Original subtitles

Aw man

You can't really hear the sound too well in the snow.

I will...

I will... I will...

... become a jazz player.

I'll become one for sure.

I will be the greatest jazz player in the world.

Oh? You're also alone?

If I follow this road, will I find your friends?

This is gonna work. I know it.

Then, I'll be off.

Yeah. C'mon Ayaka.

Here, it's from Ayaka.

Oh! Its rice balls! Thanks

And this is?

Thats from me. Make sure you get something to eat over there.

Masa ... Thank you.

Knowing him, he'll probably be back in a week.

He's not coming.

Brother isn't going to come back.

Huh, what's this?

Letter: "Dear Older Brother, Stuuuuupid From Mayaka"

What's with her?

Where was Shinjuku Sanchoume Station again?

Woah, he's sleeping.

Tch, put down your bags.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Can't do it here.

Here's also no good.

Oh crap!

Where's a good spot?

Wow...

There are boatloads of people here.

You seem hungry.

Here!

I made it at last... to Tokyo.

Yes? Dai??!

Yo, Tamada! I asked your Thai friends for your address.

That was during our graduation ceremony!

Whats up all of a sudden?

I've been taking advantage of this!

Oh yeah!

But what's with that luggage?

Please, Tamada! Put me up for 2-3 days!

Huh!? Normally people let you know before coming to move in?

Well, if I contacted you before, you could've refused, right?

Heh, C'mon in.

Thank you, Tamada.

Woah-oh!

Am I a professional or what?

Nah, I'm pretty sure I just got really good at this.

Let's dig in.

It's so good!

How is it? Is it good?

It's good..

Right?!!

Are we married?

If not married, then what? Lovers living together?

It's already been two weeks!

Tamada...

You're accent is entirely gone!

It's like you're from Tokyo!

The reason I moved to Tokyo was freedom.

And Women!

I've planned the perfect campus life.

That's why I endured hell to ensure my escape from there.

But yet, I'm still stuck spending every single day with useless you.

Why did I even leave Sendai?

Alright!

I'll find another room within a month.

That's fishy, from the way you say it

Don't spend all day every day practicing!

Seriously! Make it happen

I'm telling you I get it.

Now, eat up before it gets cold!

Woah, one apartment goes for 80,000?

Sendai is way cheaper, huh.

I should really find some work.

Oh!? 25,000 yen?

C-Construction work....

How many kilos is this thing?

T-This is for jazz.

You really worked hard today.

We'll count on you again

Thanks!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Alright!

For Tamada, 10,000 should be good.

Tomorrow, I'll see some Tokyo jazz.

So loud.

Hey, Dai.

Just for today, I'll let him off the hook.

"Tamada-sama, here's some rent. Sorry for everything. I love you! - Dai"

This place is it.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Welcome.

Ummm... Is there today....

Having a drink?

Oh, I'll have an Oolong tea

Okay.

Here you go.

Ah, thanks.

Excuse me... is there a live performance tonight?

Tonight, there's ... nothing.

Do you like it?

Huh?

Do you like jazz?

I do.

I love it, jazz.

Is a record okay?

Yes!

We haven't held any live performances lately

Was it still raining outside?

Yes. It was spotty.

Wow

If this person belives in jazz...

Woah!

What a sound!

Ahh So cool!

Sonny!

You're familliar?

Well, Sonny is Sonny.

It isn't Sonny Rollins, but Sonny Stitt.

Isn't it nice?

The song is kinda fitting for the current weather!

Okay, so you want to see live music, right?

I suggest visiting this place.

They're still having shows.

Oh! Thank you very much!

That boy... How did he know?

How did he know I picked based on the weather?

Just who are these guys?

Call-and-Response with the guitar and piano?

So cool!!

Sawabe-chan!

That was incredible!

Thank you very much.

So young and talented.

You revitalize the rest of us. And even make us look inferior.

You're too kind.

I was desparate to join you.

Coming from someone with a pair usable of hands.

Seriously consider it.

We'll get your name out there.

Okay, please let me think on it.

There's some really talented people in Tokyo alright.

So big!

That's really huge!

W-W-What are you saying suddenly?

Was it really that big?

You an Alto? Tenor?

With the callous on your thumb, you're a sax player right?

Oh you meant this.

Umm hey.

Yes?

Can we chat?

Here.

Thanks.

My name is Miamoto Dai.

I'm from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture

I'm 18.

Ohh, that's a name for someone with a big dick.

I apologize for misunderstanding.

My name is Sawabe Yukinori.

So, which sax you play?

Tenor.

I moved here straight after high school and play while working part time.

What about you, Yukinori?

College, but I don't go at all.

College?! With that playing?

Ho ho? What do you mean?

I only heard one song, but ..

the elegance in your hands,

the speed and tightness of the rhythm,

a melody I never heard before.

