While music anime is often dominated by female characters, there are also some fantastic series with male protagonists. This article highlights eight of the best music anime with male leads, showcasing the diverse talents and struggles of male musicians in the anime world.
From rock stars to classical composers, these anime offer a unique perspective on the music industry and the challenges of pursuing a musical passion. Whether you’re a fan of rock, classical, or pop, there’s sure to be a music anime with a male lead that will resonate with you.
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KAWAGOE BOYS SING
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“Kawagoe Boys Sing” stands out as an incredible music anime with a male lead for its heartfelt story of overcoming fears and finding one’s voice. The anime introduces us to Tenshi, a shy former choir boy who loves singing but is terrified of performing in front of people. His life takes a dramatic turn when Haruo Hibiki, an ex-conductor with a mission to restore his reputation, discovers Tenshi’s talent. Together with a diverse group of boys, they form a choir under Hibiki’s unconventional guidance, embarking on a journey to conquer their fears and aim for the top in a national singing contest. The characters, including the passionate Hibiki and the reserved Tenshi, bring depth to this inspiring tale of growth, friendship, and the power of music.
Eternal Boys
“Eternal Boys” is a heartwarming anime that proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams, a message that resonates deeply with me as an anime enthusiast. It tells the story of a unique idol group, the Manpuku Geinou Production’s Eternal Boys, comprising men in their 40s. This anime breaks the mold by focusing on middle-aged characters striving to become idols, overcoming challenges related to age and physical condition.
It’s animated by Liden Films and features an engaging blend of comedy, drama, and the enduring spirit of its characters. The series aired from October 2022 to March 2023, offering both an original anime and a manga adaptation, further expanding its captivating universe with a movie continuation, “Eternal Boys Next Stage,” released in June 2023. This show is a testament to the idea that passion and ambition know no age, making it a standout addition to any anime lover’s watchlist.
UniteUp!
Oh boy, let me tell you about UniteUp!, a gem that strikes a chord for us anime enthusiasts, especially those of us who can’t resist a good music-themed story. This anime isn’t just about the tunes; it’s about dreams, passion, and the relentless pursuit of stardom, all wrapped up with a male lead who’ll have you rooting for him from episode one.
At the heart of UniteUp! is Akira Kiyose, a high schooler with a voice that’s just waiting to be discovered. And that’s exactly what happens when sMiLea Production, a talent agency with a legendary backstory, scoops him up. The twist? The agency is run by none other than “Anela,” an idol duo whose sudden retirement left the world in shock. Now, they’re behind the scenes, crafting the next generation of idols. Akira, alongside other talents like Banri Naoe and Chihiro Isuzugawa, is thrust into the sparkling world of idol stardom, forming an idol group that promises to captivate hearts.
What makes UniteUp! stand out is its genuine portrayal of the idol industry, blending the excitement of new beginnings with the challenges and triumphs of pursuing one’s dreams.
Given
Mafuyu Satou, a seemingly innocuous boy, is holding a shattered guitar. The broken Gibson ES-330 he’s clutching to his life holds all of his past memories, from the presence of the other people it’s been used by, and the strings that show the connections and then the eventual disconnect with the events that have scarred his life to bits, not letting go of the past, and certainly not moving forward towards a brighter future.
He goes about his daily routine with his 9-month-old Pomeranian dog, Kedama, petting her before leaving the house and nothing more. That is, until he meets the one who will completely transform his life.
Beck
It’s about a middle school student named Koyuki who, through music and the creation of Beck, finally connects with the world around him.
The slow development of Koyuki and the band, as well as the relationships between everyone, was incredibly enjoyable… That part of the story impressed me greatly. It’s simply that you have to be willing to suspend disbelief a little and accept the strangeness of the entire Lucille subplot (particularly in the second half).
The art? It was fascinating to look at. It had a very appealing quality to it. I liked how everything was a little dirty and muted in appearance to match the tone of the underground music scene. Also, I thought the colour scheme they chose went well with the tone and vibe of the major characters and the plot.
Nodame Cantabile
Chiaki, Nodame, and a cast of musically talented characters attend Japan’s finest music university in Nodame Cantabile. Throughout their studies, they face a variety of difficulties as their passionate love for the art gets stronger, and through each other, they learn to appreciate music and performance in a new way, as well as discover genuine romance and what they want out of life.
The story is told in such a mature, hard-hitting, and all-too-human manner. Nodame Cantabile is a romantic, musically-focused plot about passion in and outside of a relationship that appeals to instrumentalists, romantics, and music lovers, as well as sceptics, drama, and anyone who has ever experienced a passion.
