Morning in Taranai

Final scene of the episode, depicting Tomasoto, Nancai, and Husako in contemplation.

### Director

Sako Tume

**"Morning in Taranai"** is a Season 1 episode of the series Taranai Yūsu Ōkesutora. This was the very first episode and premiere of Season 1, as well as the very first episode of the series overall.

## Synopsis

In the snow-swept town of Taranai, a frustrated conductor fights to keep her youth orchestra alive. Amidst the rivalry between two high schools, talented yet shy musicians find solace in music's unifying power.

## Plot

The episode opens with a montage showing the golden sunrise, the snow-capped peaks of the Taranai Region, and chimney smoke coming from houses in the city. Jodai Topomo stands on a hill looking resolute and determined.

The next scene shows Tomasoto Yeseke and Husako Tiwe sitting in their homeroom at Taranai Boys' High School. The teacher introduces a new student who has arrived from England, Edgar Rice. His Japanese is heavily accented at this time but improves later through the series.

At lunchtime, Husako and Tomasoto practice their music, with Tomasoto rehearsing his Grade 6 piano and Husako working out a new drum beat. Edgar walks into the room and picks up a violin, beginning to play it. Husako and Tomasoto are interested to see this new student playing an instrument, so they converse with him. Edgar explains how he learned violin back in England. A friendship begins to develop between the trio. Then Husako calls for a musical duel, and the boys enjoy seeing who can play the most complex melody.

The next scene shows Taranai Girls' High School, over 40 miles away on the other side of the province. Ranai Yuke is explaining to a crowd in the music room why viola is better than violin, and is secretly watched by Nancai Shen, who wants to become a violinist. Class begins, and Emily Wassen is introduced, a new student from America. Emily Wassen excitedly talks about how she enjoyed playing the timpani at her old school orchestra in America. However, the students laugh, and the teacher explains that the school does not have an orchestra as there are not enough musicians. Emily is disappointed, and chooses a seat next to Nancai.

At lunchtime at Taranai Girls' High, Emily shyly sits next to Nancai at lunch. Her nervousness disappears, however, when the school begins to talk about music. Nancai confesses her dream of becoming a violinist, while Emily listens patiently, then mentions how an orchestra could be formed if the musicians from both the boys' school and the girls' school combined. However, Nancai is nervous about this, and mentions that the principal of the schools do not get along so such a union would be impossible.

Coincidentally, at that same moment, Jodai Topomo is holding a meeting with the two school principals, Mr. Tupunwe and Ms. Lireste. Jodai frustratedly argues how the students do not get enough musical experience at either school and that the formation of an orchestra would be the most obvious solution to the problem. The principals argue that there is not nearly enough funding to make such a thing. Jodai then begins a passionate speech about how the orchestra could bridge a gap between the schools and create a greater sense of community in the region. Additionally, she argues that the region already never experiences any such events as it is too small to be visited by other touring orchestras. The principals then reluctantly agree to give Jodai one month to prove the orchestra could be successful.

The next scene shows a montage of posters being put up at both schools, with many students noticing the posters and deciding to join. At the boys' school, Edgar is excited to join as he has never played in a group ensemble before, but Tomasoto and Husako are reluctant as they believe there would still not be enough musicians even with the schools combined. Similarly, at the girls' school, Emily is quick to sign up and tries to convince Nancai but she argues that she does not even play an instrument and would not join.

The next scene then shows the first rehearsal, with Jodai opening and the musicians introducing themselves. As well as Edgar and Emily, other people joining the orchestra include Ranai Yuke, three more violinists, and a few brass players. Jodai states that although the amount of players is limited, the orchestra would still be able to create music. Sjhe then hands out the music for "Morning in Taranai", a piece created by a local composer. The players begin to learn the music.

A montage then follows of the next few orchestra recitals. Edgar tries to play loud and independently, despite Jodai's insistence of teamwork. Ranai, meanwhile, develops a hostility to the violinists, as she was the butt of many viola jokes during her childhood and feels resentment towards the more common musicians.

After one chaotic practice, Jodai then leads the entire orchestra outside, and they follow her to a meadow, perfectly reflecting the golden glow of the sun in the grass. Jodai tells the orchestra to take in the beauty of the meadow, to take the feeling of it and put it into the instrument.

The next week, the song is presented to the principals. Occasionally during the song, the scene flicks to showing Tomasoto, Husako, or Nancai at their own houses, humming the tune to the song while the orchestra plays it. Afterwards, the principals are impressed by the peaceful mood of the performance. Afterwards, they agree to let the orchestra continue.

The final scene of the episode shows Tomasoto, Nancai, and Husako, still struggling to decide whether they should join the orchestra.

## Characters

### Major Characters

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

### Minor Characters

* Mr. Tupunwe
* Ms. Lireste
* Dakin Han
* Kiel Pisutu
* Stanoyo Trume