Sakamichi no Apollon

Despite the music genre difference (Classical and Jazz), both are set during their high school years and have the recurring theme of the musical arts, romance and drama. Each have a pair of musicians whom they end up meeting in a life changing fate and are quite unorthodox but are able to perfom spectacular music! Love polygons exists in both shows and each character has their own set of life-changing problems and trauma. It's a must watch for those who enjoy the musical arts and drama! 

Both anime display some similarities: - Both are about music: Sakamichi relies on classical and jazz whereas the ost can be wonderfully adapted to the characters feelings and humour. Shigatsu's ost is very calming and more classical but also fits the drama. - Main guy is a megane who is a genius pianist but is uninspired and traumatized until he meets someone who makes him regain his love for music and life. Both are likeable protagonists that were forced to learn music and because of that lost the ability to enjoy it, but actually they love music. - The person who inspires the hero to play again also plays an instrument. In Sakamichi is another boy and in Shigatsu it is a girl. - Friendship is also a main theme where a group of friends tags along and has fun being that crucial to the plot. - Hints of romance: While in Sakamichi the romance seems to be a love triangle and not much important to the plot, in Shigatsu the heroine might play a bigger part in the hero's development. Personally I believe Sakamichi is targeted to an older audience and better developed than Shigatsu but both are very enjoyable and have wonderful instrumental music, as well as unique artwork. read more 

Both are music orientated with the male protagonist who is a quiet, calm composed pianist. They both have romantic acquaintances as well as other family issues 

Both are series that focus on teenage piano-playing glasses-wearing protagonists who encounter romance in their lives. The only difference is that the main character of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso plays music with a girl, unlike in Sakamichi no Apollon where the main character plays music with other guys. 

Both revolve around the idea of finding yourself and expressing your most inner emotions through music, though with shigatsu this is the focal point, whilst with sakamichi it's supplementary. Both bring out the best in their genre of music with unforgettable soundtracks. Pitch perfect performances from both protagonists. 

Both shows use music as a medium for character development and growth, as well as to connect the characters together. Both have great soundtracks and fluid animation, especially in Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, art plays a fundamental role in the music scenes to forge appropriate symbolism and motifs, as well as to aid and compliment the experience delivered to the audience. They both constantly emphasise the epiphany felt by the characters because of music. Shigatsu is based on classical music whereas Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon) is based on jazz music and both are set in very distinct times and settings. Shigatsu is more modern, while the latter is set around the 1960s.  read more 

Both involve a main character of classical piano training, and another that plays an instrument more....unconventionally, freely. Both series made me view music differently in terms of how people play music, as well as motivations behind each, and character devolopment. 

★Both revolve around a group of teenagers, which share a powerful bond and have fun as their youths fly by. ★Both contain wonderful music, each one tackling a different genre. ★Both have beautiful animation. ★Both have a unique mood/atmosphere and feel very realistic + they portray their respective surroundings very well. 

both of them was a Romance-Music themed anime, where between Romance Story and the Musical Scene have a balanced strength on it While Shigatsu have a Junior High School student for main Character, Sakamichi's main character was a Senior High School student Shigatsu plays a Classical Music, Sakamichi plays a Jazz Music 

Kids on the Slope arguably has better musical performances and a more complex love web to boot. It's not as MC focused or melodramatic as Your Lie in April, so it's a nice choice for people who are looking for another music orientated anime that is similar enough for those fans longing for that sense of nostalgia but different enough so that it doesn't feel like you're rewatching Your Lie in April. For those who like good music and awkward teenage angst.  

Both animes are similar in the sense that they focus on character development over plot. This is done by using music to convey emotion and strengthen bonds. Also, both animes have an underlying romance theme. 

Both have beautiful music, Kids on the Slope is a mixture of Jazz with Classical piano while Your Lie in April is all classical piano/violin. The stories to both involve themes of romance and friendship shown through music. I would give the edge to Your Lie in April but if you liked one then you are sure to like the other. 

While it hasn't fully completed airing, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso shares the same themes of music and friendship that are prevalent in Sakamichi no Apollon. Although Sakamichi no Apollon did it fairly better. 

Your Lie in April is to classical as Kids on the Slope is to jazz. Both shows have superb soundtracks that work perfectly with the show to capture the best attributes of each musical genre. On top of this, both shows involve a love web between lovable characters trying to find themselves through their music. If you watch either of these, expect to be left in emotional shambles. Coincidently, these are my brother's two favorite shows. Lol, nerd. 

