Ep 1. A Step Forward

In the season 2 premiere of Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life, titled "A Step Forward," we catch up with the members of the Tokise High School Koto Club as they prepare for the upcoming national competition. The club has been struggling to find its footing since losing several key members, but with the addition of first-year student Hozuki, they're feeling hopeful.

As the episode opens, the club is practicing a new piece, but they're not quite nailing it. Hozuki, who is still getting used to playing with the group, is struggling with the timing. Kudo, the club's leader, tries to be patient, but the other members are visibly frustrated. Just as they're about to give up for the day, their advisor Tetsuki shows up with a surprise announcement: they've been invited to perform at a prestigious concert hall in Tokyo.

This news is a game-changer for the club. Not only will performing at such a high-profile venue give them valuable exposure, but it will also provide them with a chance to see how they stack up against some of the best Koto players in the country. The group is excited, but also nervous. They know they need to step up their game if they want to make a good impression.

The rest of the episode is devoted to the group's preparation for the Tokyo concert. Kudo decides that they need to focus on the basics and drills the group on technique. Meanwhile, Hozuki is struggling to keep up. As a newcomer, she's still learning the basics of Koto playing, and she feels like she's letting the group down. However, instead of giving up, she redoubles her efforts and spends all her free time practicing.

There are also a few personal dramas playing out in the background. Satowa, one of the club's most talented members, is still haunted by the death of her grandfather, who was a Koto master. She's been struggling to find her passion again, but when she hears about the Tokyo concert, she starts to feel motivated again. Meanwhile, Takezo, another member of the club, is dealing with some family drama. His father disapproves of his involvement with Koto, and Takezo is torn between his love for the instrument and his duty to his family.

Despite these challenges, the group perseveres. They begin to see progress as they practice together, and their performance at the Tokyo concert hall is a resounding success. The episode ends on a triumphant note, with the group feeling like they've taken a step forward both musically and personally.

Overall, "A Step Forward" is a strong season premiere for Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life. It reintroduces us to the series' lovable cast of characters and sets up a compelling story arc for the season ahead. Fans of the show will be delighted to see the group finally finding their footing again, and newcomers to the series will be drawn in by the beautiful music and heartfelt storytelling.