TV Special
Description
"Yakeato no, Okashi no Ki" is set in post-World War II Japan, a time of reconstruction and hardship. The narrative centers on a young girl named Shizuku Tsukishima, who lives in the war-torn city of Hiroshima. After losing her family and home in the atomic bombing, Shizuku is taken in by her distant relatives, the Kitamura family, who run a small confectionery shop. The story explores her journey of healing and adaptation as she learns the art of making traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, under the guidance of her kind but strict uncle, Seiji Kitamura.

The Kitamura family’s shop, though struggling, becomes a symbol of resilience and hope in the community. Shizuku’s passion for creating sweets grows as she discovers the cultural and emotional significance of wagashi, which often reflect the seasons and evoke memories of a pre-war Japan. Her interactions with the townspeople, including other survivors and returning soldiers, highlight the collective effort to rebuild lives and preserve traditions amidst the devastation.

Key characters include Seiji Kitamura, a skilled wagashi artisan who becomes a mentor to Shizuku, and his wife, Yoko, who provides emotional support and warmth. Shizuku’s childhood friend, Hiroshi, also plays a significant role, representing the younger generation’s struggle to reconcile the past with the future. The series delves into themes of loss, perseverance, and the power of small acts of kindness, as Shizuku and those around her find solace in the shared experience of creating and enjoying sweets.

The narrative is grounded in historical context, portraying the challenges of daily life in post-war Japan, such as food shortages and the psychological scars of war. Through Shizuku’s growth as a confectioner and her relationships with the Kitamura family and the community, "Yakeato no, Okashi no Ki" offers a poignant exploration of resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Information
Yakeato no, Okashi no Ki
焼跡の, お菓子の木
Type: TV Special
Date: 08/15/2006
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Staff
  • Director · Tetsuo Yasumi
  • Script · Natsuko Takahashi
  • Unit Director · Minetarō Hirai
  • Music · Masae Sagara
  • Original creator · Akiyuki Nosaka
  • Original creator · Seitarō Kuroda
  • Art Director · Minoru Nishida
  • Art Director · Mariko Tazaki
  • Animation Director · Masae Ōtake
  • Sound Director · Akira Ookuma
  • Director of Photography · Kōichi Yanai
  • Producer · Toshihide Yamada
  • Producer · Kenji Ōta
Production
  • Animation Production · Shinei Animation
  • Production · Shinei Animation
  • Production · TV Asahi