Shigatsu and Sakamichi. Both series: - They are about a pianist, who has a demotivation, the root of his family, which has turned him into an indecisive, which is achieved with a person who will encourage him to pursue his dreams, and to leave behind those pressures of the past. In addition this person plays an instrument, which together they will make the music that will give meaning to their lives. - These series deal with loyalty, friends, who will always be there to support you despite the entanglements that life brings. A romantic story, where love will flavor the facts that support the characters to move forward. read more 

The two are school life dramas that integrate music into the plot. These shows will give you a roller coaster of emotions through their awesome visuals, well-crafted characters and masterful story telling. Your ears are also in for a treat as you listen to excellently performed classical music in Shigatsu was Kimi no Uso and jazz in Sakamichi no Apollon.  

Both has a glasses wearing, pianist guy as protagonist. Both also mainly telling about friendship, romance, and drama between each of the character, accompanied (no pun intended) by music as the theme of both anime. The difference is Shigatsu using classical piece as the theme while Sakamichi using jazz as the theme. 

Both musical Main character is pianist The characters & highschool romance are similar somehow But Shigatsu for classic music & sakamichi is concerned with jazz  

Both involve music and sadness, but in varying degrees. 

Both series are fantastic stories about friendship, music and love. 

You could say that Sakamichi is the 'mature' version of Shigatsu. Here are my reason to watch Sakamichi no Apollon if you loved Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso: - Both focus around music as the main play of each story - Both have emotional parts in the anime - Both have a beautiful soundtrack - Both have lovable characters that the viewer can totally relate to The only thing that may put you off is that Sakamichi is a lot more mature than Shigatsu. Enjoy! 

On the outside looking in you could say they are similar because both shows focus on music throughout the series but I recommend this show because they have the same undertone and feel to them. If you have seen one of these shows and liked it, I highly recommend you watch the other.  

- They both are really good animes. - The music takes a big relevance in both stories, Sakamichi in jazz and Shigatsu in classical. - The art is pretty good and they have romance there too. - And both of the MC are piano players with glasses and a little geeks xD 

-They both share somewhat the same type of male lead -Both revolve around a group of teenagers as they handle life their own way -YLIA is definitely for the more emotional types of watchers -Both are made around a particular type of music as it's base 

Definitely a top tier josei anime. If you love music, classical and jazz then you love this anime. The MCs are very similar and the character developments are great. 9/10 from me. 

- Music-themed - If you like Sakamichi no Apollon and its soundtrack, listen to the classical soundtrack by the greats like Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, etc. - Male-oriented; the main character is a sad prodigy musician Kousei - Also romance-themed - The angst 

To a musician such as myself, Sakamichi no Apollon, or Kids on the Slope is basically the jazz version of Your Lie in April. Of course, there are vast differences in the plots of both, but the music is what appeals to an individual like myself first and foremost. 

Two fantastic historical dramas featuring excellent characters. They each capture their time period wonderfully (the two actually overlap quite a bit for a chunk of Rakugo Shinjuu). Lots of jazz, drama, and a love triangle at the heart of it all. They offer different takes of a somewhat similar premise: Rakugo Shinjuu is much more rooted in the darker things of the human heart, whereas Kids on the Slope tends to be a bit more lighthearted. If you like the history, setting, characters, and mood of one, give the other a try. 

-Both are stories of unlikely friendships built while following a similar passion -The main characters seem like perfect foils of each other, one reserved and one energetic -A bit of a love triangle in both - A similar era, the Shouwa era in Japan, but in a different setting, one in the city and the other in the country Both are beautifully told, emotional stories, and the setting is what I believe to be the decider. Sakamichi angles in more on the youth wanted to rebel against the stifling authority of this era and express themselves through this foreign music called jazz. Meanwhile, Rakugo Shinju is about artists struggling to hold on to a tradition that is being threatened by a changing world. read more 

The character personality frameworks and interactions are nearly the same. Both for older audiences. Both have a very nice, pristine, slice of life style to them whilst being set in the past. If you want to watch something peaceful that evokes emotion (that comes in many forms), these are the shows for you. 

Stiff, reserved, cold character meets and shares the same passion as expressive, outgoing character. Though they are opposite, they end up developing a very close, brotherly bond. Characters are all complex in their own right. Similar (kind of, not really) romantic complications.  

