono Oto Tomare |
| Cartoonist | Amyu |
| Publisher | Syuueisya |
| Publication | Syounen Jump SQ |
| Number of Volumes | Vol.31（already published） |
When will Volume 31 (the latest volume) be released?
Volume 31 was released on August 2nd, 2024.
I read Volume 31! Though Ai and others had minor roles this time, the story about the Ichiei High School members was really wonderful (crying). I wonder what kind of performance they gave in this competition! Please check it out! ♪
Complete Character Analysis of ‘Kono Oto Tomare!’
‘Kono Oto Tomare!’ is filled with wonderfully unique characters! Let’s dive deep into learning about the main cast ✰*+：・。
KUDO Chika
The protagonist. A male student at Tokise High School and a first-year member of the Koto Music Club. Though he was once a notorious delinquent, he was sent to live with his grandfather, a koto craftsman, during his third year of middle school. Through their relationship, he turned his life around. After his grandfather’s death, he lives with his aunt as a dependent. While he has a sharp tongue and a quick temper, he also shows a caring side towards his friends.
KURATA Takezo
The other protagonist of this story. A male student at Tokise High School and a second-year student who serves as the president of the Koto Music Club. Though unassuming in appearance, he is serious and takes good care of others. He’s in the same class as Hiro, and while he initially felt aversion towards her, through their interactions in the Koto Music Club and class, he gradually develops feelings for her.
HOUZUKI Satowa
The heroine of this story. A female student at Tokise High School and a first-year member of the Koto Music Club. She comes from the Hōgetsukai, where her mother is the iemoto (grandmaster) of koto. She possesses extraordinary talent for playing the koto. However, during middle school, she had a falling out with her mother and was expelled from the traditional school.
ADACHI Saneyasu
A male student at Tokise High School and Chika’s friend since their middle school days. As a first-year member of the Koto Music Club, he brings his previous guitar experience and natural rhythm sense.
MIZUHARA Kōta
A male student at Tokise High School and Chika’s friend since middle school days. As a first-year member of the Koto Music Club, he’s known for his friendly personality and habit of hugging people he likes, though he completely lacks rhythm sense.
SAKAI Michitaka
A male student at Tokise High School and Chika’s friend since middle school days. As a first-year member of the Koto Music Club, he is known as one of the ‘Three Idiots’ along with Mitsukasu and Kōta. He has been friends with those two since kindergarten.
KURUSU Hiro
A female student in Musashi’s class at Tokise High School. Though she joins the Koto Music Club later than others, she takes on the role of vice president. Despite her frank and candid personality, she carries emotional scars from middle school, where her relationships were ruined by the lies of her classmates. She finds herself drawn to Musashi after joining the club, as he helps her heal from this past trauma.
TAKAOKA Tetsuki
Chika’s childhood friend and a male student at Tokise High School. As a first-year student, he is close not only to Chika but also to the ‘Three Idiots’. An excellent student who often helps the four of them with their studies.
[SPOILERS INCLUDED] Thoughts after reading ‘Kono Oto Tomare’
You can’t help but feel the essence of youth as you watch Ai (Chika), once a delinquent boy, turn his life around thanks to his grandfather and grow alongside his friends (ﾉωﾉ)
The portrayal of these ‘friends’ is simply wonderful ✰+：・。
I find myself moved to tears time and time again watching them care for each other and grow together as they work towards their goals.
And there’s no doubt you’ll feel your heart flutter at the budding romances between the troubled genius Satowa and Ai, as well as between the club president Musashi and vice president Hiro! ( *´艸｀)
While the story progresses quite slowly, it remains thoroughly engaging thanks to its rich mix of elements, from the bonds of friendship to various other themes ♪
Where can you read ‘Akatsuki No Yona’ (Yona of the Dawn) for free?
I found several websites where you can read manga for free, so I’d like to share them with you!
Kadkocomi
‘Kadocomi’ is a free comic portal site operated by KADOKAWA, a major Japanese publishing company. It’s compatible with multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Since you can read without membership registration, you can enjoy manga anytime you want
Manga box
This is a free manga app operated by DeNA, and it’s very popular because you can read new releases of popular manga before anyone else! ★ Since it’s frequently updated, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on!
Kodansha Comics
Kodansha Comics, a brand of Kodansha USA, lets you read English versions of Japan’s most popular manga!
Since you can read the first chapter for free, it’s perfect for trying out new series! ★
It’s highly recommended for manga fans since you can also read new Japanese manga titles!
Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Free English manga titles are available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. It’s an excellent way to try out new manga!
A Kindle Unlimited subscription is required, but they often run promotions offering the first month free, so keep an eye out for these special offers!
Summary ‘Kono Oto Tomare’
A heartwarming coming-of-age story about high school students giving their all in their club activities! This masterpiece lets you experience a wide range of emotions – crying, laughing, being moved, and rejoicing with friends ✰ Take your time to read at your own pace and immerse yourself in this celebration of youth! ( ´艸｀)
Volume 32 is scheduled for release on March 3, 2025☆*+：・
