TV-Series
Description
Chika Kudō, a tall high school student with striking blond hair, carries the reputation of a former delinquent, his intimidating demeanor and troubled past often casting him in a misunderstood light. Estranged from his family, he faced abandonment by his mother at two and a father whose resentment simmered through failed attempts at parenting. Escaping relentless conflicts and neglect, he found solace with his grandfather Gen, whose steady presence anchored his turbulent life. The loss of Gen—precipitated by Sei Uzuki, a former ally turned saboteur who destroyed Gen’s koto shop—ignited Chika’s resolve to join Tokise High’s koto club, striving to honor his grandfather’s legacy and reclaim their shared bond through music.

Beneath his guarded exterior and quick-fire temper lies a fiercely loyal and compassionate spirit, most evident in his unwavering bond with childhood friend Tetsuki Takaoka—his steadfast anchor through years of isolation. Immersed in the koto club, Chika channels self-reproach into relentless dedication, striving to rival the prodigious talent of clubmate Satowa Hozuki. What begins as competitive drive blossoms into mutual respect and romantic affection, reshaping his motivations.

Chika’s journey pivots on confronting guilt over Gen’s death, a tense reconciliation with his father at Gen’s funeral, and clashes with Uzuki’s relentless sabotage. A defining moment strikes when Satowa shields him from harm, confessing her love—a vulnerability that compels Chika to embrace his own heart, guided by Gen’s parting wisdom to seek happiness. Their bond catalyzes both emotional transparency and artistic growth, mirroring his ascent as a koto musician.

As Chika navigates the koto club’s dynamics—winning over skeptical president Takezo Kurata—his blunt honesty and protective instincts, like defending peers from bullies, erode his self-imposed solitude. Through music and camaraderie, he confronts societal biases rooted in his delinquent past, forging a new identity anchored in artistry and belonging.

Athletic and imposing, Chika’s shift from disheveled streetwear to school uniforms mirrors his integration into the club. Yet quiet vulnerabilities surface—clutching a pillow in sleep, savoring strawberries and onigiri—softening the edges of his rugged persona.