On-Gaku: Our Sound

Three high school delinquents, Kenji, Ota, and Asakura, engage in troublesome teenage antics, including lighthearted bullying of their peers. Their lives are marked by a mix of chaos and indifference as they navigate their daily existence.

Ota jokingly suggests visiting the rival gang at Marutake High to settle old scores. This impulsive decision is met with agreement from Kenji, but their enthusiasm wanes when they realize they have no idea where Marutake is located.

While wandering the streets lost in thought, Kenji unexpectedly witnesses a bold robbery. A passing musician, noticing the commotion, hands Kenji a guitar, which he uses to thwart the thief, marking the beginning of Kenji’s new adventure.

After the robbery incident, Kenji proudly brings the guitar to his friends the next day. Eager to share his newfound treasure, the three friends excitedly delve into the world of music despite their lack of talent.

Their music journey leads them to perform for their first audience member, Aya, who asks for their band name. Asakura whimsically suggests 'Kobujutsu,' reminiscent of ancient martial arts, and Kenji embraces the name without hesitation.

As they practice, the trio's lack of musical skill results in awkward and unpleasant sounds. They resort to stealing instruments from school, which leads to chaotic and humorous moments as they try to make music.

Meanwhile, the Mohawk-sporting Marutake gang, led by Ôba, mistakenly believes that Kenji is orchestrating conflict against them. This misunderstanding escalates tensions, prompting Ôba to plan a confrontation with Kenji to teach him a lesson.

Asakura discovers that their band has a unique musical relationship with Kobijitsu, an acoustic folk trio led by Morita. Instead of confronting them, Kenji opts to experience their music, leading to a compelling encounter filled with mutual admiration.

Morita invites Kenji's band to perform at an upcoming rock festival after being impressed by their raw energy. Initially thrilled, Kenji begins to feel a sense of disillusionment as the reality of the commitment sets in during rehearsals.

On festival day, Kenji faces off against Ôba’s gang. Tensions escalate when Kenji's bass shatters, prompting him to pull out a recorder and play, stunning Ôba's gang into silence and leading a frantic chase.

As drama unfolds, Kenji bursts onto the stage, still pursued by Ôba’s gang, playing his recorder passionately. The band's collaboration with Morita's group captivates the audience and symbolizes a peak moment of creativity and unity.

The performance leaves Kenji electrified, as he rediscovers his passion for music in front of an adoring crowd. This moment serves as a triumph against the chaos that had surrounded him, and he shines with renewed confidence.

The following day, Kenji reverts to his stoic self, revealing the band’s dissolution during a heartfelt conversation with Aya. Despite the emotional weight of their discussion, he surprises her by casually suggesting a trip to Disneyland.

As Aya processes her feelings about the band’s end, Ota observes the interaction and leaves swiftly. He contemplates reuniting the band, optimistic that Kenji may change his mind about making music together again.