Shinnosuke Kanomura is a key character in the Japanese anime film Her Blue Sky. He is a skilled guitarist and former aspiring musician who once shared a deep relationship with Akane Aioi. Years ago, he planned to move to Tokyo to pursue his music career, but his dreams were shattered when Akane chose to stay behind to care for her younger sister after their parents’ death. Now returning to his hometown as a changed and troubled man, Shinnosuke must confront his unresolved feelings for Akane and face the echoes of his younger self, who appears as a ghost-like figure tied to the past.

Trivia/Facts

• Shinnosuke Kanomura is a talented musician in Her Blue Sky, where he plays the role of a guitarist. He was in a relationship with Akane Aioi, but their future plans fell apart when Akane chose to stay and care for her younger sister, Aoi. This decision came after their parents tragically passed away in a car accident. Shinnosuke, heartbroken, left for Tokyo without Akane.
• Years later, Shinnosuke returns to his hometown as a changed man, no longer the kind, hopeful person he once was. He seems distant and frustrated, quite different from his younger self. Aoi, who had been taught music by him, notices this and struggles with his new attitude. His return also brings unresolved emotions between him and Akane back to the surface.
• A unique twist in the story introduces a younger version of Shinnosuke, known as Shinno, who appears as a ghost-like figure. Shinno represents the youthful dreams and love Shinnosuke once had before life took a different turn. Aoi interacts with both the real Shinnosuke and Shinno, creating a complex emotional triangle. This younger version remains tied to the past, unable to leave the clubhouse where he appears.
• Shinnosuke’s return to town coincides with the upcoming music festival, where he reluctantly joins as a musician. Aoi sees this as a chance to reconnect him with Akane and bring back the person he used to be. However, Shinnosuke’s bitterness makes this difficult, and tensions arise between him and Shinno. Ultimately, both versions of Shinnosuke must confront their feelings for Akane to resolve their inner struggles.

Her Blue Sky (2019)

• As the story unfolds, Shinnosuke slowly begins to confront his emotions and realizes the depth of his love for Akane. His younger self, Shinno, helps push him towards acknowledging his feelings and taking action. In a dramatic moment, he rushes to save Akane from a dangerous situation, showcasing his lingering care for her. This event brings him closer to the man he once was, as he vows not to give up on her again.
• In the end, Shinnosuke has a heartfelt conversation with Akane, where they finally discuss their feelings after many years. This marks a turning point for Shinnosuke as he decides to embrace his future with Akane instead of running away from his past. The younger Shinno disappears, symbolizing that Shinnosuke has reconciled with his past self. Although it brings closure to his story, it also leaves Aoi heartbroken, as she has developed her own feelings for Shinno.

Shinnosuke Kanomura’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Akane Aioi: Shinnosuke used to date Akane, and they had plans to be together. After their parents died, Akane chose to stay and take care of her sister, Aoi. This decision hurt Shinnosuke, and he still loves Akane. When he returns to town, they have a chance to talk about their feelings again.
• Aoi Aioi: Aoi is Akane’s younger sister, and Shinnosuke taught her music when she was little. She admires him and has a crush on his younger ghost version, Shinno. Aoi wants to bring Shinnosuke and Akane back together but struggles with her feelings for Shinno. Her relationship with Shinnosuke is filled with respect and hidden emotions.
• Shinno (Younger Shinnosuke): Shinno is Shinnosuke’s younger self, who appears as a ghost. Aoi becomes close to Shinno, who encourages Shinnosuke to reconnect with Akane. Shinno represents Aoi’s feelings for him, making things complicated. In the end, Shinno helps Shinnosuke face his past and emotions.
• Masamichi Nakamura: Masamichi is Shinnosuke’s old bandmate and works with Akane. He likes Akane but hasn’t told her. Their friendship is friendly but has tension because they both care for Akane. This makes their interactions a bit competitive.
• Masatsugu Nakamura: Masatsugu is Masamichi’s son and has a crush on Aoi. He helps Aoi figure out the mystery of Shinno. Masatsugu supports Aoi as she deals with her feelings for Shinnosuke and Shinno. He respects Shinnosuke but doesn’t have a close relationship with him.