This year has seen a multitude of subjects within the medium of anime; from amazing titles including Shingeki no Kyojin and Wonder Egg Priority to more unusual and smaller works such as EX-ARM and HOME!. As the seasons transitioned in the industry from winter unto spring, the many studios were left with some massive holes to fill. While many would argue that there were only a few productions this season that were comparable to the last, they fail to realize the beauty from smaller and lesser known pieces such as Mashiro no Oto that I believe, is one of the most solid and understated works this period.

The *OP for this work titled “Blizzard” was extremely pleasing to hear and felt well thought out. Played by the BURNOUT SYNDROMES, the music was energetic with great immersion with the listener. I thought it was creative to weave the shamisen throughout this composition as it felt playful and free. However, even though the shamisen is supposed to play a harmony in this piece, it sometimes felt extremely overpowered by the guitar.

The ED which is named この夢が醒めるまで (Romanization is “Kono Yume ga Sameru made”) was a delight to hear. Unlike Blizzard which felt somewhat overpowering, this work felt like a perfectly even split between the lightness of the Shamisen from the Yoshida Brothers and the depth of vocals from Miliyah. I found this work very interesting as it sounded extremely contemporary.

*Also, the Second OP was alright I guess. Didn't really care for it as much as the other two songs though

Mashiro no Oto follows a boy named Sawamura, Setsu throughout his journey with the Shamisen. Having originally been a run away from his hometown, he meets various different individuals to help him take gradual steps into his new life.

When originally watching this work, I felt underwhelmed; the mundane senses and lack of intensity from the show. However, I slowly came to realize that this atmosphere was intentional. I felt it genuinely as I watched Setsu chase his late grandfather in order to try to find himself.

This slump that he found himself was emulated through the environment that the show had provided. Dark and dull colours, and little to no action being taken were all elements that felt reflected towards me. I felt myself being dragged into a deeper and deeper hole, until everything was quiet.

Then I saw it; a lone performer walking onto a stage. I questioned it, almost scoffing as this moment felt too cliche. But then he started playing, and I felt it. An immediate shiver went down my spine as I heard the vibrations from the Shamisen. I felt elated and energetic for some reason and I heard a variety of different sounds; “wind perhaps?”. I was filled with a deluge of emotion during this time until everything went blank. It was just me and the sound of a shamisen. Something about the playing is just so enthralling as it captured me and the audience within this show.

This show generates its atmosphere throughout every element. It uses melancholy colours and art to portray a feeling of emptiness which intensifies that sound of the shamisen which is in contrast, full of emotion. The animation is extremely simple and shows that the show was just focusing on what was important - sound. Every aspect feels calculated to its fullest extent, emphasizing how impactful it is on the viewer.

I implore anyone who is debating this series to at the very least give it a try, just even one episode, to experience the magic that Mashiro no Oto creates.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

I really enjoyed this show in the end. Unlike others, this was realistic and left me with an empty hole at the end. It wanted me to keep hearing Setsu’s shamisen. While the ending was ugly and was bitter, I myself felt encouraged and filled with emotion even though I wasn’t even the character in the show.

Can’t wait for another season of this beauty.