"Hanasaka Jijii" is a short anime series based on a traditional Japanese folktale, often referred to as "The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom." The narrative centers on an elderly man and his wife, who live a modest life in a rural village. The old man, known for his kind and gentle nature, discovers a small white dog named Shiro in the forest. Shiro proves to be a miraculous companion, leading the old man to a buried treasure that improves their lives. The dog's ability to locate wealth and bring good fortune endears it to the couple, but their greedy neighbor becomes envious of their newfound prosperity.

The neighbor, driven by jealousy, tricks the old man into lending Shiro and subsequently mistreats the dog, leading to its death. Heartbroken, the old man buries Shiro and plants a tree on its grave. The tree grows rapidly and blossoms with beautiful flowers, symbolizing Shiro's enduring spirit. The old man uses the tree's wood to craft a mortar, which magically produces gold coins when used. Once again, the neighbor's greed compels him to steal the mortar, but his misuse of it results in disaster, bringing him misfortune instead of wealth.

The story continues with themes of karma and retribution, as the old man's kindness and humility are consistently rewarded, while the neighbor's greed and malice lead to his downfall. The narrative emphasizes the contrast between the virtuous old man and his selfish neighbor, illustrating the moral consequences of their actions. The series adapts the folktale with a focus on its core themes, presenting a straightforward yet poignant exploration of human nature, morality, and the enduring power of kindness.