Both titles are period dramas set in the Shōwa era with a decidedly older (generally female) audience in mind. They both center around a group of artists engaging in a performing art while strengthening their emotional ties to one another. They also have similar aesthetic properties, such as plenty of pastoral Japanese imagery and a focus on body language as the main complement to their expressive animation. Though music serves different purposes in both titles, both titles feature a soundtrack that incorporates a fair share of jazz.  

(as of episode one of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju) They are both period dramas based on Josei manga focusing on people learning performing arts.  

both of these animes primarily take place during japan's reconstruction after world war 2, both follow the stories of polar opposites who share a common love for their art form (Rakugo and Jazz). It is no surprise that with the clash of asian and western culture spawns a fertile ground for many art forms to grow and adapt into modern japan. While one series tries to keep the traditional japanese world alive the other is a story immersed in western culture. Both series have a solid main cast of characters and are well worth the time to watch. 

Much like Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Sakamichi no Apollon is character driven. It focuses on the daily machinations of its characters and the art form they practice. The time period and tone of both shows are extremely similar and they both have that cool, mature feeling. 

-Character driven -Centring around two boys that are complete opposites -Brash Rowdy Kid and Bookish Quiet Kid become unlikely, begrudging friends -Bit of a love triangle -A little heartwarming, but also heartbreaking -Both shows are based on performance arts Music/ Rakugo -Set in late past Japan -Unique animation -Killer Openings 

They are both stories about two youthful guys and their dreams. Arts are involved. While Sakamichi no Apollon deals with music Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu deals with the art of storytelling (rakugo). Also a bit of romance is involved where the two guys are interested in the same girl. Afaik they are based on jousei manga because women in Japan seem to like stories about guys? I myself as a guy can say: I liked them both because as I guy I also like stories between guys. It's easy to understand the guys' motivations and behaviour even if it seems irrational sometimes. They are both character-driven and the romance does not take a big part of the screentime. It's more about the guys and the relationship between them and the hobby/work that connects them. read more 

Both stories have similar character archetypes, are packed with drama, and take place in a historical setting. The main character of both series are pretty gloomy and serious and have an outgoing troublemaker as their foil. The stories are vastly different, as Sakamichi follows high schoolers in a slice of life setting and Rakugo follows a clearly defined story of a man over the course of his life. However, the characters and overall feel of the series are similar. If you enjoyed one, you'll probably enjoy the other. 

The love for performing arts becomes evident in both Josei anime. Romantic relationships are complex, the characters memorable and authentic – as if they were real people. It's beautiful. 

Both being based off of Josei manga, they a similar feel in that the two protagonists have contrasting personalities; one is conformist, straight-faced and ordered while the other is unruly, wild and unconventional. Both sets of protagonists have a strong bond that intertwines with an accompanying third female character, helping to progress the plot as well as their respective relationships. They both have a similar feel and art style to them, and a creative technique (music vs rakugo) is central to both. If you enjoyed Sakamichi, you'll almost definitely like Shouwa just as much, if not more so.  

It is quite rare to find a show that doesn't just focus on either its story, or its characters, especially one that manages to handle both well. If you fell in love with the way the Sentarou and Kaouru interact, then you will no doubt feel right at home here watching Sukeroku and Yakumo argue life out. The way Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu introduces its viewers to the art of Rakugo, is similar to the way Skamichi no Apollon introduces its viewers to the world of Jazz. The way Sakamichi no Apollon makes you fall in love with its music, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu will make you fall in love with the Art of Rakugo. The same way Sakamichi no Apollon makes you cry when it wants to, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu will do, many times. read more 

Both shows deal with 2 completely polar opposite characters developing a special relationship over the art they love. There is also a challenging love triangle in each of the shows that serves as the leading cause for the drama 

Intense drama! Relationship triangles! Squares! Circles! You find plenty of exciting drama in both of these titles. At the core of the storyboard of both these titles, the relationships drama is the most important aspect. But drama isn't the only exciting aspect of both. While both have intense drama, they offer their own unique selling points! --- Kids on the Slope has absolutely amazing soundtracks. That's right! One of the best out there. Ah the theme, music, all the jazz. You'll be sucked in the music! Moanin'! Seriously the covers of some actual original songs like Moanin, But not for me, Apollon Blue, Lullaby of Birdland and MY FAVORITE THINGS! SO GOOD! --- Rakugo! Doesn't sell music, it sells the drama. You need to, pay really really good attention to the drama here. There is a lot of taking. Taking is the point of the anime! Rakugo! It literally means a type a verbal entertainment in Japan. Pay close attention and you will, thoruoghly enjoy the drama. It's unlike any other drama anime out there! But a fair warning, if you're not in the mood to pay attention then maybe watch it later.  read more 

