The Anthem of the Heart

The Anthem of the Heart

Year: 2015

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

RomanceMusicAnimationDrama

A young girl mysteriously loses her ability to speak, a consequence meant to prevent her from causing harm with her words. Through discovering the power of music and experiencing the warmth of friendship, her perspective begins to transform. The story explores whether she can ultimately express the deep emotions within her and find her own voice again.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Anthem of the Heart (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The events unfold in modern-day Japan, following a group of high school students through their club activities and school festival preparations. The story's timeline spans Jun's childhood memories to her high school years, showing how past trauma influences present relationships. The contemporary setting emphasizes relatable social dynamics, such as friendships, romance, and school life.

Location

Japan, Castle on the Hill (Love Hotel)

Set in a contemporary Japanese town centered on a high school and a hilltop love hotel that doubles as a memory site for Jun. The hilltop castle, revealed as a love hotel, becomes a key backdrop for Jun's painful past and her later emotional release. The setting grounds the story in everyday teen life and the tension between public appearances and private pain.

🌆 Japan 🏨 Love hotel 🗼 Hilltop castle

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:43

Main Characters – The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Anthem of the Heart (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Natsuki Nitō (Sora Amamiya)

A classmate and cheerleader who helps drive the school’s musical project. She is supportive and sociable, but she also holds her own romantic tensions and loyalties. Her dynamics with Takumi and Jun reveal both warmth and competitive affection, shaping the group’s emotional landscape.

💬 Social 🤝 Loyal 💔 Romantic tension

Jun Naruse (Inori Minase)

The protagonist who cannot speak due to a past trauma. She discovers she can express herself through singing, which leads to personal and relational breakthroughs. Jun’s vulnerability and determination drive the plot’s emotional core as she confronts fear and vulnerability.

🎭 Voiceless 🎵 Musical 💡 Vulnerable

Takumi Sakagami (Koki Uchiyama)

A shy, thoughtful member of the computer music club who helps turn Jun’s words into songs. He is careful with his feelings, denying romantic involvement with Jun while deeply valuing Natsuki. His growth comes from learning to listen and communicate his own heart.

🧠 Intellectual 🎶 Gentle 💞 Unspoken love

Daiki Tasaki (Yoshimasa Hosoya)

Former baseball team ace with a broken elbow who learns to repair his bonds with teammates. He develops romantic feelings toward Jun, and his willingness to apologize and reconnect helps drive the team’s harmony. His arc centers on accountability and honest emotion.

⚾️ Athlete 🫶 Gentle 💘 Romantic interest

Kazuki Jōshima (Keiji Fujiwara)

Jun’s homeroom teacher who signs her up for the Community Outreach Event. He acts as a facilitator for the group’s project and serves as a supportive, stabilizing presence. His role helps Jun integrate into the social fabric of the school.

🏫 Mentor 📚 Supportive 🔗 Facilitator

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:43

Major Themes – The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Anthem of the Heart (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎶 Music as Voice

Jun expresses her emotions through song after losing her ability to speak, and the musical becomes a lifeline. The process of turning words into lyrics helps her connect with others and reveal what she cannot say aloud. Music serves as a bridge between inner turmoil and outward expression, integral to the plot's emotional arc.

💬 Communication

Miscommunication and unspoken feelings drive much of the drama. The characters negotiate between what they feel and what they say, often causing misunderstandings. The story shows how honest conversation and vulnerability can heal rifts and build genuine connections.

❤️ Love and Growth

The relationships among Jun, Takumi, Natsuki, and Daiki develop from friendship to complex romantic tensions. Each character grapples with love, jealousy, and loyalty, revealing how love matures when truth is finally spoken. The tale emphasizes personal growth over idealized romance.

🪄 Healing and Forgiveness

What Jun thinks is a curse turns out to be a fear-based barrier she creates. The journey toward opening her heart—and forgiving herself—resolves the central conflict. The ending frames healing as a choice to trust others and share one’s truth.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:43

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The Anthem of the Heart Summary

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The Anthem of the Heart Summary

The Anthem of the Heart Timeline

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The Anthem of the Heart Timeline

The Anthem of the Heart Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Anthem of the Heart Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Anthem of the Heart

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