Tae Ishikawa, a seven-year-old girl, lives during Japan's partial occupation of China. Her experiences unfold against this backdrop of societal tensions and conflict. She befriends a Chinese boy, their relationship becoming a focal point for exploring the challenge of overcoming deep-seated societal divisions and prejudices. The narrative questions whether this personal connection can transcend the surrounding geopolitical and cultural conflicts. Tae's background and development are intertwined with themes of innocence amidst adversity and the potential for human connection to bridge divides.