In other words, it was all great all at once.

What did you think of the others.

I'm not really one to say, but

they were all great.

Especially the guitarist, he had a good presence.

- That's no good.

Jazz is currently in a recession.

It's on the verge of death.

They're at a level where they revel in their old tech, spinning around endlessly in their circles and labeling it jazz.

At that rate, jazz will die.

Still, aren't they the ones who introduced us to jazz?

That is mean-ing-less.

There aren't many people listening to jazz.

That's why I want to win with my true sound.

Huh, win?

Playing music in Tokyo is like standing in a battlefied.

Is your goal to introduce new people to the almost-dead jazz?

I am going to become the number one jazz player in the world.

Number one?

Yes.

Can you clarify what that means, specifically?

Emotions. Speaking all of my feelings through sound.

That's not something you should say lightly.

It would piss me off.

I don't mean it to be simple.

Um, Would you mind forming with me?

Form? You intend to form a band with me?

Yes.

I haven't even heard you play.

Please give me a listen. After that you can decide.

If you suck, there's no way we'll form a band.

It-It'll be okay, I think.

Well, it's a matter of talent.

I have no time for those who are no talent, all hard work.

What if I did have talent?

I'd make you a stepping stone, full stop.

A stepping stone.

A jazz band, like rock bands, dont stay together forever.

They use each other as stepping stones to boost their names.

Isn't that what it means to form a band?

Also, you quit with the formal speech.

I'm also 18, the same age.

18 years old with that skill?!

Take Two?

I don't get it.

Oh Yukinori! You came!

Dai, what's with this place?

This is Akiko-san's bar.

I spoke with her and she'd let us play here.

Hello.

Hi, I'm Sawabe.

Okay! Let's do this!

Wait a minute!

Let me at least have some water first.

Alright then, so how long did you've been playing for?

Just about 3 years.

Th-three years?

Yup, 3 years exactly.

So that means you just played in the school band?

Nope, I played basketball

I always played by myself along the river.

In the last 6 months, I took some lessons though.

You've gotta be kidding me.

How long you've been playing, Yukinori?

4 years?

Since age 4.

Woah! That means you've been playing for 14 years, wow.

Hey, Dai. If you suck...

Yeah, that's fine.

Okay, Akiko-san, I'm going to borrow that piano.

All yours.

No, I'm good.

I'll play by myself.

You should be able to tell if I'm good just by my playing alone.

Whether or not if we're able to form a group or not.

How was it? Is it good enough to form a group with?

Hmm, Yukinori?

I see, go home for now, Dai.

Huh!? What's that supposed to mean?

It's okay. I'll contact you again soon, alright?

But still

All I'm saying is to give me some time.

Akiko-san, thank you very much.

No problem.

Yukinori, you better get in touch.

Yep.

That was my first time hearing him, but that boy is good.

Damn it. Talent?

No, but with just 3 years?

How much ... just how much has he been practicing?

It likely was his 3rd year in high school.

He told me that it was he's been playing sax for 6 months

Before me, he seemed self-taught.

He was no good to a level where you could make a video of it.

But he played a sound so surprising, and new to me.

Anyone within 30 minutes can learn to blow the sax.

But to make it sound good, it will take a huge amount of time.

It's a lonely road.

That goes without exception.

One winter, by the side of the river in the freezing cold,

I saw him playing by himself, and thought:

I thought: "This guy isn't normal. He must be insane ...

This guy is pretty cool."

What was that just now?

Did I play something cool?

Nope.

You're deliberately playing completely wrong.

No. I'm just going by feel.

It's always those who only play by themselves.

But still, shouldn't you be trying to accompany me.

I'm saying that if you're outside the pocket, you'll only get bad notes.

Listen closely.

Okay so, letting this serve as our framework.

As long as you stay within the framework...

You can go as crazy as you want - without bad notes.

Woah.

We really need a rhythm section.

You think so?

We clearly do.

The drums are our vehicle.

We ride along according to their speed.

The type of band we become depends on the drummer.

Along with help tame your crazy playing.

That so?

Alright, we'll go again.

Yeah!

Sync up! Sync up!

Hey, I'm open!

Ahhh, my super long shoot!

Is it break time yet?

Nope, not yet.

Man, I'm tired. And thirsty.

Senpai, about that shot you made.

Oh, Tamada, you're high school team was top 8, right?

Let's take it easy.

No, but...

This club is mainly for getting some exercise before we're sent off into society.

I see.

You're really going at it!

What?

Didn't you have plans to take home a girl from your club tonight?

Dummy.

Here's some leftovers from our drinking party.

Wow, leave it to Tamada!

What a dependable guy

Hey so I've left the club.

What? Something happen?

No, not really.

Anyways, you really come here a lot.

