The Ghost of Topomo Bridge

Final scene of the episode, showing Tomasoto glimpsing his grandfather.

**"The Ghost of Topomo Bridge"** is a Season 1 episode of the series Taranai Yūsu Ōkesutora. It is the 2nd episode of Season 1, as well as the second episode of the series overall.

## Synopsis

The orchestra takes on a new challenge: a haunting melody called "The Ghost of Topomo Bridge." As they delve into the local legend behind the piece, the students must confront their own fears and doubts.

## Plot

The episode opens with the orchestra practicing "Morning in Taranai". Much of the sound is drowned out by the howling wind outside. Jodai, the conductor, becomes frustrated about the amount of missed notes, and Ranai Yuke blames the violin section for this.

The next scene shows Tomasoto Yeseke at his home, practicing the piano. His parents approach him and tell him he should begin violin lessons, because his grandfather was a famous violinist who toured Kyushu. Tomasoto's grandfather died young, so his parents want Tomasoto to pick up his legacy. However, Tomasoto prefers the piano and does not want to change his instrument.

Meanwhile, Husako is also facing pressure to change his instrument. His cousin, Adino Tiwe, is visiting from Tokyo. Adino plays guitar in a rock band. Husako also plays guitar but prefers to play drums, but his cousin pressures him to quit drums and focus on guitar.

At the next orchestra practice, Jodai announces the next piece, "The Ghost of Topomo Bridge". She explains how the piece is based on a local legend about a young musician who vanished near the bridge. Some people have said they could still hear his melodies in the wind while passing on the bridge.

Jodai leads the orchestra to Topomo Bridge, and asks them to take in the atmosphere so they know how to play the song. Suddenly, one of Edgar's violin strings plucks itself. The rest of the orchestra is convinced he did it on purpose even though Edgar swears he didn't do it.

The next day at Taranai Girls' High, Nancai is attempting to learn the violin in the music room. Emily enters and offers support, even though neither of them have a clue of how to play the violin. Suddenly, Ranai bursts into the room, and mocks Nancai for attempting to learn such a worthless instrument. Nancai runs from the room while Emily criticises Ranai for behaving like this.

At the next practice of the orchestra, Jodai continues to ridicule the violin section. Emily is still angry at Ranai. Because of their injured confidence, the violin section plays worse, and Jodai is unhappy with their performance.

The sound of the orchestra practicing the song continues in the next scene, where Tomasoto decides to take a walk and ends up at Topomo Bridge. The sound of the orchestra begins to fade and is replaced by a solo violin playing the song. Tomasoto is confused and attempts to find out where the song is coming from. Suddenly, the shadowy figure of a violinist appears in front of Tomasoto, and it becomes apparent that it was Tomasoto's grandfather that died at the bridge all those years ago. The episode ends with Tomasoto watching this performance.

## Characters

### Major Characters

* Jodai Topomo
* Edgar Rice
* Emily Wassen
* Tomasoto Yeseke
* Husako Tiwe
* Nancai Shen

### Minor Characters

* Ranai Yuke
* Dakin Han
* Kiel Pisutu
* Stanoyo Trume
* Tipoko Yeseke
* Rinala Yeseke
* Adino Tiwe