The Kindness of Natsuki Nakagawa - A Sound Euphonium character study

[@arcticaviary7322]

Natsuki is the best character in Hibike Eupho, in a show where there so many great characters to choose from. Fell in love with her at the audition scene with Kumiko. She's the most 'Euphonium' out of all of them, by leaving a huge impact on the club just by caring about her friends. And her ponytail is gorgeous!

[@linesinmotion]

Hibike certainly has an amazing cast, but out of all of them, it was Natsuki (and Kumiko) who caught my eye the most! She's just too loveable and a caring character not to love. And her anime look is much different to the LN's - but I prefer what Kyoani did with her character design

[@Gan_rl]

FRFR

[@katekarin3838]

I sure do love women with ponytail hairstyle

[@edwine6139]

And when Natsuki interrupted the Kanade's audition. I said "that women is honest and wonderfully incredible"

[@Die-Coughman]

Natsuki is such a cool character

[@linesinmotion]

Of all the characters in Hibike, she always came across as the most chilled - she'd be a good friend to have!

[@pom7535]

She's cute, what amine is she from?

[@tama5380]

@@pom7535 ... the name of the anime is literally in the title of the video.

[@hasansabahgaminganimemovie7679]

Will she appear in season 3 and ova or not ?

[@NOITY35]

She's truly one of the best examples of character development in Sound! Euphonium, and that's among basically every character showing really great growth. I initially thought little of her, and thought she would drop out of the band due to her lack of motivation, and I'm so happy that I was wrong. She becomes such a great senior to and friend of Kumiko. It's so nice.

[@linesinmotion]

It shows a lot when Natsuki, one of the many side characters in this story, still has a great development story - even alongside our main characters. She's a great addition to the cast!

[@NOITY35]

@@linesinmotion After watching everything I can't say with any conviction that I actually dislike any character in this universe. All of them stand out to me as real people, Natsuki and Kumiko most especially.

[@linesinmotion]

@@NOITY35 Completely agree - really solid cast!

[@NOITY35]

@@linesinmotion I also want to add, I had a more recent rewatch, and I think Yuuko has easily become one of my favorites due to her transformation throughout the show and movies.

[@runespar]

Liz and the Blue Bird was what really solidified my appreciation for Natsuki. It makes her support for Nozome in SE even more meaningful.

[@lovemehardandgood]

Season 3 just started and im into the Sound Euphonium Bubble once again, great video.

[@karamdabagh]

Natsuki is the under represented eupho

[@linesinmotion]

I love all the eupho's, but I agree, she's definitely the underrepresented one!

[@michaellegarde3125]

Seeing Yuuko & Natsuki tandem in Season 3 made me super happy as they truly liven up the show again. Some of the S1 & S2 music also resurfaced in S3 which is just nostalgic tbh. Would love to see more of the previous characters show up again in Season 3. P.S. Still my favorite anime of all time. ❤

[@olab.4352]

I literally "WOHOOO!":ed in front of the screen when Natsuki & Yuuko appeared in S3E7.

[@johankwok]

I remember being surprised when I caught myself reacting to Natsuki's actions and scenes in such a strong manner, more than anything in this anime. You know, clenching fists and shouting "NATSUKIIIII" in my head. KZbin has been recommending me some Hibike videos recently, so I just had to see if someone made a video about her, to do her justice. Searched "natsuki hibike" and I'm glad I found such a quality one! Thanks!

[@linesinmotion]

I'm glad i'm not the only one then, haha! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching 😊

[@sle6423]

"Straight off the bat" = excellent writing :P Love this exposition, especially for a character I've never thought too closely about in a series I absolutely adore. Thank you for making it!

[@FezPlays]

I just finished Hibike! Euphonium for the first time and was struggling to think of my favorite character (Asuka, Nozomi, and Mizore all instantly jumped to mind). After watching your video and other people’s, I think I can comfortably say that Natsuki is easily the most relatable. Her story is incredible. I love how caring she is. I love how hard she works when she realizes that other people are relying on her. I love how she is willing to put her reputation and character on the line in order to help Nozomi rejoin. I love how she selflessly tries to bring Asuka back for nationals, even if it means she can’t play herself. I wish I could give her a “daisuki no hug.” She deserves way more credit than some people give her.