After coming to Tokyo,

Day after day practicing in a place like this...

It's because I've decided.

I said that I'm gonna be the worlds greatest jazz player.

Oh yeah, could you do me a favor?

Did I just ... jazz?

Thanks, Tamada.

Good rhythm on the can.

It's different from what I imagined.

Don't know how to say it, but

it's rough, I guess.

The reason why I like jazz is because its intense and rough.

And the solos are especially nice.

Solo?

It's an improvised section.

You don't have to think

It's a kind of freedom. There's a kind of depth.

Anyways, the solos of first-class players are so cool.

Jazz sounds kinda fun.

Having you understand makes me so happy.

Really?

There's a lot of people, like you, who don't know about jazz.

If the jazz got through to you, then others will be able to understand it, too.

Hey, Dai.

Would I be able ... to play the drums?

Woooah! The drums are so cool!

There's a lot of them, though.

Which is the main one?

First, there's the snare.

Oh this is it.

Dai. Hey Dai.

Who the hell is he?

My landlord, Tamada.

Tamada

Do you know about Art Blakey?

Huh? Accel Brake?

Oh this.

Wow

So, Dai... We're at an important phase here.

Yeah

In order to achieve your delusion, we need an incredible drummer, right?

Then why did you bring this idiot?

Who the hell you callin' idiot, you bastard?

Tamada could kick me out, so I don't have a choice.

K, so you close the hi-hat like this.

Now it's closed.

Then try this rhythm.

O-Okay.

Like this?

Yep, just keep doing that.

Okay, let's tie it together.

But, just for today.

He isn't breaking a sweat.

Damn, I gotta focus.

Tamada, that'll be all. Good work.

I wish to speak alone with Dai, so please see yourself out.

Thanks, Dai

So, Dai, why bring along a complete beginner?

Well everyone starts out a beginner.

And?

Would you say "no" to someone who wants to play music?

Tamada?

Sup

- Sup

Could you close it? It's bad for the vibes.

It's nice ... that he wants to play.

Tamada-san, you need to grip more softly.

Yes, sensei.

Ah Hanon-chan, you're playing well! Just like Kendrick Scott!

No, I like Keith Moon!

A man after taking out his 36th loan.

There's no backing out now.

Well, not like I intend to.

Oh, it's Sawabe!

Been a while!

Good work, everyone.

About tonight's live, would you mind showing?

It'll be a trio with me, you, and Yamaguchi-san

I'm actually just looking for a drummer.

So is Yamaguchi ... no good?

I just need a drummer.

What?! So that means you're short on talent?

You wouldn't happen know an incredible drummer on this campus?

Oh yeah, specifically one on my level.

In the last 4 days, what could you have possibly done?

I took some lessons.

And so?

There was a middle schooler, but I was the worst one.

But when I played with Dai, I thought jazz was fun.

Tamada, how's this speed?

I think I can manage.

Yukinori, this should work right?

Let's jam

Ok ok.

I get it.

Aren't you kind, Dai-chan.

You can even accompany the weakling.

Tamada, you're amazing!

Maybe I've progressed a little.

Tamada, having you as an official member would be impossible.

Yukinori

Jazz isn't like that.

I think it isn't about technique or any of that hard stuff...

as long as you can move people, that's enough

I wasn't finished speaking.

He can't be an official member, but he can practice with us as much as he likes.

Is that for real, Yukinori?!

Alright!

Oh, mom.

Yeah, I'm well.

Is now okay? Did your students leave?

So, what should I teach a drummer after an 8th note and a 16th note.

Oh fill-ins.

Handwritten music has such a cool taste, doesn't it?

But it still needs some brushing up.

Let's play it live!

No way. Absolutely not.

Tamada's been at it for 3 months now. It's about time for him.

Remember, Tamada isn't an official member.

Moreover, can a 3-month newbie start playing live?

That's a no-go.

There's no time.

If we went without a band formed, nothing would come out of it.

We'll just embarrass ourselves and it'll be over.

Who'd even come to see a nameless group.

You won't know until you try.

I want to see what we can do in our current state.

One time. Just one time please let us play!

We're running a business here.

It's important to know how many customers you can bring in.

Ahh, umm.

We have 2 college students! They have clubmates they can bring in, and they're young

Well, we do want to increase our pool of younger customers.

Excuse me!

Whatever you can give, we'll take.

Please!

We're playing jazz!

We're playing jazz.

Please

We're piling jazz high!

Oh, thank you very much!

Yes?

It may be a weird question, but what is the percent chance that you can make it tomorrow?

Eh, this is tomorrow?

Ahh, I haven't really listened to jazz before...

Maybe 10%?

10%...

Thank you very much!

We're going to be putting in 100%

no 125% into our performance.

So please come!

Wow.

Thank you very much!

- What's with the commotion?

