Kids on the Slope

In the summer of 1966, transfer student Kaoru Nishimi arrives in rural Japan, finding himself adrift until he befriends the rebellious Sentaro Kawabuchi and the well-heeled Ritsuko Mukae. Thrown together by their shared love for jazz music, the trio navigates the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and first love against the backdrop of a changing era.

Kids on the Slope was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences for its stunning animation, compelling character development, and its masterful integration of jazz music into the narrative. It's praised as a poignant and nostalgic exploration of youth, friendship, and the power of music.

• Praised for its beautiful animation and character designs.

• Lauded for its authentic and emotionally resonant jazz soundtrack and its integration into the story.

• Celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of friendship and burgeoning romance.

Google audience: Viewers lauded the series for its beautiful animation, compelling character relationships, and the exceptional, mood-setting jazz soundtrack. Many appreciated the emotional depth and nostalgic atmosphere, making it a memorable coming-of-age story.

The series features original jazz compositions by Yoko Kanno, who also composed the music for Watanabe's previous works like Cowboy Bebop and Macross Plus.