“Because I believe there is a place for me. That’s why I sing.”
Airing in the spring of 2024, the original anime Girls Band Cry (commonly known as Garukura) garnered intense support from both anime fans and rock enthusiasts as a coming-of-age drama where music and human relationships collide. Below, we will analyze the multifaceted appeal of this work.
1. Story: The “Cry” of Girls Moving Forward Despite the Pain
The story revolves around the protagonist, Nina Iseri, and five other girls who form a band called “Togenashi Togeari” (Thornless Thorns), embarking on a journey to find their place in the world through music.
The “Mad Dog” Nina’s Unconventionality: After dropping out of high school, Nina moves to Tokyo on her own to pursue music. Known for her direct and impulsive personality, she is often called a “logical monster,” and she drives the story forward with her extreme actions. Her iconic line, “Raise your middle finger!” symbolizes her rebellious spirit against society and human relationships, striking a chord with viewers and making them empathize with her defiance.
Heavy Past and Inner Struggles: Each member of the band carries a dark past, such as bullying, family issues, and the stigma of being labeled a liar. In particular, the final episode reveals Nina’s experience of being bullied, adding depth to the narrative. This is not just a story of success; it’s a raw portrayal of “moving forward while carrying wounds,” offering a realistic depiction of their ongoing emotional battles.
2. Production Quality: Innovative 3DCG and Stunning Live Performance Scenes
- The Evolution of 3DCG: While there were moments where the 3DCG animation style created a slight sense of disconnect from traditional 2D animation, it truly shines in the live performance scenes. The dynamic camera work and intricate facial expressions unique to 3DCG add a powerful sense of realism to the music. A standout moment is the performance of the song “Fate’s Flower,” where the characters’ emotions blend seamlessly with the music, creating an incredibly impactful experience for the audience. The animation captures the raw energy of the moment, amplifying the emotional connection between the characters and their performances.
- Music Quality: The songs featured in Girls Band Cry were created by the real-life band “Togenashi Togeari.” Their rock-inspired tracks evoke the heavy, intense sound of bands like Ling Tosite Sigure, with powerful arrangements that leave a lasting impression. Both the opening and ending themes, along with the in-show songs, are highly addictive and fit perfectly within the anime’s atmosphere, adding an extra layer of intensity to the storytelling.
3. Characters: The Charm of Imperfect “Outcasts”
- Human Touch in the Depictions: The characters in Girls Band Cry are rich in humanity, each facing their own struggles and imperfections, which makes them deeply relatable. Nina’s “mad dog” personality, Momoka Kawaragi’s confrontation with her past, and the heavy backgrounds of Rupa and Tomo all contribute to the sense that none of the band members are “perfect.” This imperfection creates empathy and connection with the audience. In particular, episode 7 delves into the dissonance and fragility within the band, evoking the tension and drama of real-world rock bands like X JAPAN, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.
4. Social Relevance and Message: Depicting the “Difficulties of Living” for Youth
- A Social Commentary on Modern Japan: The creators of Girls Band Cry envisioned the series as a work that would empower young people living in an economically struggling Japan. The anime highlights the inner turmoil of the girls as they choose paths outside the traditional routes of further education or employment. The inclusion of “failure episodes” in the narrative structure serves as a deliberate choice to confront the harsh realities of life, showcasing the characters’ resilience in the face of adversity and reinforcing the theme that life is not always about success, but about pushing through setbacks.
- The Essence of “Rock”: The depiction of the tension between commercialization and artistic integrity in the series mirrors the struggles faced by today’s music industry. Nina and her bandmates’ choice to prioritize their personal beliefs over commercial success taps into the very core of what rock music represents: rebellion, authenticity, and the rejection of compromise. This aspect of the story emphasizes rock’s true spirit as an art form driven by passion and a desire to stay true to one’s own voice, even if it means resisting the pressures of the mainstream.
5. Future Prospects: Expectations and Challenges for the Second Season
The final episode concludes with the iconic line, “Our battle is just beginning!”—a clear open-ended note that strongly suggests the possibility of a second season. With unresolved plot threads such as the band’s conflict with their agency and the impending confrontation with Diamond Dust, there is plenty of room for further exploration. These lingering issues build anticipation for the next chapter, as viewers are eager to see how Nina and the rest of the band will continue to navigate the challenges of the music industry and their personal struggles. The unresolved tensions promise a deeper, more intense continuation of the story, leaving fans excited for what lies ahead.
Overall Review: A Masterpiece Where Music and Souls Collide
Girls Band Cry transcends the typical “band anime” genre, becoming a powerful work that captures the cries of modern youth and the true essence of rock. The innovative use of 3DCG, the high-quality music, and the deep character development come together to establish this series as a masterpiece in anime history.
“Rock will never stop” — with the future of Togenashi Togeari hanging in the balance, it’s impossible not to look forward to the potential of a second season and the next chapter in their journey. The series has firmly solidified its place as a standout, and fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
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