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.
Nodame’s grueling lessons with her teacher have paid off: At last she agrees to play in a piano competition. Too bad there’s not enough time for Nodame to learn all the required pieces. . . . Meanwhile, Shinichi has mysteriously overcome his fear of flying and finally decided to go to Europe to further his musical studies. Out of the blue, he asks Nodame to join him–but she turns him down. Determined Shinichi travels to Nodame’s hometown. Will the challenge prove too great, once he finds out about Nodame’s strange past–and her wacky family?