Kids on the Slope (2012)
A heartfelt Japanese anime about two unlikely friends whose bond is forged through the spontaneous, soulful language of jazz.
Kids on the Slope - Series Information
- Original Title: 坂道のアポロン
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
- First Air Date: April 13, 2012 (United States - TV-14), April 13, 2012 (Germany - 12), April 13, 2012 (France - 12), April 13, 2012 (Australia - M), April 13, 2012 (Brazil - 12), April 13, 2012 (Mexico - B), April 13, 2012 (Spain - 13), April 13, 2012 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Kids on the Slope (ES), Sakamichi no Apollon (JP), Kids on the Slope (US)
- Production Companies: Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
- Production Countries: Japan
Kids on the Slope - Plot
Two different students - a successful but aloof academic and a rebellious but kindhearted delinquent - form a friendship through their love for music.
Kids on the Slope - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the series' warm, music-driven atmosphere:
Where to Watch Kids on the Slope
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Kids on the Slope - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yuuka Nanri
- Ryohei Kimura
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Aya Endo
- Junichi Suwabe
Writers
- Ayako Kato
- Yuko Kakihara
Kids on the Slope - FAQs
Is Kids on the Slope based on a manga?
Yes, Kids on the Slope is based on the manga series Sakamichi no Apollon by Yuki Kodama, serialized in Shogakukan's Flowers magazine from 2007 to 2012. The anime adaptation was directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and faithfully captures the manga's emotional depth and jazz-infused storytelling.
What role does jazz play in Kids on the Slope?
Jazz is the emotional and narrative backbone of the series. It serves as the bridge between the two lead characters, Kaoru and Sentarou, whose contrasting personalities find harmony through improvisation and performance. The music, supervised by Yoko Kanno, authentically recreates classic jazz pieces central to the story.
Where can you stream Kids on the Slope?
Kids on the Slope is available to stream on HiDive as part of its flat-rate subscription. You can also check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional streaming availability, as platform offerings may vary depending on your location.
Who are the main voice actors in Kids on the Slope?
The principal voice cast includes Ryohei Kimura as Kaoru Nishimi, Yoshimasa Hosoya as Sentarou Kawabuchi, Yuuka Nanri as Ritsuko Mukae, Aya Endo as Yurika Fukahori, and Junichi Suwabe as Junichi Katsuragi. Their performances bring warmth and nuance to the series' emotionally rich characters.
What is Kids on the Slope about?
Set in late-1960s Japan, Kids on the Slope follows Kaoru, a reserved academic, and Sentarou, a spirited delinquent, who forge an unlikely friendship through their shared passion for jazz. The series explores themes of friendship, first love, identity, and the transformative power of music during adolescence.
How many episodes does Kids on the Slope have?
Kids on the Slope consists of 12 episodes across a single season. The series aired on Fuji TV in Japan beginning April 13, 2012, and concluded the same year. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, making it a compact yet deeply satisfying watch.
Did Kids on the Slope receive positive critical reception?
Yes, Kids on the Slope was widely praised by critics and anime enthusiasts alike. Reviewers highlighted director Shinichiro Watanabe's masterful blend of music and emotion, the authentic jazz soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, and the series' tender coming-of-age narrative as standout qualities that set it apart from typical anime.
What is the content rating for Kids on the Slope?
Kids on the Slope is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with themes such as unrequited love, family hardship, religious identity, and youthful angst, handled with sensitivity and emotional maturity throughout.
More About Kids on the Slope
Explore further details about this series on the following authoritative resources: