Set during World War II, the narrative unfolds in a remote mountain village of Kōchi Prefecture, southern Japan. Despite its isolation, locals have entrenched the view that Americans and Brits are "brutes," a belief rooted in the loss and injuries suffered by villagers" relatives, recently there.
An elementary student named Eiko arrives from Yokohama, bringing with her the striking blue eyes of her American father. The classmates immediately begin to bully her, and even the teachers—except for homeroom instructor Akiko—mirror this hostile attitude. Yet one boy, Kenta, observes Eiko with curiosity rather than disdain. In the quiet schoolyard, he watches her each day, hoping to learn about a world beyond their mountain.
As the wounded father of one of Kenta"s classmates returns from battle, fresh reports of casualties flood the village, reshaping the children"s daily reality for all.
Shinei Animation Japan