Cruelly mistreated by fortune, two young girls – seventeen-year-old Yui (voiced by Mana Ashida) and eight-year-old Hiyori (voiced by Sari Awano) – have both become separated from their families.

Lost, with no place to go and trying to find somewhere to call home, they come across a strange old lady, Kiwa (voiced by Shinobu Otake), who offers them her hospitality at her shabby but well-kept home – a mayoiga (old Japanese folkloric concept).

The house’s close proximity to the sea, and the opportunity to start afresh that it brings, slowly breathe new life into the girls. Then, one day, mysterious beings referred to by Kiwa as ‘fushigitto’ begin showing up.

This is a heart-warming story of new beginnings and childhood wonder.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2022 is organised by the Japan Foundation, with Major Support from Yakult and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, with Sponsorship in Kind from SUQQU and Athletia, and in Cultural Partnership with The Japan Society and JAL.

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