A slender, introverted boy and an outgoing, rowdy boy develop an unlikely friendship through their love of jazz/rakugo. They are set during the Showa era, and get most of their drama from love polygons that cause many clashes between the two male protagonists. Despite only Sakamichi no Apollon having jazz as part of the story, they both use lots of jazz music in their soundtracks anyway. 

The similar part is that both anime are for high school students who play music. The difference is that Sakamichi no Apollon is more about the love stories of the characters and is full of cliches, while Beck is more about music and characters' development as persons through music. 

If you're musician or you just enjoy heartwarming stories featuring music and romance, then both shows are must-watch. 

Similar premise, just replace Jazz music with Rock music as the main music focus. Characters are all in high school as well in both, however Beck takes place in present day. 

Tbh, I found these two series quite alike in terms of their pace and feeling when watching them. Both Beck and Sakamichi no Apollon (also known as Kids on the Slope) explores the theme of music and how the main characters of the series embraces them. Both series' artwork is naturalistic and has realism that reflects the older ages compared to the more modern 2000's style. Both series has a slice of life theme in it that features comedy, drama, and romance. Both series are a breath of fresh air so give it a shot. 

It's not only about music. BECK - ROCK, Sakamichi - JAZZ. But also it's slice of life about musicians lifes. About problems of everyone of us, because everyone've got plenty of them. It's about how hard is love, friendship and keeping your existence in society. 

Both of these titles are set in the present and feature high school kids as the main characters. There is a great deal of high school drama, but at the end of the day the characters best relate through music. Beck is much more lighthearted and funny; kids on the slope tries to be more thoughtful. Both are excellent animes. 

In my opinion, there are only two kinds of animes. Drama and Action. Beck and Sakamichi share a feeling through the whole series. The action is slow and you can't expect a bloody gunfight every episode. The characters will always be presented as very simple, but the more you dive into the understanding of the characters meaning in the series, you will obtain that everyone has a light and a dark side. The character you thought were a ugly scumbag, will maybe turn out to be the nicest character in anime history! Judge the book by the content, not the cover. Also, both animes has a love to music. Beck is for all the rock/pop-lovers, and Sakamichi is for 60's jazz. Both animes will create a big view of both genres, and you will understand why the music-culture is very important. If you don't like this kind of music, you should consider watching either Beck or Sakamichi. Last but not least, both animes aren't just about music. Actual themes is also friendship, love, hard work and accomplishing goals and following dreams! read more 

same music but smaller and better than beck less complicated some times and some time more complicated then beck unfortunate it doesn't have a ending like beck which can keep the viewer hoping that there would be more. so to sum it up smaller and better similar in a lot of ways love music and a whole lot of fun included that kids on slope for you :) 

Music, Music, Music. While Beck deals with rock music, Sakimichi no Apollon deals with jazz. If you're a fan of jazz, this is a must-watch. Add that to the brilliant writing and character development, and you get one of the best shows a music fan could watch. 

Both series focus on teenage kids learning how to play music and having fun doing so. Despite one being focused on rock, and the other on Jazz, with one taking place in modern-day Japan, and one taking place in 1960s Japan, they still both have a very similar tone to their presentation, as well as similarities between the characters and their experiences in learning music. 

Both are about a band and their struggles revolving around music 

both revolve around music and have a beautiful story of friendship. They are also both shows that will be remembered for their great music played. They are both a must watch, so if you have seen one go and watch the other NOW!! 

