TV-Series
Description
Tamahiko Shima, second son of Tokyo's affluent Shima family, endured a childhood devoid of affection. His parents ignored his birthdays and offered no care, fueling peer bullying and deep isolation. A car accident on his seventeenth birthday killed his mother and crippled his right arm permanently. Disgraced by Tamahiko's disability, his father disowned him, exiling him to a remote villa in Chiba prefecture. There, he awaited death alone, drowning in self-loathing.
One week into his exile, thirteen-year-old Yuzuki Tachibana appeared at his doorstep during a blizzard. She revealed his father purchased her for ¥10,000 to serve as his caregiver and future bride. Though initially hostile, Tamahiko showed hidden kindness by giving her his coat. Yuzuki’s persistent warmth and optimism slowly chipped away at his cynicism. He rediscovered hope, developed romantic feelings for her, and vowed to become worthy of marriage—his first commitment to change.
His growth accelerated through new connections. His estranged younger sister Tamako visited, treating him and Yuzuki with scorn until Yuzuki fell ill. Nursing her together forged a genuine bond, with Tamahiko declaring Tamako his most beloved sibling. He also tutored village children, including siblings of local delinquent Ryō Atsumi, revealing a natural teaching talent that earned community respect.
Crisis cemented his transformation. During the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, Yuzuki was trapped in Tokyo. Defying his disability, Tamahiko raced to find her, swearing he’d die if she perished. He discovered her injured but alive, carrying her to safety with his impaired arm. Later, when his elder brother Tamaki died, his father demanded he return as heir and abandon Yuzuki. Tamahiko refused, severing all ties with the Shima family to marry her. He symbolically took her surname, Tachibana, to begin anew.
Years later, Tamahiko became an elementary school teacher, channeling his innate gift for education. He and Yuzuki raised three children, embodying his devotion to family. He maintained bonds with his sister Tamako—later adopted by their uncle—and friends like Hakaru Shiratori. Spin-off media depicts his life as a father and mentor, including interactions with his son Tsukihiko and characters from later generations.
One week into his exile, thirteen-year-old Yuzuki Tachibana appeared at his doorstep during a blizzard. She revealed his father purchased her for ¥10,000 to serve as his caregiver and future bride. Though initially hostile, Tamahiko showed hidden kindness by giving her his coat. Yuzuki’s persistent warmth and optimism slowly chipped away at his cynicism. He rediscovered hope, developed romantic feelings for her, and vowed to become worthy of marriage—his first commitment to change.
His growth accelerated through new connections. His estranged younger sister Tamako visited, treating him and Yuzuki with scorn until Yuzuki fell ill. Nursing her together forged a genuine bond, with Tamahiko declaring Tamako his most beloved sibling. He also tutored village children, including siblings of local delinquent Ryō Atsumi, revealing a natural teaching talent that earned community respect.
Crisis cemented his transformation. During the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, Yuzuki was trapped in Tokyo. Defying his disability, Tamahiko raced to find her, swearing he’d die if she perished. He discovered her injured but alive, carrying her to safety with his impaired arm. Later, when his elder brother Tamaki died, his father demanded he return as heir and abandon Yuzuki. Tamahiko refused, severing all ties with the Shima family to marry her. He symbolically took her surname, Tachibana, to begin anew.
Years later, Tamahiko became an elementary school teacher, channeling his innate gift for education. He and Yuzuki raised three children, embodying his devotion to family. He maintained bonds with his sister Tamako—later adopted by their uncle—and friends like Hakaru Shiratori. Spin-off media depicts his life as a father and mentor, including interactions with his son Tsukihiko and characters from later generations.