Ordinary Light Music Club [Famous Quotes VI] "If it's a battle of numbers or popularity, we can't win... not yet, anyway"

This is the 6th installment of my wild and crazy collection of famous quotes, where I, Yushinken, arbitrarily pick out lines that I like from the manga 'Ordinary Light Music Club' (Original story: Kuwahari, Art: Tetsuo Uchi), which depicts the youth of high school students. It's gone by fast, hasn't it?

First, (though it's a bit late for this) let me introduce the official video by YouTube's 'Jumpra Channel.' I think those who don't know this work yet will be able to get a feel for it.

This time, based on the 7th volume of the comic, I've written down some 'famous quotes' along with 'usage examples' that I've imagined on my own. I hope you'll enjoy it.

A relationship of mutual improvement

Among the bands formed by first-year students, the ones showing real growth are 'Heartbreak' and 'protocol.'

Heartbreak: Protagonist Chihiro Hatono (aka Hatochi) (Guitar/Vocals), Rin Kouyama (Bass), Momo Uchida (Drums), Ayame Fujii (Guitar).

protocol.: Koki Takami (Guitar/Vocals), Ryuya Taguchi (Bass), Gen Tono (Drums), Shunichi Mizuo (Guitar).

Rather than 'mutual improvement,' the feeling of them competing might be better described as 'grinding each other down.'

Hatono's unique and charming vocals must stir the blood of those who listen. Initially, Rin Kouyama and Momo Uchida noticed it, leading to the formation of the band. Furthermore, Mizuo and Takami from protocol were shocked and began to burn with a sense of rivalry toward 'Heartbreak.'

At the long-awaited 'Halloween Live,' Heartbreak appeared first. At this stage, protocol is superior in both ability and popularity. Feeling that atmosphere, they put on a passionate performance.

Well then, let's get to the famous quotes.

If it's a battle of numbers or popularity, we can't win... not yet, anyway

While wearing animal costumes to invite laughter, Heartbreak stunned the audience with their first song. These are the words they 'exchanged in their hearts' when they plunged into their second song with that same momentum.

[Usage Example]
'It seems there were no winning entries for the Akutagawa Prize or the Naoki Prize this time. I'm not even close to being a candidate, so it doesn't concern me. I can't compare in terms of numbers or popularity, so I'm just like, "meh," for now...'
'In the world of note, there are many people challenging themselves with the Creative Grand Prize, and they get happy or sad over the slightest reaction. I'm one of them, but we might become famous someday, so you should read our stuff while it's free... or something like that (・ω<) tee-hee'

I've been pretending not to see it for a long time, my wish

Tamaki Nitta is the former vice-president of the Light Music Club. She served as the vocalist for "Sexual Customers" until her second year. She retired as a third-year student, but she awakens after seeing Hatono of Heartbreak at the Halloween Live. "There is still something I want to do," she realizes her true heart.

*Tamaki-senpai, who graces the cover of volume 5 of "Ordinary Light Music Club." (Pictured during the final school festival live performance of her active career.)

[Usage Example]
“I was exhausted, chased by my work. I had given up, thinking I no longer had the energy to play the music I loved... until I witnessedYosuke Yamashita fighting with his pianoat an event at the high school my daughter attends.”
“That was when I suddenly remembered. My wish, which I had been pretending not to see all this time. My dream of becoming a guitarist. I haven't played in over ten years, using busyness as an excuse. Moreover, I’ve been making excuses that at my age, I’ve lost my passion. But Yosuke Yamashita, who is nearly 20 years my senior, is playing with such intensity. It’s my turn now. Nothing has started yet, and nothing has ended either.”

Footage from April 2014, when he gave a lecture to graduates at his alma mater, Setagaya Ward Higashi-Ohara Elementary School. *Must-listen. Please listen until the end if you can.

“That’s why I can’t become anyone.”

Koki Takami, the central figure of Protocol, who handles vocals and guitar. He is nine years younger than his brother. When Koki was in elementary school, his brother was already in a band playing at live houses. Meanwhile, he believed he had to live a serious student life to meet his father's expectations. He thought that, but something started to change after he formed Protocol in the light music club. As they take the final slot at the Halloween live show, Koki compares himself to his brother.

[Usage Example]
“Shohei Ohtani must love baseball. He probably doesn't worry about his contract money, how much he has in savings, or whether he’s made a lot of friends. If he can play in a way that satisfies him and he can think of himself as cool, isn't that what matters most?”
“I, for one, like writing, but I’m always worrying about the reactions or how to monetize it. If I could just think I wrote something good, that should be enough. I seem to lack the resolve in that regard. In a sense, I’m a coward. That’s why I can’t become anyone.”

“That’s too messy...” (*This is a bonus)

Gen Tono, the drummer for Protocol. (Probably) the most skilled drummer in the light music club.

Words muttered after hearing the three-piece band "Kaki-Fry Effect," whose only strength is their punk spirit, play a Green Day song.

[Usage Example]
“I like art with character, like the illustrations of Hitoshi Sawano or the manga of Hitoshi Ebisu. I’m aiming for that so-called ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ style. But when I look calmly at the colored pencil drawings I’ve made, I suddenly realize. That’s too messy... (*Please fill in the rest with Gen Tono’s grumbling.)”

An ordinary summary

I read the comic version of "Ordinary Light Music Club." Because my daughter lends it to me after she buys it (she even gave it to me as a Father's Day gift through my wife 😭). However, it seems the story has already progressed in the ongoing web comic (Shonen Jump+).

The results of the showdown between Heartbreak and Protocol at the Halloween live show. How will Koki Takami’s state of mind change as he thinks, "I can't become anyone" due to his admiration for his brother? I’m so curious about all of it!

I've already posted articles with my thoughts on this, so I've been taking a quick peek at them 😅👍

Thank you once again for sticking with my article, which is as elusive as ever (though I wouldn't say it's completely devoid of substance).

As always, I'll leave you with some related videos. These might be more worth watching. Please enjoy.

[Related Videos]

"IGGY POP FAN CLUB" NUMBER GIRL

Performed by Heartbreak as the third song at the Halloween live concert. Chihiro Hatono chose this song based on memories of her father recommending it to her. Incidentally, Number Girl is apparently from Fukuoka City.

"Flash Girl" Tokyo Jihen

The song sung at the very end (the fourth song). It was chosen by Rin Kouyama.

The scene where Nitta-senpai is moved by the sight of Hatochi singing passionately is a masterpiece. The lyrics are used effectively.

By the way, although it's a 2010 song, the band sound matches Heartbreak perfectly. The girls in the MV are also great.

"American Idiot" Green Day

A song performed by Kaki-Fry Effect at the Halloween live concert. Let's look back at Hajime Tono's grumbling while listening to the original's wonderful performance.

"Animal Senior Caracal" (Voice: Hiroshi Kamiya)

Caracal is the animal that guitarist Ayame Fujii wore when Heartbreak dressed up in costumes for the Halloween live concert.

It's surprisingly cool.

[Related Articles] Please check out the "Ordinary Light Music Club [Famous Quotes]" series in this magazine.

*This article is participating in the "Kataribe" activity.

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