Both presents coming of age story. There is romance. Male lead is a boring boy who turn to be musician after binding friendship with problematic boy 

Music, feelings, and drama with Slice of life style  

If you like Sakamichi no Apollon/Kids on the Slope, then I think Beck/Mongolian Chop Squad might be right up your alley. Both series are about young people performing music and growing as a result of their exploration of the art. They both work as coming of age stories, with characters in both plots becoming different people by the end of their respective narratives. Beck is a bit more gritty than Kids on the Slope as it takes place in the mid 2000s and focuses on young rockers trying to make a name for themselves. It isn't quite as visually charming but I still found it to be well done for the time in which it released. It's also longer at 26 episodes, but it starts to go a lot faster the deeper in you go. I wholeheartedly believe you'll enjoy Beck if you enjoyed Kids on the Slope as both series explore the performance and love of music as a way of developing lasting social bonds. They may have a different feel to them but the themes of friendship, growing up and changing oneself are strong in both anime. Both shows teach us that music can help us change and grow as people. read more 

Ok imma say it straight up, Sakamichi no Apollon is just Beck but jazz Same mood and feel plus both of the character rosters of the mentioned show are really well-written and characterized. Definitely recommend Sakamichi no Apollon if you like Beck and music anime in general. 

Both josei romances that center around a musical theme. Even though Nodame Cantabile is about classical music and Sakamichi no Apollon is about jazz, they both give you a very similar feel (minus Nodame Cantabile being absolutely hilarious).  

Both josei romances that center around a musical theme. Even though Nodame Cantabile is about classical music and Sakamichi no Apollon is about jazz, they both give you a very similar feel (minus Nodame Cantabile being absolutely hilarious). 

Both give you a look into a genre of music that is no longer mainstream. Kids on the Slope focuses on Jazz while Nodame Cantabile focuses on classical. 

In both anime it is music that unites people. 

Both are Joseis and are about music. There are romance and student environment in Japan. However there are some differences between each other: Sakamichi no Apollon takes place in a secundary school on the sixties years; the kind of music played by main characters is the Jazz. Nodame Cantabile TV takes place in a music faculty on the present days; the kind of music played by main characters is the Classical Music. If you like a good music, like Jazz and Classical, you should watch these animes!!! If you like a good story, with romance, some comedy, drama of daily life; you may like too!!  

Both series has a josei genre and thus have a similar feeling and style. Music plays a major theme in both series that also involves romance as well as drama and comedy Both series are quite realistic and some of the characters have similar personalities.  

Both are slice of life's in which a group of young people are brought together by their love for music. 

Its about music altough Sakamichi Apollon is more real in showing relationships and emotions. 

It might seem at first sight that the josei genre be the most striking similarity and although the musical themes are different: In "Nodame Cantabile" music is speaking in tones of among others Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Peter Schubert, Claude Debussy und Sergei Wassiljewitsch Rachmaninow (transcription: Rachmaninoff). So an musical framework of classical gems is presented. In contrast does "Sakamichi no Apollon" presents the musical spirit of Jazz in the 60ties with the sound of George Gershwin, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington. Nevertheless or better that is precisely why the main visible, extremely fastidious driving force in both anime, is an highly elaborated combination of story and qualities of dedication and innovation which symbolizes the love for music that always do inspire musicians. (personal note: in the case of "Sakamichi no Apollo" do skip the episode 12, because with the spirit of Jazz the end doesn't harmonize at all). Both anime do have flaws but if you are fond of music, these two anime are excellent and none mainstream. They get across quite realistic, in regard to feelings and style and moreover showing well portrayed relationships and emotions. read more 

Both series involve 2 characters who are completely polar opposites in character, come together through their mutual admiration of music. Both series' also focus more on the characters and their interactions, rather than the actual story 

Both move one's heart! If you liked sakamichi Apollon for its feel then there is a 9/10 chance you will also like Nodame Cantabile! 

Both have pretty good humor, music, and great character chemistry. Nodame cantabile is more stretched out than Kids on the slope but the latter has better animation and nice character designs and world-building than the former. 

They are very similar: * Both are Josei, Slice of life, drama * The two male protagonists from SNA are like the female protagonists from Nana, being great friends even with their differences. * The love story in both have realism and conflicts (but I think there are more conflicts in Nana) * They are about music I'm sure if you like one you'll like the other. 

Both are about music, and characters who have to deal with complicated love stories and familial issues, as well as being rejected by society. Both also show a strong friendship between two main characters who are totally the opposite but actually closer than with anyone else, and who can support each others in difficult times. 

Both are about music and finding more about yourself. 

Both series are about music dealing with friendship, rivalry, and love complications. Both series has a josei type of feeling. Both series has drama with complicated storyline. Both series has a great pace of story. Both series contain interesting characters. Both series explores the realism of a love and music. Both series are a must-watch. 