[@teitoku7110]

ngl, I always fall in love with her when she always appears. A cool character you can rely on.

[@TM-th9lq]

Great character analysis!!!!! Natsuki was such a greatly developed character

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you very much! And she was indeed!

[@ap-kl8lq]

I do like her character a lot she sees things differently

[@AnnohaSF]

I have at least 5 favourite characters in this show. None of which I can pick over the other

[@originaltster5452]

Only Yuuko would argue Natsuki best girl. :p Great essay, looking forward to seeing more from this channel!

[@linesinmotion]

Very true haha! And thank you very much!

[@fukutaichou1903]

Natsuki is my favorite character in the whole Eupho franchise. Sure, there are lots of likeable characters whose development were also written in a way that wouldn't overwhelm the others. Natsuki's relationship with everyone really cements the whole show for me. My favorite Natsuki scene is the one with Hazuki in s1 ep. 14, that was major power senpai move. In general, I realized I liked the 2nd yr senpais more than the others. Although I admit I was highly infatuated with everyone's beloved Asuka senpai at first.

[@dimasputeraw8583]

The season 3 will come and I will miss Natsuki's kindness :(

[@linesinmotion]

Same here! I've slowly grown on the newer first years, but not to the same extent I love Natsuki (and the others of her year too). It'll be sad to have a season without her!

[@miredmind]

Just rewatched all Hibike! Euphonium movies. I loved this girl the first time I finished seasons 1 and 2, but I did not know by how much. All I knew was that her kindness towards everyone around her despite having struggles of her own has always been so charming/endearing for me. After watching this, I can confidently say, "straight to the top of the rankings you go!"

[@TheSledgehammer205]

Natsuki's "E.Q." (Emotional Quotient) is incredibly high, and is one of my favourite characters in the series/franchise. That high level also means her somewhat indifferent attitude may be seen as too laid-back.

[@yoshi_winter96]

This is why I love this anime so much. You can't just watch it normally, you gotta think about it deeply to understand. This anime is not for shallow minded people who always commented that this is a yuri anime.

[@kagekun1198]

I have just recently finished watching all the Hibike Euphonium series and movies to date, and I have gained a greater appreciation for all the original second years, Nozomi and Mizore, and yes, Yuuko and Natsuki among them. (In particular, Yuuko had stepped up to the role as president magnificently) When we were first introduced to Natsuki, we were seeing the end result of someone beaten down by toxic work culture. Her melancholy and seeming apathy was deceptive, because once the whole wind ensemble club realized that things would be different, Natsuki began to spread her wings once more. She has exhibited many admirable qualities; resilience, honesty, diligence, loyalty, empathy, hilarious comedic timing with Yuuko, and yes, kindness, among many others. Over two seasons, a movie and an OVA, Natsuki has shown herself to be an amazing senpai, and an even better friend. It was an absolute moment of triumph when she finally passed her auditions and got to play in the ensemble with her fellow classmates of the same year. I still think it was too premature for Natsuki and Yuuko to retire so soon. It would have been nice to see them at work now that the burden of Nationals had been lifted. But the bitter truth is, Natsuki isn't the main character. Kumiko is. So, the glory of getting Gold in Nationals will ultimately go to Kumiko and Reina in their final year. Kumiko has some major shoes to fill, and with Natsuki's impact on her life, she will definitely fill them well.

[@drstagrid8394]

YES. Natsuki my best girl💕 I really like her role in Liz and blue bird. (which also my favorite animation film so far)

[@Charangel-cr7]

I just totally ignored Natsuki in my first time watching the anime.But maybe that did reveal the function of her as a lube and clue.Sound Euphonium has made such a great influence on me that I even visit Japan last week ,which is a memorable experience .

[@FilthyGaijin]

Finally a video focusing on Natsuki. She is one of my favorite characters in the series.