We'll be waiting!

How embarrassing.

Zero talent.

Huh, so it's here.

It's all pinned up.

I guess this is our start.

How underwhelming.

Yo.

Sorry, work went late.

So, how many people showed up?

Three regular customers, and the owner makes four.

Welp, people dont have time for some nameless group.

Hey, Yukinori.

We're so cool.

Hey, Tamada. We're about to go play some jazz.

We're so unbelievably cool.

Let's go.

Huh? They're all young.

Didn't you see the poster in front?

It said they're 18-year-old jazzers.

Here is your whiskey.

Thanks.

I'll be burning this stage in my memory.

The drums seem off. It's like he's already at his limit.

- But, the other two.

The sax and piano.

They're 18 years old?

What a solo.

So this is jazz?

Tamada,

Now, Cheers!

We start off celebrating our first show at a vending machine?

Three audience members won't earn us anything.

That's why I'm saying you're method is wrong.

Why the hell are you handing out flyers? This is Tokyo

But still.

I'm sorry.

My drumming was shit.

I was dragging you guys down.

Wait, Tamada.

I think I have to leave the band

135 mistakes.

Going into the third song you made 135 mistakes.

After that I stopped counting.

What I'm saying is...

It wasn't as bad as I tought.

Wasn't it, Dai?

Yeah. Whatever others may think...

It was a good performance.

Oh crap! I gotta go to my next job.

- Me too! Later Tamada.

I told you already, that it's too early.

For everything right now, it is what it is.

- Huh?

It's fine as long as Tamada's working hard.

For our sake, is that an excuse for him to make that face?

He was smiling.

That was a forced smile.

Working hard is a good thing.

But we aren't working hard for our own sake, right?

But Tamada still smiled.

- Huh?

I believe that he can pull through.

Dai, do me a favor and just die once.

Why did they do that?

That's right.

I'm not being forced to do this.

I chose to!

I still get sweats thinking about my first performance.

That was also the first performance in Dai's career too.

Yes, he played with all his might.

I couldn't always bring out my max myself.

Because he was on full blast, Yukinori and I followed along.

It's what brought us to our last performance together.

Yes, that year and a half was some of the best times in my life!

Even now, I brag to people:

"I performed with the Miamoto Dai during his greatest performance"

Ta-da!

We're JASS

JASS?

So our name is JASS!

How many misses today?

80?

Okay, one more time

"We're playing live!"

Wooo! Amazing!

U-Umm ... Good evening.

We're JASS.

We're JASS!!

Dai, how many people do you think came tonight?

Ermm...

A lot?

Ugh, 32 people.

- That many?!

That's amazing!

And with that, we get this.

Could that be?

Yup, it's tonight's earnings.

- Thank you very much!

Ahh, our first earned pay check as musicians!

How many mistakes today?

38 big ones, and double it for small ones.

So why play jazz, Dai?

My folks teach piano in the living room. So I've been exposed to it from a small age.

Classic wealthy Tokyo boy.

Huh, what's that supposed to mean?

I'm a citizen from the coolest prefecture in Japan: Nagano.

That's not the case for you, Dai, isn't it?

Why choose jazz?

Becasue jazz is super intense and rough.

Are other genres different?

Different... Hmm...

Jazz is the music of emotions.

Of emotions?

Yeah, you put your feelings from some day, some moment into a melody.

It's different every day.

For that reason, there's no limits.

You said that before about solos.

Dai. Isnt it time we set a goal for us three.

Goal? Eh?

Wait, us three? That means Tamada's official?

Tamada, did you hear?

Hey, this one's burnt

Tamada.

What?

You're really good at cooking meat.

So it's here.

We're going to make it onto this stage.

What's this called - SoBlue

It's the number one jazz club in Japan.

This place is number one?

Tamada, how much was today's admission?

- 2,000 yen.

SoBlue charges 10,000 yen.

- Really? Woah.

They cap at 250 people.

You're kidding

If we're going to the main stage, we got a year left.

Then we go full force.

- Yep.

Right?

I'll blow you both out of the water!

I'd like to see you try.

You guys, would you be interested in a festival?

What's going on?

I just got off the phone,

They told me we gotta play at a festival.

- Festival?

What festival?

Katsusha Jazz Festival. They'll be holding it in a month.

A festival for the revival of historic fundamentals of jazz.

There's a pianist in one of the acts named Amanema.

He's pretty famous. Amanema Kousei is a known critic and often appears in media.

Oh this person.

It seems like this is the main act.

We open for them, so we gotta amp up the crowd.

Then that means the stage is gonna be huge.

So this is our make-or-break point.

- Make-or-break?

If this is a festival, then there'll be lots of people in the jazz industry.

If we get labelled as no-good by them, we'll never get called again.

But still. There'll be lots of people who will hear our music.

