Forest of Piano

Finally, there's Ajino-sensei, a character whose presence profoundly elevates "Forest of Piano." Ajino initially appears as Kai's elementary school teacher but soon reveals himself as a former legendary pianist who had to abandon his career due to an accident. Upon meeting the immensely talented Kai, Ajino decides to mentor him and guide him towards the prestigious Chopin Competition. Ajino-sensei doesn't just teach Kai music; he imparts invaluable life lessons as well. Watching Kai struggle yet continue to trust and grow under Ajino's guidance constitutes a significant emotional core of the story. I won't spoil the ending, but be prepared with tissues because tears will flow. When you finish the final volume, you'll undoubtedly echo my sentiment: "Ajino-sensei, you truly are the best."

June 16, 2025

Before I dive in, let me clarify that I'm not an expert on classical music. My musical background only consists of reluctantly taking piano lessons up until sixth grade. Therefore, even if you're not musically inclined, you can comfortably pick up "Forest of Piano." Simply put, "Forest of Piano" is a story about the growth of Kai Ichinose (nicknamed Kai), who matures through his relationship with the piano. Kai is born in "Mori no Hashi," a rough neighborhood akin to Japan’s Nishinari (apologies to residents of Nishinari). Growing up playing a discarded piano found in the forest as his toy, Kai develops extraordinary musical talent. The story begins when Kai is a child and continues through to his adult years, allowing readers to vividly experience his growth. Kai's challenging environment adds profound depth to his piano playing, making you root passionately for his growth as the manga progresses. The standout aspect of this manga is its depiction of musical performances. Whether it's the profound silence before a concert, the poetic portrayal of sounds through imagery, or the stunning sense of time seemingly freezing—these vivid descriptions bring each performance to life. Of course, no actual sound emanates from the manga, yet somehow, readers can clearly hear the music within their minds. After my first full read-through, I went back and read the manga again, this time listening to the actual pieces Kai performed. Combined with the manga's powerful illustrations, my emotional response was doubled (yes, I'm quite obsessed!).

June 16, 2025