Series by おざわゆき

In the waning days of World War II, 12-year-old Ai Kimura lives a modest but tightly knit life with her family in Nagoya, Japan. As the shadow of war looms ever closer, Ai's days are marked by small joys and growing anxieties—her admiration for a dashing train conductor, the daily struggle for food, and the changes forced upon her family by the conflict. When her younger sister is sent away for evacuation and Ai herself is mobilized to work in a factory, the innocence of youth collides with the harsh realities of wartime.

At 80 years old, veteran writer Mariko Koda feels like a burden in her own home, living with her son, his wife, and their extended family across four generations. Tired of being treated as a nuisance, Mariko makes a bold decision: she leaves home to reclaim her independence. From staying in internet cafes to rediscovering old passions, Mariko's journey is both unexpected and inspiring, as she navigates the challenges and joys of life at an age when society often overlooks her.