STC’s highly anticipated second album, Next, is finally released!! As Mai sets her sights on maturing even more as a performer and Kaji racks his brain about how he should be as a leader, members of the band feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Dealing with their feelings, they set out on a tour of Northern Japan. Arriving at the first venue of their tour in Hokkaido, Setsu happens to see a relic of his grandfather Matsugoro’s past…?!
STC’s Northern Japan tour comes to its conclusion with a roaring success at their Aomori concert. Their performance creates memories of Matsugoro for a new generation. The following day, Ryugen Kamiki gives STC shamisen lessons. There, through Setsu’s performance of Spring Dawn for Ryugen, the two open up to each other for the first time as father and son. Meanwhile, Director Jankovic’s film nears its completion…
“Now that I want to play Spring Dawn, Grandpa’s sound is coming back to me…?” Through their tour, Setsu connects with the “roots” of his sound and performs Spring Dawn with the other members of STC in their final show. As its melody transforms at the height of their performance, will it move the heart of the film director, Alexei?! Meanwhile, Setsu’s older brother, Wakana, makes a big splash worldwide as his anime theme song, Kaede, becomes a major hit. However, his feelings are far from at ease when he gets word that Setsu has performed Spring Dawn…?
“I’m going to stop being your brother until we’re able to play Spring Dawn on the same stage.” To gain some personal perspective, Wakana returns home to Aomori. With the support of Soichi Tanuma, he begins to train under Setsu’s father, Ryugen Kamiki. Will Wakana gain some understanding amidst his worries? Meanwhile, shaken by Wakana’s words, Setsu brings Sakura to the riverbank where he first played the shamisen after moving to Tokyo. What will Setsu encounter after returning to where he started?
“Setsu is pushing things forward. I’m passing down the tradition.” Understanding the path he needs to take, Wakana teams up with Alexei. The video they make gains popularity with children around the world…?! Meanwhile, Setsu doesn’t know what to do when his affection for Sakura is pointed out. Just then, Yuna-san, the woman he used to admire, comes to visit him. What will Setsu do after reuniting with her after nearly two years?
“Become snow.” Setsu sets out for America to perform with Wakana. Before he departs, how will he express his feelings for Sakura as he leaves her behind? His tale that began when he left Aomori finally plays out on the grand stage of another country. At the end of his long journey, what will be the sound that Setsu arrives at…? This story about Tsugaru shamisen and youth comes to a close here.