On Hatomi, a small island in Okinawa state part of Japan's southern sea frontier, the social environment is suffering. With the last student of the elementary school leaving the place, the closing of the school is a virtual given. Mr. Nakama decides to do something about it - and heads for Tokyo to recruit his grandson. Rebuffed by his daughter, however, he decides to adopt another child. He finds Ruri, a mature girl of 11 who distrusts people because her mother doesn't care much about her, but after seeing Mr. Nakama's true intentions, allows him to take her to the island.