Jarinko Chie is a 1981 film directed by Takahata. Adapted from the well‑known manga of Etsumi Haruki, it follows ten‑year‑old Chie—labelled "Japan"s most unfortunate girl"—who runs her family restaurant while her unemployed yakuza father and separated mother cope. Though it seems bleak, the movie is actually a hilarious comedy that turns everyday mishaps into laugh‑out‑loud moments. Its humor stems from Chie"s inventive solutions to daily challenges.
Set in Osaka, whose culture sharply contrasts Tokyo"s, the film"s success spawned a television series for which Takahata served as chief director.
Knack Japan