This is our chance to grow our audience.

Regardless, it's make-or-break.

"Katsushika Jazz Festival Performer Briefing Session"

Alright then, let start.

Here's to hoping new friends are made here.

And now everyone. Cheers!

Cheers!

Excuse me...

Thank you very much for inviting me here.

No, no. it wasn't me.

Hello.

Is this seat open?

- Oh, yes.

The one who recommended you guys was me.

- Oh really?!

Thank you very much!

But where did you hear us?

No, I haven't seen you guys or listened to you guys.

- Huh?

Just that when I looked for young active musicians, your name came up.

Getting accepted into this festival at your age, it's a good thing.

Though you must be afriad of making a mistake.

So, who's songs are you playing?

We're a band that plays originals.

Mode Kei? Cool Kei? Mappu?

Nope, we don't do those things. We play jazz.

That's too vague

We have brains too.

There needs to be a boundary to define for a jazz fan to identify.

Saying you're just jazz, they can't tell if you mean one subgenre or another.

That's not gonna sell.

Do you think that's true?

We may be just small fish in a big pond,

but we seek those to listen to our music.

If they give us a listen, I'm sure they'll understand.

Then what?

You believe that our clients will become fans when they hear your music?

- Yes!

That's cute, stupidly thinking you're main-stage material.

Amanema-san

- What is it?

Please listen to our performance.

If you please, I have rehearsals. Excuse me.

Huh? That Amanema guy gives bad vibes.

Then?

Then I told him I'd make the other acts' fans become our fans.

That's like you.

Well now we have to win no matter what.

First let's look into the other acts' music.

You mean find out what music the audience likes?

Trash that.

If we mix in outside stuff, it's not going to be us.

Then what do you plan on doing?

Let's get stronger!

Then together we'll make strong music.

Isn't that too vague?

Get physically stronger.

Oh Yukinori.

Dai left.

He left is cell phone?

He went running.

Oh did I not tell you?

For the past two weeks he's been running everyday for 3 hours

He said it's to raise the strength of his breath.

Is he for real?

His sound is gonna get bigger.

How about you?

Me, I don't do that lame stuff.

I'm cleverly holed up at home.

Be it new or old, I just want to sound like any genre.

If it's good, it's good.

Woah, it's huge!

Yeah, it's a size that we're not familliar with.

Oh crap, I'm getting nervous.

You don't have to worry, Tamada.

In high school, I've performed at venues several times larger than this.

Is that supposed to be comforting?

Dai, you've been running.

Yeah.

These are my only pair of shoes.

Miamoto-kun.

Oh, hello.

Looking forward to today.

Oh? Where are your stage clothes?

We'll appear like this.

Oh really. Whatever then.

Youth sure is something.

Well whatever, you guys seem ready.

And that's just so we can clean house as the final act.

So Miamoto-kun, for what it's worth,

try not to over do it with your enthusiasm. Relax a little.

We're going to give it our all to pump up the crowd.

So make sure you guys ...

... give it your best as well.

Looks like about 150 people in the seats.

More will come later in the act

Tamada, remember to focus.

- Yeah!

The crowd's already pretty hype, it is closer to the main act after all.

From the start, I want to make a big sound.

Wait, what? You want to change the setlist?

That would make things more difficult.

Not what I mean. I just want to grab everyone's attention. I'll lead off.

Then let's change the first song to "N.E.W."

Alright.

Tamada, accompany Dai for the intro solo.

G-Got it.

Thanks! We're the Domino Files!

Let's go all out. We'll definitely leave an impact.

Oh Kawakita-san.

Oh you're from 21 Music ...

I'm Iso Gai. It's rare to see you.

You came to view the acts?

Nope, I was called out here.

What's wrong? Is he nervous?

We really did it.

- Water! Water!

What a way to raise the crowd.

Sorry for coming right after your playing,

but I'm Iso Gai from 21 Music.

Could you spare some time to chat?

We did it.

Yep.

I'm certain some of the audience will remember us.

- We really tore it up!

And even a record company rep reached out to us!

I told you they are just estimating their chances.

It's not something worth counting on.

I see.

We're a long ways away.

If making a record is like going to the moon, we're now at Atami or more like Shinagawa

Even still, this person wanted to take us to the moon.

I need to get better.

Yeah, we're barely able to afford our train tickets

Tamada included, there's still lots more we can do.

We should be able to become amazing players.

Huh? Me?

I've thought this today as well, didn't your solo today sound the same as the others?

They're the same?

Solos are improvised. You gotta make it different each time.

Otherwise the listeners will get bored.

What's important now is delivering an elevated performance.

It's not a problem if you do a good solo.

We've got enough risk to handle.

- That's why I'm saying.

More than a good performance, we need a winning performance.

Wasn't that the goal of today?

