Watch Kids on the Slope

In the spring of 1966, a teenage boy named Kaoru Nishimi moves to Kyushu, Japan with his family. Being a transfer student, Kaoru struggles to make friends in his new school until he meets the school's notorious delinquent Sentaro Kawabuchi. Despite having different personalities, Kaoru and Sentaro bond over their mutual love for jazz music.

As they begin to spend more time together, they also meet Ritsuko Mukae, a responsible and kind-hearted classmate who happens to be Sentaro's childhood friend. The three of them become close friends and often hang out at a basement jazz club, where they listen to jazz records and play instruments.

As Kaoru becomes more immersed in the world of jazz, he discovers his true passion for music and begins to develop his own style of piano playing. However, his love for Ritsuko and his desire to fit in with his new friends creates conflict within him. Meanwhile, Sentaro's troubled family background and involvement with a local gang cause him to struggle with his own inner demons.

Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and the power of music. The animation beautifully captures the essence of 1960s Japan, with its vibrant colors and bold designs. The jazz music, which plays a pivotal role in the anime, is performed by renowned jazz pianist Yoko Kanno and her band featuring some of Japan's finest musicians.

David Matranga, known for his work in Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia, voices the protagonist Kaoru Nishimi. He brings Kaoru to life with his introspective and nuanced performance, capturing the character's inner conflicts and growth throughout the series. Brittney Karbowski, who has voiced many beloved anime characters including Black Star from Soul Eater and Wendy Marvell from Fairy Tail, portrays the cheerful and compassionate Ritsuko Mukae. She delivers a heartfelt performance that perfectly conveys Ritsuko's kind-hearted nature.

Luci Christian, who has lent her voice to numerous anime series such as My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist, voices the rough-around-the-edges delinquent Sentaro Kawabuchi. She gives an incredibly powerful performance that captures Sentaro's vulnerability and emotional depth. The chemistry between the three voice actors is exceptional, bringing a sense of authenticity to the characters' relationships.

Kids on the Slope is a poignant and beautifully-crafted anime that explores the complexities of growing up and finding oneself. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the jazz music adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story. Overall, it is a truly unforgettable anime that is not to be missed.

Kids on the Slope is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between May 13, 2012 and on Anime Network