Kaikan Phrase, which is also known as Sensual Phrase, is an anime series that served as a sort of "prequel" series to the manga created by Mayu Shinjo. To promote the anime, two real life bands were formed: Lucifer (the band the series focuses on) and a rival band called e.MU.

Santa is a drummer for a band named Climb. His best friend, Yuki, is one of the founders of the group and also plays the guitar. Santa is easy-going, but also boisterous. Yuki, on the other hand, has a strong sense of leadership and responsibility. Another member of Climb is Santa's girlfriend, Yumi.

One day, Santa shows up to rehearsal early, and finds Yumi in the arms of one of their bandmates. It turns out Yumi has been cheating on Santa with him, and that most of the other band members knew what was going on. Out of frustration and anger, Santa quits the band. Yuki decides that since Santa is quitting, that he will quit, too. They begin a search for new musicians to form a new band. They work on trying to recruit Towa to become their new bassist.

Meanwhile, Sakuya Ookochi starts a new job as a pianist and vocalist for a hotel. Sakuya is a naturally gifted musician, and he begins to build a following. He is also known for his striking blue eyes. He is later recruited into Santa and Yuki's band. The final member they recruit is Atsuro Kiryuu; he is the most friendly and cheerful member of the band. Once all of the pieces are in place, it is decided to name the band Lucifer.

In episode 19, Aine Yukimura becomes the lyricist for Lucifer. She's a shy high school girl who secretly writes raunchy song lyrics in the hopes of becoming a songwriter. After meeting Sakuya, he campaigns for her to become the group's lyricist; the two also start a romantic relationship. As the band's lyricist, she takes on the masculine pseudonym Yukihiko Aine to protect her identity.

While the focus of Kaikan Phrase is on music, there is a lot of drama involved that really wouldn't work well with younger viewers. Personally, I would recommend Kaikan Phrase to anime viewers who are 16 or 17 years of age and older.

Title	Episodes	Release Year(s)	Director	Studio	N.A. Licensor
Kaikan Phrase	44	1999-2000	Hiroko Tokita	Studio Hibari	N/A