During a piano class at home as a kid,

there was a slightly more skilled girl there.

She was always having so much fun playing the piano.

After seeing her play, it made me want to play too.

That one day, she and her parents fled from home.

The last we saw her, she came to visit and my mother said:

Aoi-chan, please continue to play piano.

Okay.

Bye, Yuki-chan

There's no way she could continue to play.

There are always conditions to playing music.

So that's why we have to win.

She's still playing.

- Huh?

It's not about win or lose. She's definitely still playing piano.

Thank you very much for coming out to the Katsusha Festival last month.

What did you think of JASS?

Well, I was surprised.

That tenor sure was good.

And you've gotten better on your own too.

Thank you very much.

So, what's your motive after showing me that?

Please connect us to someone from SoBlue.

To a jazz man, that's the Tokyo Dome.

I am aware.

Moreover, we wish to play on the main stage.

Sawabe-kun.

You're greatly underestimating SoBlue.

When you climb the ranks, and get to my position, you'll get it.

What your saying is beyond foolish.

In middle school, my mother took me to see my first SoBlue performance.

Ever since then, I've always idolized that club.

While others in the soccer or basketball clubs aimed for nationals,

I've always aimed to enter SoBlue.

I know you think it's a crazy thing to say.

But, I have not once ever underestimated music or SoBlue.

Uchiyama, what do you think of this?

It appears someone who knows the guitarist Kawakita knows our email address too.

The sender is a student, and this is the fifth mail he's sent.

A student? He sure seems confident. Or stupid.

But your always saying that youth is incredible. So it's possible this is a hit.

Oh, it came!

What's up, Yukinori?

I finally got a reply after my fifth mail!

They said they would come see our next show.

Woah.

The fact that you'd go this far means it's probably a girl

Yeah! Yeah!

Definitely a babe with huge tits.

What the hell, the sax is way cooler though.

Alright! Today we're going to the max!

Ahh. We played great today.

That drum fill went pretty well I thought, what'd you think?

My bad, but I gotta go.

It's a woman.

It's Yukinori!

U-Um could I get your auto-

Excuse me.

Ah Miamoto-kun, could I get a signature?

Yes! With pleasure!

Thank you very much!

You've gotten better.

From your first show until August, I've seen your drum skills get better and better.

I've come to see how much you're drums are continuing to grow.

Welcome

I'm Sawabe.

Nice to meet you, I'm Tyler. Have a seat.

Thank you.

I apologize for the wait.

- What will you drink?

Whatever is fine. I'll leave it to you.

What did you think? How were we?

The drummer, he's pretty new isn't he?

No solos, he played the bare minimum of what's needed.

But he gave all his might.

It was a decent performance.

- Ah, you thought Tamada was good.

I thought the tenor was interesting.

There was a certian power he had while blowing full force in front.

The sound was surprising.

Very interesting. I'm curious towards his future.

He is indeed very talented.

You.

You were absolutely no good.

Huh?

You relied on finger tricks and played a piano that sit just under the nose.

No part of the performance was interesting.

Not interesting?

I'm sure you know we're the best club in Japan.

But are you trying to insult us?

I had no intention. I-

Are you a coward?

You make every effort to draw attention to yourself. To the degree of turning yourself inside out.

But you should be making those efforts during your solo instead.

Moreover, you seem to not only insulting music, but other people as well.

Not only have you done so in the way you ordered a drink,

but you also didn't say "Nice yo meet you" to me.

We had faith in Kawakita-san's recommendation, but now are having our doubts.

You act without a single ounce of modesty.

So with that, I'll pretend I have no association with you.

Excuse me, could you please put my drink on his bill.

Wow.

They would go that far.

They would go out of their way to say that for me.

This club sure is incredible.

Good evening.

For the piano. I'm going home, but you can help yourself.

Tomorrow we're closed as well.

Could I keep playing until then?

Turn myself inside out, huh.

Oh?

You kept playing for the entire two days?

I did.

How'd it go.

No good.

I need to talk to them.

This is completely different from what I imagined.

What is?

We imagined a more stylish room than this.

"The room is me"

So, what did you want to talk to us about?

The reality is, a staff member from SoBlue saw our last show.

Huh? What do you mean?

Rather I should say I made him come.

Oh I see. Then?

He had a good impression of you and Tamada.

But he said my playing, my solo was shit.

What? Is there something wrong with his ears?

He said my solo was just finger tricks

These past three days, I tried to do something about it but...

it was no good.

I've closed our door to reaching SoBlue.

I'm sorry.

Yukinori.

Do you think what that person said is right?

Yeah.

Then I think he's right too.

What?

Tamada. We're leaving.

Right now, there's nothing we can do.

What are you saying?

Can't you see Yukinori's depressed?

He's not depressed.

He's gotta find a way to stand out.