Music theme, drama and a lot of feelings and love 

Two romantic drama shows with music as a main theme. Both shows have a rather realistic feel to them and approaches relationships and romances in a mature and realistic way. Nana is a bit longer and I liked it more, but both shows are worth the watch and similar in many ways.  

- Both are more serious animes - They show us a 'slice of life' (this isn't the genre haha) of the characters, their choices, and the consequences of it - They are very focused on friendship and music, and both have amazing musics - These animes are like a real-life feeling, I don't know how to explain, but if you like mature animes, go ahead! 

They both include music (although different genres), romance, there's also drama in Nana and in Sakamichi no Apollon too. 

Music is the the driving theme of these anime and also romance. Both quite different in terms of story, but equally as enjoyable.  

Just boys being boys, playing music and having fun (and drinking beer if they are of age). 

Given is less depressing and more happy than Apollon. It is also gayer and replaces the jazz music with rock. If you want something more lighthearted with character focus and a music oriented theme, Given is for you. 

If you're looking for something that focuses mainly on music, Given and Apollon are the right choices. They also deal with love and friendship, although the main topic is music. 

Both highlight sentimental situations between the characters through a common passion, in this case music. Sakamichi in my opinion is even better but that's just my opinion 

Kids on the Slope and Given connect based on music mostly, but there’s also the theme of friendship and romance present in both. In both of them, two people get closer based on their love for music, and the main protagonists are both new to what they’re doing. 

It is similar in theme and drama aspects. Main characters are musicians and heavily into music in general in their represented scenes. Also the human drama is quite similar but Given goes way deeper and darker. Given has more romannce than Sakamichi no Apollon, relationships between characters in Given are way personal than in Sakamichi no Apollon. Sakamichi no Apollon dwells more in the general teenage highschool mindset and hardships relating to that. Idk, I like both of them for different reasons.  

Similarities: -Both have to do with music -Both are really sad -The MC give off the same vibe 

WA2 and Kids on the Slope share many similarities. Both are romance drama anime centered around a complex love triangle between friendship and lovers and are both heavily themed around music. If you enjoyed one of these, you HAVE to watch the other you won't regret it. 

They both SoL-School genre that strongly consist of music. They both got unique way to show us how music relates the relationship of the Characters. They both consist of Romance, and have their own love problem. the difference is White Album 2 is just a solid triangle love while Sakamichi no Apollon more complicated 

Both anime are about friendship threatened by unhappy love triangels and show the sad but still realistic dark sides of love. In addition music is very important in both series, though the genres differ in jazz and pop. 

A musical group of teenagers in high school is formed over the course of the anime. The group members weren't close initially and became unusually close. - Some reciprocal Love relationships, and other not - Characters' choices affect their lives in the future - Drama - We can see the characters' efforts to improve by playing the instruments together - We also can see the characters after they graduate from high school 

While watching White Album 2 I got a lot of the same overall feeling that I felt during Kids on the Slope. They are both musically themed shows that tell anything but neat stories of love and friendship. The characters connect over a shared love of playing music together and the stories feel more mature than a lot of other school based romances.  

Set in the '60s, lots of jazz/blues/swing music (although SnA is all about the jazz), three protagonists - two boys, one girl (Poppy Hill is mainly the main two though) and a sweet, slow nostalgic storyline with great world building and enchanting moments. 

While both are very different anime, they contain very similar settings. The anime are both slice-of-life with a romance theme set in the 20th century. If you like artsy anime with some good romance, I recommend this. 

Similar setting, school romance. Both shows look amazing and have great music with it. Sakamichi no Apollon is more serious.  

Immediately thought of From Up on Poppy Hill when watching Kids on the Slope. The background and concept of the story are different but two things that are certain is that both have high school characters in the 60's, and somehow both anime give off the same vibe. The songs used in both are also really "light" and pleasant to hear, especially on Sakamichi because it is a music-themed anime. Worth to watch, worth to try! 

Chihayafuru & Sakamichi no Apollon are both series about deep passion (for karuta in the first one and for music in the second one) with subtle, yet complicated love triangle in the background. They are also stories about great friendship. Both of those series offer amazing character development - characters are complex, mature and beautiful. To put it simply: josei at its best! 