[@justinmullins1112]

Thanks for helping me realize that I love literally every moment Natsuki is on-screen. I might watch the show again specifically to pay her more attention. That said, I'm sad that she's leaving the band after Oath's Finale (due to graduation). 8:14 Sorry to be sorta off topic, but I love how you can tell in this shot who's offering the water bottle before any more than her arm is on screen. If memory serves, at this point in the show, you've seen 2 other people hold water bottles from the top: Asuka, who uses it to spook Kumiko as she watches Haruka practice, and Reina, who offers it to Kumiko much like Natsuki does here. Both of these other characters hold their bottles using their fingertips, a bit more feminine/delicate. But when you see this arm is wearing the female student uniform and holding the bottle by wrapping their fingers around the neck (more blunt/masculine than the fingertips grip), you immediately think "oh, that's Natsuki."

[@linesinmotion]

Natsuki leaving will be devastating for me 😢😢 But I'm glad this video was a little insightful into showing off Natsuki's greatness haha

[@hasansabahgaminganimemovie7679]

@@linesinmotion I realy wonder if she will appear in season 3 or the new movie .

[@francescastura4962]

#TeamNatsuki Such a loving, beautifully written character. I'm so happy 'silent support', as I name it, is getting showed more in medias recently. It's not the grandeur of your kindness that makes you special, but your kindness *itself* . Glad you're here to bring a light on the topic and others you've covered; love you! 💗

[@The_Steve]

Such a great video. When I first watched the series, I never paid much attention to characters like Yuuko and Natsuki, but as time has passed since watching the series, seeing just how much the two had grown by Liz just made me completely change how I looked at the two of them, making them possible equal 2nd on my list of favourites (Sorry, there is no beating Kumiko). I'm glad that there are still people out here in the community making videos on Sound Euphonium Well done

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you! On the grand scheme of things, both Natsuki and Yuuko serve as the supportive side character friend, so it's easy to see why many people can brush over them in comparison to the more developed characters. But much like you, after my *coughs* several *coughs* re-watches of the show, Natsuki in particular became such a big favourite of mine, that it will be hard to see the story continue after she's graduated and Kumiko's in her third year. Thanks for watching!

[@niceemployee]

I didnt watch Hibike Euphonium and Liza and the Blue Bird til last year and recently thought about them. Seeing you do a whole video about one of my favorite characters was really nice to see as she truly is the underdog of the series.

[@almas9421]

I love this video, I can finally watch it, since as of writing this I've just finished catching up on all of Hibike for S3. Yeah Natsuki is my favorite character by far. You put words on my toughts ❤️

[@alexanderliew5327]

Ahhh thank you for this video , It was really good and goes to show how important a character natsuki was. It was enough to get me to tear up a bit haha, so keep up the good work! Haaaa that’s why I think kyoani should make a proper season for the kumiko’s second year, so characters like natsuki and the rest of the Minami quartet and new first years can properly shine.

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you, I'm always happy to see other fans of Natsuki! And I'd have loved a proper season for Kumiko's second year, but I reckon it'll be a season for her third year instead (which is a shame, because like you said, it'd have been nice to see more of the minami quartet!!) However! The author of the hibike live novels released the news a few months back that she's working on a novel about Natsuki in her university years (where yuuko also attends) so here's hoping Kyoani adapts that too!

[@Cieges]

The “rivalry”’is so cute🤣 Also watched this show bc of you, so ty

[@linesinmotion]

Omg, that's the biggest honour, I hope you enjoyed the show!

[@martinvalencia798]

I agree! It is indeed subtle!

[@alexwang6507]

Such an under-appreciated character. I mean, who can say no to Natsuki’s gorgeous smile?

[@claramello6282]

really amazing video. I've watched hibike euphonium as it came out since its first season and seeing this makes me want to rewatch the whole thing. I always liked natsuki but never paid that much attention to her, this was very interesting. It's really cool to see how the show nails even characters with fewer screen time like her

[@linesinmotion]

Haha, everytime I watch a video on Hibike i'm always the same - wanting to rewatch it again (for the 50th time). But thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, the writing team did a great job with her character.

[@JasmineTeaEnjoyer]

What an amazing video. This is my favorite anime of all time and Natsuki is a massive part of that. Her development is superb.

