Understanding Kaori Miyazono's Tragic Fate in Your Lie in April

Naoshi Arakawa's Your Lie in April has had a profound impact on the world of anime and manga, captivating a large and devoted fan base over the years with its deeply emotional story. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Kaori Miyazono's life, Kosei Kousei's unexpected appearance for the performance showcased his unwavering dedication to music and profound admiration for Kaori. The unforgettable performance he delivered left a lasting impression, and Kaori's tragic death created an undeniable void in the finale that evoked tears from fans, who felt deeply for Kousei.

The series did not fully explore Kaori's illness, leading many fans to assume it was just cancer. In reality, Kaori was battling a unique and life-threatening disorder that took over her life.

Your Lie in April: Kaori died of a rare genetic disorder

Kaori Miyazono, during her surgery, as seen in Your Lie in April (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Kaori Miyazono from Your Lie in April may have appeared free-spirited and lively, but she actually faced a significant challenge in her life. She battled a rare genetic disorder called Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA or FA), which affects approximately one in every 50,000 people.

It is not disclosed in either the manga or anime, but Kaori inherited the degenerative disease from both of her parents, who each carried one copy of the defective FXN gene. This ultimately had a profound impact on her health.

Friedreich’s Ataraxia typically begins between the ages of 5 and 15, though it can also manifest later in life. Kaori left behind a letter that was meant for Kousei, in which she explained everything about how she first stumbled upon him when they were just kids, finding her passion in music once again, and the lie about having affection for Ryouta Watari.

First ever picture of Arima and Kaori, as seen in Your Lie in April (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The letter disclosed that she had undergone surgery as a child and continued to receive outpatient treatment. Her health took a turn for the worse when she collapsed during her first year of junior high at around 12-13 years old, revealing to her parents that her health had started declining. During Kousei's final visit to the hospital, he observed a noticeable change in Kaori's appearance - her paler skin and further weight loss.

What happened to Kousei after Kaori died in Your Lie in April?

Furthermore, Kaori was incapable of standing on her own due to the damage to her peripheral nerves in her legs, resulting in a loss of sensation from the nerve injury. Tragically, Kaori did not survive the surgery and passed away on February 18th at the age of 15.

Kaori’s passing weighed heavily on Kousei, but ultimately it became a cathartic and transformative experience. Losing her brought about a profound emotional shift, granting him a sense of liberation from his suffering and anguish.

Kousei had been slowly coming out of his shell, but when he met Kaori, the memories and peace she brought with her helped him embrace life more fully.

Upon reading Kaori's letter, Kousei learns that her interest in Watari was just a facade to get closer to him. Kaori was aware of Tsubaki's feelings for Kousei, which is why she didn't befriend him in a direct way, wanting to spare Tsubaki's feelings.

After Kaori’s passing, Kousei made a choice to embrace joy in order to honor her memory and not allow himself to be consumed by things beyond his control. Kaori was the guiding light that led Arima from his darkest days into the brightness of life. He continued to practice the piano, holding onto the final words of her letter, which urged him to always remember her presence.

Did Kousei end up with Tsubaki in Your Lie in April?

The conclusion of Your Lie in April anime and manga shows Kousei unexpectedly running into Tsubaki as he heads home from school. Before this moment, Tsubaki struggled to confront her feelings for Arima. It took Kashiwagi's encouragement to help her prioritize following her heart over her head.

Kashiwagi helped Tsubaki understand that Arima needed her support more than ever. When Tsubaki saw Arima, she kicked his shin and confessed that she didn't want him to be alone. She also expressed her desire to always be by his side like a guardian angel. Despite referring to Kousei as her "kid brother" since they were young, Tsubaki started to develop romantic feelings for him as they grew older.

Without Kaori's letter, Arima would have been unaware of Tsubaki's feelings for him. Although the author of Your Lie in April hasn't confirmed Kousei's romantic partner, many fans believe that Tsubaki was the one he ultimately chose.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of "Your Lie in April", I am deeply moved by the tragic fate of Kaori Miyazono. Her battle with Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder, adds a layer of poignancy to her character and makes her untimely demise even more heartbreaking. The anime and manga do an excellent job of portraying Kaori's struggles and her determination to live life to the fullest despite her condition. Her relationship with Kousei is beautifully depicted, and their shared love of music creates some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the series.

Kaori's death leaves a profound impact on Kousei, but it also becomes a catalyst for his personal growth. Through her, he learns to confront his own fears and anxieties and rediscovers his passion for music. The series ends on a bittersweet note, with Kousei finding solace in the memories of Kaori and continuing to play the piano in her honor. "Your Lie in April" is a powerful and emotionally charged story that explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally resonant anime series.