Both shows are listed as "Josei", but still aim for all ages in certain, moral ways. They are both based about a trio of friends all with a passion of something big (Sakamichi: Music, Chihayafuru: Karuta), with one or two of them rejecting what they love at certain times. Both contain romance/one-sided love, though Sakamichi focuses on that aspect much more than Chihayafuru (which is more based on competition and sports). They also both have a yet practical and appealing art style and great use of budget and music when it's needed. The two shows has a similar style of atmosphere, but they are also completely different, suited to each show's style. With the music or sport element for the two, it creates a unique charm for the Josei genre, making both anime much more interesting than one would expect. read more 

Both chihayafuru and sakamichi no apollon are about people being passionate about something, and how their daily lives revolve around that passion. In chihayafuru its karuta, and in sakamichi no apollon, music. Both anime are set in different times but they emphasize the importance of friendship (even though there's some love triangles). Both anime have great animation and are based on josei manga. Highly recommend!!! 

Teen romances with a love triangle between the girl, the quiet glasses guy, and the jock-y looking guy set before a backdrop of their shared hobby. Jazz music in Sakamichi no Apollon and karuta in Chihayafuru.  

Both these animes have a certain theme (Ping Pong for one, Jazz for the latter), but focus rather on the characters, their relations toward each other and their evolution, than on the main theme itself. The MCs have lots of common points. 

Despite differences, Kids on the Slope mirrors Ping Pong by being about the same thing. Behind the facades of ping pong and jazz music, both deal with relationships and the difficulties associated with them. They are both very honest in their approach toward the content. They differ, mainly, in their approach. Kids on the Slope is much more conventional, while Ping Pong, being directed by Yuasa, arguably has more style. Both are masterpieces, but Ping Pong is definitely more distinguishable of the two series.  

Both animes are superb coming of age stories that might make you reconsider your goals in life. While alienating at first Ping Pongs visual style will quickly suck you into fast paced matches 

If you really like jazz, this is a show, set in the sixties, about a boy who forms friends through music. 

From the same director, and with a lot of marvelous music. It blend space scientific fiction, old west and blues/jazz/folk to create a unique theme. 

Same writer/director, same composer. Recommended for people who watched Bebop and loved the music, but perhaps wanted to see the music incorporated even more into the plot. You don't have to be a musician or even a music fan to like either of these series. The inclusion of jazz in the development of Watanabe's always wonderful characters makes for an extremely heartfelt and short series. 

Both Slice of Life/Music. Both set in school music clubs. Both have a emotion driven story.  

Both are music themed anime. It's kinda similar but, i think Sakamichi no Apollon had a better character. If you enjoyed Tari Tari, i think you should watch Sakamichi no Apollon 

Music has greatly impacted the lives of these highschool students that are being weighed down by their past memories. 

These two are quite different in story and character, but somehow similar in the mood and feeling they give off. They both have good character drama and are focused heavily on the setting they take place in. Good coming of age stories about characters discovering themselves and what they want in life.  

Both series contain a slice of life style where the main character has a rather bored out look on life. Both series' main protagonists also deals with parents who are not with them often and settles his boredom with his new friends, whom they don't get along with at first. Both has comedy, drama, and a little romance that has a pace that viewers can keep up with and enjoy. 

Both are stories of unrequited love that will lift you up... They share similar themes like school and friendship, but it's really that melodramatic and lighthearted feeling you get when you're watching both of these titles. Both are fulfilling titles that will ensure laughter, sadness, sympathy, and a sense of "what a beautiful story this was" as you look back. 

-the story is about a group of friends -character end up falling in love with each other -the sad atmosphere -the unique characters -both are really good animes worth to be watched  

Both have the theme of music and are youth centered. Both focus on jazz. There are heart warming moments for character development. I will sakamichi no apollon this anime has more life to music balance.  

Both are incredibly similar, jazz-esque music with the drums, piano. Blue Giant has the sax but Apollon has vocals. Both have really nice vibes to it, but Apollon is set like 40 years in the past while Blue Giant is somewhat modern.  

-Heartwarming -School Theme -Strange quiet tranquillity -Low stakes, low stress -Rowdy Troublemaker/ Bespectacled Student trope -Interesting, dream-like animation 

They both have a very natural, easy going school-time, summer-vibes type atmosphere, and both shows put a lot of emphasis on character dynamics and do a good job of capturing the overall feel of being a young and in love.  

They have very similar main characters, down to their character design. And they have a similar relationship with each other. The animation in the music scenes of both is great too. They're slice of lives, they start with a school transfer and they end with a separation. But most importantly, if Sakamichi no Apollon made you love jazz, Piano no Mori will make you love classical. Or vice-versa. 

