Imagine being an unnoticed drummer who suddenly gets a chance to join a big-name band. That’s the situation a young woman faces in Glass Heart, a new 10-episode Netflix series inspired by Mio Wakagi’s novel. Starring Takeru Sato (from Rurouni Kenshin) and Keita Machida (Alice in Borderland), the show is penned and directed by Aoki’s Kensenku.
Glass Heart: Stream or Skip?
Opening Scene: The camera sweeps through a vibrant music festival audience, with distorted cries setting the stage before the drums kick in. Welcome to Rock Alive Japan.
Main Themes: This multi-stage festival is where Akane (Miyazaki) faces rejection. She stands in the rain, gripping her sticks by the red Yamaha kit, watching her former bandmate leave. Her narration reveals her confusion about what to do next. When she finally plays a beat, she’s astonished to hear a piano responding from afar, creating a magical connection amidst the rain.
Flash forward three years, Akane auditions for a new band but spends most of her time working at her mother’s restaurant. After yet another rejection—“Your drums… They don’t know how to listen”—she’s on the verge of abandoning her dreams. A mysterious note delivered to her home changes everything, leading her to a music room where she meets Naoshima Fujita (Sato), once a child prodigy and now a celebrated name in Japan’s music scene. Joined by guitarist Shoka (Machida) and pianist Sakamoto Kazushi, they create music together, and Akane excitedly jumps behind a nearby kit. “We have four unlikely collaborators trying to resonate with one story,” says Akane.
Glass Heart really captures the essence of music, blending progressive rock and jazz, creating an atmosphere that feels alive and vibrant. The camerawork, much like Aoki’s approach, gets intimate with the instruments, showcasing Akane’s belief that music is almost sacred. It’s evident that this series is as passionate about music as the characters themselves—no cutaway shots of fingers pretending to play. The actors genuinely seem to engage with their instruments.
Akane’s deep sensitivity to music places her often in her own world, crafting elaborate mental symphonies—but her confidence is shaky. Why were they interested in her? Can she really fit in with these seasoned musicians? Kazushi doesn’t seem to think so. Meanwhile, Naoshima supports her, and one night during another storm, she finds a musical note pinned to a wall, leading her to wonder if their connection goes beyond music. “One thing I know for sure,” he tells her, “we’ll do great things together.”
Similar Shows: What stands out about Glass Heart is its focus on music—playing it, writing it, and feeling it—making it feel more immersive compared to something like Daisy Jones & The Six. It also reminds me of We Are Lady Parts, a British series about Muslim women forming a punk band, which I think deserved more attention when it debuted on Peacock.
Our Take: I’m not sure if trench coats and infinity scarves are the current fashion trend in Japan, but they’re definitely a standout part of the visual style in Glass Heart. The dynamic between Akane and her bandmates unfolds beautifully as they navigate high-stakes concerts and a vibrant crowd. It’s stylized realism, perfectly mirroring how invested the characters are in their journeys.
Akane still feels like a work in progress when it comes to being part of a “band.” Naoshima backs her, yet Kazu warns her to reconsider. He informs Naki’s manager Kai (Karata) about a crucial reality: “The sound of genius makes ordinary folks feel uneasy.” This presents an intriguing conflict for Akane as she balances her “normalcy” with the pressure of this unexpected opportunity. I’m curious to see how this affects the chemistry of her new band.
Returning to those trench coats for a second, Glass Heart walks a fine line. It hints at the challenges new bands face while also shining a light on the industry’s hesitations. We meet producers who seem hesitant about up-and-coming drummers. Despite this, there are nice moments throughout showcasing Azusa and Naoshima’s chemistry. For what it’s worth, Miyazaki Yu brings an adorableness to her character, while Takeru Sato is established as Naoshima’s “cool” factor — a gentle heartthrob.
Sex and Skin: There’s none here; the romance lingers like an elusive melody.
Closing Scene: Amidst a heckling crowd at their first performance, the newly formed band begins to play, but just as the first notes hit, the screen cuts to credits. It leaves you wanting more.
Standout Character: We appreciate Masaki Suda’s role as Toya; there are lots of possibilities for him to shake things up in Naoshima’s new project.
Memorable Quote: Akane muses about music: “In that moment, there was just sound. The rain, the scenery, even me… everything blended together.”
Final Thoughts: With its striking visuals, rich musicality, and the protagonist’s journey mingling with a hint of romance, Glass Heart is a big yes from us.
