The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is.
It's competition time, and Tanya struggles on, while Kiyora continues her steady advance. But what about Nodame, who watches on? It's the second round of the preliminaries at the Cantona International Music Competition. A string of solid performances take Kiyora on her way to the finals, but will Tanya be able to show what she's really made of on stage? Meanwhile, when Nodame spectates at the competition, she encounters the piece she knows was meant for her. She dreams of playing this Ravel concerto with Chiaki one day, but a cruel coincidence awaits her...