When I play my solos, I play like I'm the best player in the world.

You were told you were shit. And you accepted it.

There's nothing more to say.

Cowards can't achieve anything.

That's not right! There's gotta be something we can do.

This is Yukinori's problem.

Aren't we friends?

Jazz band members don't always stick. Some members usually end up get replaced.

That's just how it is.

Dai, you want to become best in the world.

Yukinori wants to win with Jazz. That's good enough.

But me...

I just want to play with you guys.

Helping when a friend needs it, that's what a friend is for.

Being that nice won't make their solos better.

Then why the hell weren't you this strict with me?

I'm the worst one here. Why didn't you tell me I'm shit!?

Hey, Tamada.

What's that for? Are you trying to patronize me?

You think we can play jazz in this broken state?

Shuunji, is it true you have to repeat the school year?

Yeah, ummm yeah.

What happened? I was so worried you were caught up in some trouble

No, it's not something like that.

Then, why?

I'm sorry, I'll have to explain later. Gotta go to school.

You've gotten so many scratches.

But, you can still make some good music.

Okay! Maintenance finished.

Okayy. The red car on my side is the last one.

Got it.

Hey Sawabe! Let the cars through!

Ah, sorry.

Kaneda Tofu Shop.

It's here.

I knew it. It's that person.

Excuse me.

Wait, you're-

Sorry for interrupting, but please accept this.

Well well, thank you for going out of your way.

Wait. Do you live around here? Just passing by?

No, I just wanted to apologize.

Please come by to another one of our shows.

I'm going to play even better than before.

Very well. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Does it appear hopeless?

Yeah. I would like to find a pianist from the agency.

No way! The show is the day after tomorrow!

I wonder if Itta-kun is in Tokyo.

If I recall, Waza is also in Tokyo.

We could also call...

Are we being fair?

What was that?

This club relies on first-rate musicians.

I wonder if we're being fair.

That's a hard question.

Hey, could you be the tenor from JASS?

Oh, yes.

I've actually seen one of your shows.

Ohh! Thank you for calling out to me.

I'm starting to feel like a celebrity.

What did you think of the show?

It was interesting.

Wow! I feel so happy!

Yes. You guys were very interesting.

It was intense, rough.

How is the pianist doing?

Oh, Yukinori?

He seems to hit a wall.

It seems like a tall and tough one.

I see.

But it's okay.

Yukinori will definitely overcome it.

JASS is doing fine.

Its starting soon.

I gotta get going.

Bye.

Oh, wait.

We aim to play this venue someday. So please come when we do.

Excuse me.

Tyler, who was that young man just now?

Who was he?

He's the jazz of tomorrow.

Hello?

It's Tyler.

What's the occaison?

Sorry for the sudden call...

The day after tomorrow, we're supposed host a bill for Fred Silver.

Their pianist got sick, and is unable to play.

We're looking for an emergency pianist to take his place as a guest.

Sawabe-kun, would you be able to fill in?

If you can't, you need to immediately let me know.

I need to know if I have to continue searching.

There's no one here, and he still plays like that.

Yeah.

This is jazz.

Tamada, even if we're in a broken state,

I realize I want to play with him.

Yeah.

Oh! Yukinori! Tamada!

What's his deal?

Yo, Dai.

'Sup

So why'd you bring us here suddenly?

I just got off the phone with the person from SoBlue.

They said I'm the only one to substitute a sick musician.

They asked if I could appear as a guest pianist.

I feel if I left us, you'd kick me out.

But still. Could I leave JASS just once?

You did it, Yukinori!

Knock 'em dead.

Alright! You're so cool Yukinori!

Could we still get tickets now?

Oh, mother. It's me, Shuunji.

Truthfully, I've been playing the drums

Right now, I feel like if I don't do this, I'm gonna regret the rest of my life.

So please let me continue to play.

Is Yukinori gonna be okay?

In a big like this?

And with a band like that?

Aren't they super super famous?

He's been able to do it with us.

He's going to be fine, for sure.

Here comes Yukinori!

W-Wow. That sax.

Yeah, but I can't look away from Yukinori.

We've been playing with an unbelievable pianist, haven't we?

Nice going!

The sax is insane!

It's going to be Yukinori's solo soon.

They're doing another round.

[Dai]: "Go ahead and die by the piano."

I'll turn myself inside out.

[Dai]: "Go and die a million times!"

Woooah.

Amazing!

If Yukinori got a huge picture like this...

That means I'll get the main cover!

Huh? What are you talking about?

Akiko-san

I have something I want to report.

Oh, what could it be?

It's 4 months from now, but we sealed a spot at SoBlue.

Oh? I'm glad.

Huh?

What what?

Yesterday, I got a call from Tyler.

Really?!

It's going to be one year since we started rehearsing in this store.

