Sayoko Hirai

Naoya, living in the heart of Tokyo, spent his days caught up in the routines of a work-centered life. It had been a long time since he indulged in his favorite pastime — traveling, something he had loved since his university days. One day, out of the blue, he receives a phone call from Shogo, a senior from his university, inviting him on a trip to Okutama. Though puzzled by the sudden invitation, Naoya heads out to Okutama, where Shogo introduces him to an American traveler named Jackson. The three of them explore the lush natural surroundings — a place so rich in nature it hardly feels like it’s still part of Tokyo. Along the way, they meet warm-hearted locals and fully enjoy the natural beauty of Okutama. This unexpected escape from his ordinary life brings Naoya small yet meaningful realizations and changes. The scenery before his eyes begins to gently shine in a new light.

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Miu, a second grader, tries to follow her mother Mizuho's advice to be a "proper child" and observe various restrictions. Her piano teacher, Yuko, on the other hand, encourages Miu to express herself freely. Miu eventually comes to desire freedom from restrictions, but she also understands that this would be a betrayal to Mizuho. Miu struggles between her yearning for freedom and her sense of guilt toward her mother. Meanwhile, Mizuho also undergoes a certain change... An awkward father and son search for a form of love.

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