The Piano Forest

Kai Ichinose grows up near an old, unused piano tucked into a forest, teaching himself to play by ear while his difficult family situation leaves him largely on his own. Shuhei Amamiya, raised in a respected line of pianists, has been surrounded by professional instruction since infancy and carries heavy expectations. Their paths cross because both are pulled toward the same instrument, and the show traces how music shapes their skills, relationships and choices without giving away plot twists. Episodes focus on practice, performance and personal growth, showing how talent, class and friendship push each boy in different directions while the piano remains the constant that ties their stories together.

Released in 2018, The Piano Forest was created by Mika Abe and Makoto Isshiki and produced as an animated drama series. The cast includes Soma Saito as Kai Ichinose and Natsuki Hanae as Shuhei Amamiya, and the production emphasizes musical sequences and character-driven scenes.

There are no widely reported major awards or high-profile nominations associated with the series. It didn’t make a big splash on the awards circuit, and recognition has mostly come from viewers and smaller online communities rather than from industry prizes.

While it never became a mainstream cultural landmark, the show found a niche audience among viewers who appreciate classical music and realistic practice scenes. Its depiction of piano performances and the contrast between informal talent and formal training struck a chord with musicians and anime fans interested in music-focused storytelling.

Audience response has been modest, reflected in a 6.4/10 average from 39 votes. Many viewers praised the animation of performances and the honest look at social differences that affect young musicians, while others felt the pacing and some character arcs could have used more depth. Overall it’s a thoughtful, music-centered drama that will likely appeal most to those who care about piano and coming-of-age dynamics.