Anime Hajime Review: Hibiki! Euphonium 2

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Hibiki Euphonium 2. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Kitauji High School’s Concert Band Club has done what its members thought was impossible only a few short months ago. They have won the qualifying concert tournament and have taken a huge step towards performing on the national stage. Never has this club’s lofty dream been so close.

Having once been disheartened by concert performances and her chosen instrument, the euphonium, Kumiko Oumae (voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa), doubles down and gives her music everything she has. For the first time in a long time, she knows she is with people who have the drive to shoot for the top.

Unfortunately, as the finish line grows ever closer, so do the challenges.

The smallest hiccup could jeopardize all the work Kumiko and her clubmates have done. If even one person, for whatever reason, doesn’t put in one hundred percent of their effort, everything will have been for not. 

Kumiko already knows what it’s like to lose her passion. She is determined to ensure that never happens again.

Anime Hajime Review: Hibike Euphonium

Series Synopsis

In her last year of middle school, Kumiko Oumae’s (voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa) band club did incredibly well at the Kansai Regional preliminary championships. Unfortunately, their hard work was not enough to move on to the national stage. Although perhaps a little disappointed, the results were not unexpected for Kumiko and thus she wasn’t bothered by it.

The same was not true for fellow band member, Reina Kousaka (voiced by Chika Anzai) who had true aspirations for reaching nationals. This dedicated mindset simply didn’t make sense to Kumiko, and due to her habit of accidently vocalizing her inner thoughts, she ends up upsetting Reina with her indifferent attitude.

Now in high school, Kumiko is looking to make a new start. Yet despite her resistance, she ends up joining the band club once again and continues with her chosen instrument, the euphonium. Despite having some truly talented musicians, the band club has no drive to achieve anything of note. Therefore, Kumiko is surprised to learn that Reina chose to attend such an uninspired school.

However, this year is proving to be different. The band has gotten a new advisor, Noboru Taki (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai). On the first day, he asks the club what they truly want to do; have fun