[@k-ondoomer]

I wrote her off so hard when I saw how aloof and jaded she was but ultimately still thought she was cool because she looks just like kyoko sakura from modka magika. When I saw her working hard for an audition she Ultimately failed I was both shocked and moved. She represents the greatest redemption arc I've ever witness in an anime, no matter how jaded and hurt you've been left by something you can rediscover passion in it and become better.

[@steinmov]

Nice analysis. Viewers don't take enough time to appreciate character development.

[@GusAlo17]

It's beautiful. I've looked at this for five hours now.

[@linesinmotion]

I'm glad you enjoy the video! Thank you!

[@Kyh_on]

Man Natsuki is my favorite character this was great!!

[@linesinmotion]

Sorry for the late reply, but thank you!

[@marii5050]

There are so many amazing characters in Hibike Euphonium and Natsuki is slept on.

[@jumonjichoo7070]

Enjoyable video. Made me appreciate Natsuki more and she’s already one of my favorite characters!

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you! I'm glad to further the Natsuki agenda 😂

[@angelac.5984]

watching this made me cry & made me realize how much i treasure my BEST GIRL NATSUKI!!

[@ahabicher]

thank you for giving my favourite Sound-Eupho-character such a positive in-depth analysis.

[@grapeicies]

Natsuki is best senpai. I’m so happy to see Kumiko facing a situation where she’s drawing on Natsuki’s grace in the face of a merit-based system in season 3.

[@yatakun]

My all tie favourite character in all of anime. Great video keep up the good videos

[@linesinmotion]

She's definitely up there as one of my big favourites too! And thank you very much!

[@picoparadox461]

I'm such a sucker for characters like Natsuki or Kyoko Sakura, who have that cool attitude, but also strongly care about their friends and take care of them. By the way, ponytails are the best hairstyle.

[@linesinmotion]

Kyoko Sakura was EASILY my favourite character in the PMMM series!! They're very strongly similar in many ways like you pointed out now that you mentioned it😮

[@ugottjon]

This a great video. I love listening to people talk about Hibike and Kyoani in general. Keep up the good work!

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you for the comment! Hibike is a great series, and luckily there are plenty of great videos dedicated to the series out there - I love listening to people talk about it too.

[@kingelendil1142]

Thank you for making this nice study about my favorite Hibike character!

[@diziwiz3887]

NATSUKI APPRECIATION LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@tindersamurai911]

Natsuki is my favorite character and I look forward to season 3 so much. Although I'm sad that Natsuki, Yuuko, Nozomi and Mizore won't be there anymore. I really hope they add some segment of Natsuki and Yuuko since they went to the same college.

[@muzhaffar18]

Team Natsuki here, easily the best Senpai

[@DigitalRemixTV]

Natsuki is LITERALLY my favorite character from the anime. I really want another season just to see more interactions between her and Yuuko because they are canon in my heart 😭😭

[@linesinmotion]

Another fellow Natsuki fan! And here's hoping 🤞🤞🤞 I'd even love to see a Light Novel about her and Yuuko at the same college!

[@DigitalRemixTV]

lines in motion That would honestly be so great and I hope they do 😭🙏🏼. Anyways, this video essay was well-written and well done! I look forward to anything else you put out!

[@linesinmotion]

@@DigitalRemixTV 😭 Thank you so much for the support!!!

[@nekobakemono5251]

Thanks for making this video. Put everything a side (since it's pretty quality already), i really like your calm voice and the jokes you made. Good writting, heh? Anw, keep up the good work!

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you, I appreciate that!! 😊😊

[@rob.aravena]

This video was freaking beautiful .Watched Eupho maany times, and didn't thought that much on Natsuki's role on everything, now I leave with a massive crush on this anime girl, thanks.

[@linesinmotion]

haha! I think because the things she does are so small in actions but bigger in the grande scheme of things, that they can be overlooked. Thank you so much, and I'm glad to help with any natsuki appreciation 😄

[@arakhatasingh2070]

I absolutely love your videos! You put so much effort in each video and I love the explanation. I just found your channel and already on the third video :D

[@Leonhart231]

Great analysis! Thanks a lot for taking the time to make it.