I should tell it first to the person who's been the most helpful to us.

Alright! Breathtaking!

Are you serious?! Are you serious?!

Yukinori, your dream came true!

Congratulations, you guys.

I'm so glad.

Yes, I let them practice as much as they wanted.

But I never let them have a show here.

If I did, I'd be afraid of what would happen.

But they got into SoBlue.

I've always believed in jazz, but...

These boys were truly believers in it.

It's gonna be the day after tomorrow.

Yeah.

Cya later, gonna go to work.

Tamada.

You've gotten good.

What?!

W-What's wrong with you?

You've gotten good at drumming.

What was that just now?

The cold-hearted Yukinori just dished a compliment.

I've always given them.

Are you sure?

I've always liked solos.

But I've also liked composed songs just as much.

I like the creative process of thinking on ideas, then sleeping on them.

Your songs are good, though.

I'll acknowledge your talent.

Right? I'm so scared of my talent that I can't sleep

Stuuupid.

But you're the opposite.

I am?

You're the type who shouldn't think.

Go everyday without thinking or stopping.

How ever many times, or 10,000 times, you need to die in front of the audience.

Yeah.

Welp, whatever you do, it's bad for you to use your head.

Eat a turd, Yukinori.

Later. I got work.

Okay. Later.

It's going to be the day after tomorrow.

I'm going to be in SoBlue.

Oh yeah, I met Dai in the bathroom.

As for Tamada, I didn't believe in him in the beginning.

Because of us 3 together, we were able to make it here.

Otherwise, we couldn't have done a single thing.

I'm so glad I formed with him.

Hey! Can you hear me? Sawabe!

He's conscious! Where's the ambulance!

M-My

What? What did you say?

My right-

Right pocket.

Cell phone.

Yukinori?

Dai, sorry. I can't perform.

Dai!

How's Yukinori?

He's undergoing surgery right now.

Huh!? What condition is he in?

His life is going to be saved.

But.

Spit it out!

His right arm ... is all messed up.

Why .... Why would something like this?

It's might be possible that the driver was driving drunk.

Right now, his mother from Nagano is coming to visit.

Tamada, let's go.

Where?

Let's go.

Hey, Dai. Akiko-san isn't here.

Don't tell me you intend to practice.

Yeah. No matter the state we're in, we're playing.

But Yukinori...

Right now, I feel like we shouldn't stop.

Everyday, I feel like I should never stop.

Oh, I see.

But Miamoto-kun, the customers might not be happy with this.

Please let the two of us play.

Please.

Gather everyone. We're going to have an emergency meeting.

- Okay

Good morning.

You're finally awake.

They said maybe it can be healed.

Just maybe, it'll heal just fine.

Uchiyama, we're going to do everything we can.

Yes.

Huh? I never heard of a sax and drum duo.

"Attention: The pianist Sawabe Yukinori is unable to appear. The performance will be a sax and drum duo."

Is there a reason?

Good evening. Welcome to SoBlue.

We sincerely apologize for the change in tonight's program.

You have full right to be disappointed with the show.

Last night, the pianist that was supposed to appear was found in critical condition after an accident.

Yuki-chan.

The result is that these two have to overcome the unheard-of.

From when I decided to host his band, I've always looked forward to this day.

There may be only two now, but this is the moment for them.

I will introduce them. Tenor sax, Miamoto Dai.

Drums. Tamada Shuunji.

They are JASS.

Thank you very much. And now for our next song.

Good evening. We're JASS.

We apologize that we've suddenly become a two-piece.

Glad to see you two! Miamoto!!

Drums. Tamada Shuunji.

Tenor. Miamoto Dai.

And tonight's songs were all composed by our only pianist.

Piano! Sawabe Yukinori!

JASS is the best!

Thank you very much for coming tonight.

Yukinori?

Yo, did you know?

The hospital isn't forced to keep you there.

Yukinori, we've made it.

Playing with just you two, you both gotta be stupid.

For the encore, I'll appear too.

Idiot! You almost died. And your hand.

My left hand is perfectly fine.

Can you play?

Yeah.

Dai, you know right?

This is ... our last show.

Yeah.

Last?

It means JASS is disbanding.

This guy's going to be number one in the world.

Dai, don't you dare stop.

Yeah.

Tamada. Yukinori.

We were the best, weren't we?

In the past when I was young,

in our group there was an incredible jazz player.

We took to calling him "Blue Giant".

With such a hot temperature, to the degree of the limits one can take,

he was like a bright, blue, shining star.

That show was very blue.

Yo, you're already at the airport?

Yeah.

Yukinori,

I'm in love with your piano.

It might be that I'm your number one fan.

Heal up soon.

I know already, stupid!

Alright, I'll be heading out.

Dai. Go!

Okay! Let's play some jazz!