Swing Girls

Swing Girls

Year: 2004

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Shinobu Yaguchi

ComedyMusicUnderdogs and coming of ageLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglementsTeen school antics and laughter

A group of rebellious, lazy schoolgirls discover jazz and decide to skip a remedial summer math class. Their scheme leads them to sabotage the school’s brass band, replacing it with their own chaotic, jazzy ensemble, resulting in comedic mayhem as they concoct a plan to avoid the class by tampering with the band’s instruments.

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Timeline & Setting – Swing Girls (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Swing Girls (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

The events unfold during a hot Japanese summer and the subsequent start of a new school year. It blends school life, after-class activities, and a musical coming-of-age arc. The timeframe grounds the story in a contemporary, relatable setting for the characters’ growth and the swing band experiment.

Location

Japan

Set in Japan, the story centers on a suburban town and its local train network, guiding the girls through a summer of misadventures. Key locations include the school, a supermarket where they work, and the baseball stadium where they hope to perform. The film captures the heat of a Japanese summer and the everyday spaces that shape the girls’ unfolding journey.

🏫 School 🚆 Train 🛒 Market

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:22

Main Characters – Swing Girls (2004)

Meet the key characters of Swing Girls (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tomoko Suzuki (played by Juri Ueno)

A practical, impulsive classmate who drives the group’s early efforts and later helps sustain the Swing Girls. She takes bold steps, such as selling belongings to fund a new instrument, and pushes others to commit. Her growth hinges on balancing action with responsibility, and she learns the impact of leadership within a team.

🎭 Drama 🎷 Jazz 💪 Determination

Kaori Sekiguchi (played by Yuika Motokariya)

The shy but naturally talented musician who becomes the spark for the band. Kaori’s musical instinct and perseverance inspire the others to take practice seriously. Her quiet confidence helps shape the group’s direction and cohesion.

🎶 Music 🌟 Talent 🤝 Teamwork

Takuo Nakamura (played by Yuta Hiraoka)

The cymbal player who initially missed meals and then auditions replacements when the band is short-handed. He becomes a practical bridge between the old rhythm section and the new group, contributing to the band’s evolving sound.

🥁 Drums 🎼 Music 💪 Leadership

Tadahiko Ozawa (played by Naoto Takenaka)

A math teacher who guides the girls into the swing world and presents himself as a saxophonist guru. It’s later revealed he is an amateur student with a deep love for jazz, adding a layer of humor and humility to the journey.

🎓 Mentor 🎷 Jazz 🕰️ Deception

Yumiko Itami (played by Miho Shiraishi)

The supportive teacher who helps the Swing Girls reach their festival goal. She facilitates their growth, intervenes when needed, and ultimately helps orchestrate the push to perform. Her presence anchors the group and legitimizes their pursuit.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 🤝 Support 🎭 Drama

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:22

Major Themes – Swing Girls (2004)

Explore the central themes of Swing Girls (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎶 Music Journey

A group of unfazed students transform from novices into a functioning swing band. The movie follows their learning process, from awkward practice to discovering their own rhythm and chemistry. The theme centers on how music can unite people, build confidence, and redefine self-image.

🤝 Teamwork

The girls learn to rely on each other, share responsibilities, and support one another through setbacks. Their initial reluctance gives way to collaboration, discipline, and collective pride. The journey emphasizes trust, perseverance, and the joy of achieving something together.

❄️ Snow Challenge

Obstacles arise in the form of a snow-delayed journey to the festival, testing their resolve. The group adapts quickly, improvising with limited resources and last-minute preparation. The resilience shown under pressure highlights character growth and dedication to their unexpected dream.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:22

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Swing Girls Summary

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Swing Girls Summary

Swing Girls Timeline

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Swing Girls Timeline

Swing Girls Spoiler-Free Summary

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Swing Girls Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Swing Girls

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Swing Girls (2004) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Swing Girls (2004) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Swing Girls (2004) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow