There are a lot of anime series out there that will make you cry, but none have affected the community as hard as Your Lie in April did. Even 11 years later, it’s one of the most memorable stories to grace us.
Your Lie in April is a masterpiece that combines music and storytelling. The romance between Kaori and Kosei isn’t the typical slice-of-life you’d expect from an anime. They never even got to confess their feelings for each other before Kaori tragically passed away.
The story just knew exactly where to hit, and it executed the protagonists’ overcoming their past traumas well. From the soundtrack to the well-written cast of characters, there’s nothing you cannot find in Your Lie in April. If you haven’t watched it yet, here are five reasons you need to today.
The anime for Your Lie in April is only 22 episodes
Some series go on for too long. Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach are notorious for that, but so do non-Shonen anime. Some romance series didn’t need to go on for more than a single season, and it seems like Your Lie in April found the balance.
All the character development and tragedy that needed to happen were perfectly fit within 22 episodes. It’s best not to drag out a sad story. You can finish it in two days, possibly one if you don’t sleep. Just prepare to cry a lot that night.
A gorgeous soundtrack that will convert you into a classical music fan
Your Lie in April revolves around music. Kosei is a piano prodigy, while Kaori is a free-spirited violinist. Their chemistry and romantic feelings are reflected when they perform together in perfect harmony.
The soundtrack is one of its most memorable parts, only second to the character development. They perform many classical pieces but also include original compositions, all of which are incredibly emotional. The titular song can even make a grown man cry.
Your Lie in April has the most natural character development in anime
This point isn’t exclusive to Kosei and Kaori. While they are the center of the story, the other main characters are nuanced and well-written too. Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryota Watari are prime examples of it.
Naoshi Arakawa Forced Himself to Make Your Lie in April After Sports Manga Bored Him Out of His Mind
Your Lie in April reminds us that we’re dealing with teenagers here. Nobody knows how to navigate change. Tsubaki reacted poorly after her dynamic with Kosei changed when Kaori entered their lives, and Watari coped by being a bit of a playboy. However, their characters are more nuanced than that.
Watari remained a great friend to both Kosei and Kaori, despite having feelings for her, and even encouraged the former to confess. Tsubaki was the pillar in Kosei’s life before Kaori entered. The emotional connections these characters make are perfect.
Kosei’s recovery is central to the story and one of the most realistic development arcs in anime. Kaori’s fearless personality teaches us how not to take life for granted. Seeing her encourage Kosei back into music was beautiful and emotional.
The ending will break your heart
If you love a deeply tragic ending, Your Lie in April is the one for you. We know Kaori’s death is coming, but the execution is what made it so perfect.
From the music to her letter, her influence is felt even after the series ends. Hearing Ballade No.1 by Chopin will never be the same. Kosei’s life won’t be either. While we might want her back and for them to live happily ever after, her death was needed as an honest depiction of how fleeting life is.
The story and its themes are still relevant in 2025
Your Lie in April is all about overcoming adversity and trauma. Kosei finding his love for music again and Kaori not letting her illness hold her back is a great reminder that we need to keep moving.
The characters are also incredibly relatable and feel human. It’s something that anime often lacks but is so present here. They aren’t superhumans with powers, they are just teenagers. It’s what drives the emotions in the story.
So if you’re looking for tragic anime that will crush you and never allow you to recover, Your Lie in April is a must-watch. One song from the series will make your eyes tear up. It isn’t a perfect anime, but that is the beauty of it.
Your Lie in April is available on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