It’s a sympathetic series with realistic people, smart dialogue, and worldly themes of uncertainty, hardship, and infatuation that’s as entertaining and humorous as it is tragic and honest. It’s well-organized, well written, and well-developed.
Starmyu
This series provides an extremely enjoyable ride. It’s a straightforward plot that’s easy to follow and entertaining to see. The series’ composition is great in that I always feel fulfilled after watching because each episode usually involves drama while also including humorous moments. Even when you’re emotionally affected by story developments, it never gets too heavy.
Yuuta Hoshitani enrols in Ayanagi Academy in the hopes of finding the high school student who inspired him. Although the academy is regarded for generating extraordinary musical talent, students must first compete for admission to the Musical Department. The Kao Council, a group of third-year students who have a lot of power over the school and entrance into the department, is at the top of the department. For Hoshitani, the quickest way into the department is to join a Star Team, which would allow him to be instructed by a member of the Kao Council.
Visual Prison
Visual Prison is my most eagerly anticipated Fall 2021 title. It’s all about battles between musical Visual Kei bands and ikemen vampires (Visual Kei is a muscial rock-punk-gothic genre really easy to the eyes). I’m not going to lie, there is a lot of fanservice, but I was really enjoying this visually and musically fantastic title.
I felt like I was transported back to my adolescent years, going gaga about Vkei bands and looks. This is not a BL, and there are no obvious gay interactions, but the vague and bromance vibe added to the series’ appeal and delight for me.
Kids on the Slope
“Kids on the Slope” is a heartfelt journey into the world of music, friendship, and self-discovery that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever found solace in an unexpected place. This anime is a masterpiece that combines the beauty of jazz music with the complex emotions of adolescence, making it one of the best music anime with a male lead.
At its core, “Kids on the Slope” tells the story of Kaoru Nishimi, an introverted classical pianist who moves to Kyushu and struggles with fitting in due to his introverted nature and constant relocation caused by his father’s career. His life takes a turn when he befriends Sentaro Kawabuchi, an outgoing delinquent with a deep passion for jazz. This unlikely friendship opens Kaoru to the world of jazz, where improvisation and emotion reign supreme, contrasting with the structured world of classical music he’s accustomed to.
Sentaro, despite his tough exterior, is a kind-hearted soul who faces discrimination due to his mixed heritage and is deeply devoted to his friends and family. He serves as a bridge for Kaoru, not just into the world of jazz but also into forming deeper human connections. Ritsuko Mukae, another central character, ties both boys together with her own complex feelings and her family’s record store, which becomes a haven for their musical exploration.
Forest of Piano
“Forest of Piano,” also known as “Piano no Mori,” holds a special place in the hearts of many anime enthusiasts, particularly for its enchanting exploration of music and friendship. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who believes in the power of dreams and the beauty of overcoming obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they seem. The anime brings to life the tale of Kai Ichinose, a boy with a natural talent for the piano, who plays on a mysterious piano in the forest, and Shuhei Amamiya, a classically trained pianist. Their friendship and rivalry, set against the backdrop of their shared love for the piano, makes for a captivating narrative that’s both heartwarming and inspirational.
The series is notable not just for its story but for its music, beautifully integrating classical pieces that add depth and emotion to every scene. It captures the struggles and triumphs of musicians, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves music or has ever felt moved by it. The anime adaptation, produced by Gaina, aired from April 2018 to April 2019 and was directed by Gaku Nakatani in its first season, with Hiroyuki Yamaga taking over in the second season. It spans two seasons, covering the journey from the characters’ childhood to their participation in the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition.
ARGONAVIS from BanG Dream!
Ren Nanahoshi has been on a quest to recreate a childhood thrill he had at a live music festival. As a first-year university student, he avoids making friends and practises singing alone in the hopes of rediscovering his adrenaline. Nanahoshi meets Yuuto Goryou and Wataru Matoba, both of whom are impressed by his singing, after a chance encounter at a karaoke bar. They’ve been looking for band members and want Nanahoshi to be their lead singer.
After seeing their live event and performing with them, Nanahoshi relents to their continuous pestering. The five boys form “Argonavis” with the easygoing Rio Kikyou and the impassioned Banri Shiroishi, and set their eyes on headlining the Destiny Rock Festival. As they begin to work together as a band, they face the challenges that come with aspiring to greatness.