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you very much! And of course, I love making analysis videos and Natsuki is such a great character to do one for. Thanks for watching!

[@fallingmeteorites6238]

She's my favorite character in the series, also she got even better in chikai no finale too. Nice video :D One thing i don't understand though, why did you imply that she had a self-worth issue in the early scene? Cause i never thought it that way. I just thought that she was merely demotivated.

[@linesinmotion]

I'd managed to watch Chikai No Finale not long back, I'm glad she took on her 3rd year role so well, kinda sad we didn't see the third years graduate in this film (unless that's being saved for a future project - I've still yet to read the LN's). For me, I found it to be a mixture of both. It was moreso the little scenes of Natsuki watching Kumiko play, where you could tell she knew she's wasn't as good as her. It was lack of motivation for sure, but I think a part of her was guilty of her actions in the year prior and she may have felt she didn't deserve to play with the band because of it. Thanks for watching!

[@fallingmeteorites6238]

@@linesinmotion i never realized that before. The fact that she only played eupho for 2(?) years compared to kumiko who had a lot more experience maybe caused her to think that she didn't deserve to play with the band. I hope they give natsuki and co. some screentime in season 3 before they focus on kumiko's third year

[@hilikkushilikkus3774]

Well, thank you for this great video ! You brilliantly summed up what makes Natsuki my favorite character of the show. By the way, I highly recommend you to see the movie "Oath's Finale", especially if you want to see how Natsuki fills her role as vice president of the band. I would love to hear your opinion about it !

[@sheilavil3244]

Your analysis is very well explained ! Thank you very much for your video !

[@swageyamatobiyolo8068]

TEAM NATSUKI!!! Just (re)watched episode 10 and jumped straight into youtube searching for natsuki content because she is Best Girl

[@ponythugkinak8902]

Natsuki is such a good character I felt so bad that the movie did not show her graduation, but there a light novel about Natsuki point of view which is nice

[@deviscristiano8858]

Incredible character analysis! Immediately subscribed!

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you so much - and thanks for supporting, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ehnakgambar]

love this analysis. love natsuki-senpai

[@navidahmed1]

This video needs more praise!

[@kmwill23]

I think I saw she is getting her own show. Its tough to call her best in a show full of bests =P

[@TFormers2002]

I'll have to check this one out being such a band nerd and sucker for these types of stories.

[@linesinmotion]

Oh you'll most probably enjoy it then! Sound Euphonium is one of my favourite music-related anime

[@martinvalencia798]

#teamnatsuki #yuriforever

[@franl2543]

Love the vid! Nice editing!

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you ❤️

[@hui-an-xin]

Perfection, this video and natsuki.

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you very much!

[@samuelpinto4165]

Natsuki, es despues de Kumiko es mi personaje favorito de todo Hibike, me fascina su forma de ser

[@scheimaa172]

You convinced me to watch this.

[@UNie-0515]

she is the best，my favorite character

[@Fthan]

This is a great video

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you very much!

[@bostion518]

Mizore is my favourite but natsuki is really great too

[@HollowInstinct-]

Natsuki is my favorite character from the series, I always get excited when she's in one of the scenes

[@luralord9202]

Best Girl

[@masazi_art7220]

10:09 YES YES YES!!!

[@muhammadrusyaidi2468]

Ahh yess best senpai

[@karstensingh343]

Where those extras really cannon? Because I remember them seeming pretty weird and out of character.

[@opredniends1940]

If kumikos va is not tomoyo natsuki would be my best girl

[@karamdabagh]

❤

[@EnarisZaHool]

Wonderful vid, and I notice that you don't reference Our Promise. Natsuki steals that one too, in the incredible audition sequence.

[@linesinmotion]

Thank you, and oh of course, how could I have forgotten to mention! 😭

[@manmaneko6474]

ε=ε=ε=ε=(((( ﾉ^ω^)ﾉ

[@acabaxiroxo1209]

GAY

[@ca2303]

Literally the best character im entire show Fight Me!