'めぐりあひ (Meguriai)' Summary

Tomokichi, a young boy, and his family move from his mother's hometown to Tokyo. However, their new life in the city is disrupted by his father's alcoholism. Eventually, Tomokichi's mother takes their baby and returns to her hometown, leaving Tomokichi and his sister behind with their struggling father. Despite the hardships, Tomokichi and his sister yearn for their mother and decide to embark on a journey to find her. They take a train from their father's hometown to Tokyo and then another train to their mother's hometown. Their arduous journey culminates in a tearful reunion with their mother, grandmother, and aunts. The story poignantly portrays the emotional turmoil of a child navigating family dysfunction and the triumph of love and familial bonds. It provides a glimpse into the complexities of Japanese society and explores the challenges faced by families navigating difficult circumstances.