K-On!

K-On!

A heartwarming slice-of-life anime about high school girls forming a light music club and their journey of friendship and music.

Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
2007
Origin
Japan
Tags
slice-of-life
music
school
friendship
comedy
moe

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
K-On! (Keion!)
Aliases
Keion, Light Music Club, K-ON!, 縺代>縺翫s!
Type
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
2007
Status
Completed
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Kakifly
Publisher
Houbunsha (manga), TBS (anime)
Original Work
K-On! manga by Kakifly
Genre
Slice of Life, Comedy, Music, School, Moe, Seinen

Content Information

Synopsis
Yui Hirasawa joins her high school's Light Music Club to save it from disbanding, where she learns guitar and forms lasting friendships.
Main Characters
Yui Hirasawa, Ritsu Tainaka, Mio Akiyama, Tsumugi Kotobuki, Azusa Nakano
Setting
Sakuragaoka High School, modern-day Japan, music rooms and everyday locations
Themes
Friendship, music, growing up, school life, pursuing dreams, teamwork
Target Audience
Anime fans, music enthusiasts, slice-of-life lovers, all ages

Characters

Yui Hirasawa
Lead Guitarist/Main Protagonist

An airheaded but lovable girl who joins the Light Music Club and becomes passionate about guitar....

Lead Guitarist/Main Protagonist
View Details
Ritsu Tainaka
Drummer/Club PresidentAfter School Tea TimeFemale15-18 (high school)

The energetic and tomboyish president of the Light Music Club who plays drums.

Abilities: Drumming, Leadership, High energy...
Quotes:
"Let's rock!"
""I am Ritsu Tainaka.""
"A band is all about teamwork!"
character
View Details
Mio Akiyama
Bassist/Main SongwriterAfter School Tea TimeFemale15-18 (high school)

A shy and responsible girl who plays bass and writes most of the band's songs.

Abilities: Bass guitar, Songwriting, Vocals...
Quotes:
"Don't look at me!"
""I am Mio Akiyama.""
"Music should come from the heart."
character
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Tsumugi Kotobuki
Keyboardist/Tea ProviderAfter School Tea TimeFemale15-18 (high school)

A wealthy and gentle girl who plays keyboard and provides tea and sweets for the club.

Abilities: Keyboard/Piano, Tea preparation, Wealth management...
Quotes:
"This is so exciting!"
""I am Tsumugi Kotobuki.""
"The best things in life are the simple moments with friends."
character
View Details
Azusa Nakano
Rhythm Guitarist/Junior MemberAfter School Tea TimeFemale14-17 (high school)

A serious and skilled guitarist who joins the club in the second season.

Abilities: Guitar mastery, Musical discipline, Technical skill...
Quotes:
"We need to practice more seriously!"
""I am Azusa Nakano.""
"Music requires both skill and heart."
character
View Details
Jun Suzuki
Potential Club MemberSakuragaoka High SchoolFemale

Azusa's friend who is interested in joining the Light Music Club.

Abilities: Musical interest, Friendship, Support...
Quotes:
"The Light Music Club looks like fun!"
""I am Jun Suzuki.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details

Media Forms

Animated Series
Two seasons of anime, OVAs, and a feature film
Comics
Original 4-koma manga series and various spin-offs
Merchandise
Figures, instruments, school supplies, clothing, accessories
Video Games
Rhythm games, mobile games, and music simulation games
Books
Light novels, art books, music scores, character guides
Live Events
Concerts, voice actor events, music performances, fan gatherings
Digital Content
Streaming anime, digital manga, mobile apps, music downloads

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 2 million manga copies sold, high anime BD/DVD sales
Revenue
Hundreds of millions in merchandise and media sales
Awards
Various anime awards, music recognition, cultural impact awards
Critical Reception
Highly praised for animation quality, character development, and music
Cultural Impact
Popularized moe culture, influenced music anime genre, boosted instrument sales
Market Value
One of Kyoto Animation's most successful franchises
Licensing
International distribution, merchandise licensing, music rights
Merchandise Revenue
Extensive revenue from figures, instruments, and character goods

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Dedicated global fanbase, music enthusiasts, moe culture fans
Communities
Active online forums, fan sites, social media groups, music communities
Events
Anime conventions, music events, pilgrimage to real locations, fan concerts
Quotes
Fuwa fuwa time, Tea time is important, Let's practice together
Memes
Mugi's eyebrows, Yui's airheadedness, Mio's reactions, tea and cake time
Cosplay
School uniforms, casual outfits, stage costumes, instrument accessories
Fan Art
Character illustrations, band artwork, school life scenes, musical moments
Fan Projects
Music covers, fan animations, tribute videos, real band formations
Cultural References
Referenced in other anime, music culture, educational contexts

Historical Development

2007
Original manga begins serialization in Manga Time Kirara
2009
First anime season airs, becomes cultural phenomenon
2010
Second anime season K-On!! airs with expanded cast
2011
Feature film K-On! Movie released in theaters
2012
Manga series concludes after successful run
2019
K-On! Shuffle spin-off manga begins publication
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