They are pretty much have the same types of characters with different stories. They star mainly two young boys who love to play music. The boys have very similar character traits with one being poor and the outgoing type that tends to fight and plays music because he loves too. While the other is rich and shy tends to take himself seriously and does it both because he enjoys it and out a sense of duty. 

Both are about a group of students pursuing their hobbies in the fine arts. Sakamichi is about jazz music, while Honey and Clover is about art. Both have plenty of drama, romance, and humor. 

Although music is not a major theme in Honey and Clover, both series contain the romance geometry where feelings are scattered between different friends. Additionally, both series has similar art style reflecting a josei like feeling. And of course, expect a lot of drama in both series as the episodes progresses. There is also comedy present in both series. Both anime series' art also natural and contains realism in its finest form. 

Both are about music but at the same time they show a great message of team work and working as a band. 

Whether you are a music fan or you just want to see a school drama, you will enjoy both series about music band and high school life. For both series, the art is so terrific that musical instruments seem vivid; the soundtrack are inspiring for audience. The difference: the main characters of Sakamichi no Apollon play jazz while those of Hibike! Euphonium are members of a brass band; Sakamichi no Apollon focuses on romance and friendship while Hibike! Euphonium has few elements of romance but gives a big service for yuri lovers:) 

Both of these anime have an unbelievably large amount of similarities, I was very surprised this wasn't on the recommended list already so I went out of my way to make a myanimelist account to do so. I don't want to get too too much into detail but I will say both anime revolve around similar friendships, romance, conflicts, and of course it's a drama/romance/school anime as well. I really can't prove how similar these are without spoiling it for a potential viewer so if you did like "Just Because!" or "Sakamichi no Apollon" please give this anime a chance! After watching both of these you will truly understand what I mean. read more 

the main character and the theme is basically same but Sakamichi no apollon also focus more on their characters and also the music in the show is mostly jazz which btw is phenomenal. also it's hella underrated so imo its a must watch 

Both series follow characters who change their lives immensely thanks to music. Both show issues that are relevant to teenagers from their respective eras. Both have amazing soundtracks. 

Josei about hard work and relationships, with a lot of real-life references - Josei - Deepening in Work/Hobbie and Relationships (family, friendships, love) - maturation - Characters with well-developed personalities, showing their strengths and weaknesses throughout the anime in a human way, resembling real life - Characters' choices affect the course of their lives - Shows the characters in adolescence into adulthood - They focus on hobbies (SnA) or work (paradise kiss) performed with excellence and we follow all the paths, including the successes and mistakes. We also can see how important it is for they - Not everything is as we hope - They are more mature anime, both in the story and in the characters and in the character's appearance - Nice music One more detail in common was the tightness in my heart that I felt at the end of each of these animes, and it wasn't because it ended. read more 

Fantastic music, both have characters who grow doing what they love, and characters' psychology is quite complex. Very short and easy-to-watch (12 ep). Yuri on Ice is a bit special, but has a beautiful animation and drawings and so does Sakamichi no Apollon. Sakamichi no Apollon is a master piece for me ! 

Even they have different genre but they have similar story which is a lonely city boy who change his life by meeting some great people and occasion that happen around him. They share great friendship story and both male MC are voiced by the same seiyuu (Kimura Ryohei). 

If you like authentic real life settings and complex characters you'll love Sakamichi no Apollon as well. 

It's about a strong friends history melted with music, so if you like sweet anime, you will probably like both ! 

A somewhat similar situation in a very different way. Both are great in the romance, animation and music department. 

Genres are a bit different, but they're still very close to real life ( dancing and music). When main characters finally get to do the thing they're meant to do or have a talent for, their lives changes. They find a good friend who keeps them practicing and getting better, there's also a girl that our protagonist starts liking. Nice music, great animation and engaging story.  

Similar vibes. Main cast of two boys and one girl, everyone is passionate about this specific art form to the point even their parents are involved, similar family secrets, similar romantic drama... 

Both are josei and romance, and have a similar feeling to them. 

Similar atmosphere, same feeling, similar setting, lots of drama and both takes place shortly after World War 2. If you enjoyed one, you would totally enjoy the other! 

1.Both of the series have beautiful romance and not-so-annoying love triangles. 2. They are both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. 3. They start off at a high school and show the hardships of life after high school as well.