Tamako Love Story

Synopsis

Continues the story of Tamako Market

In the lively Usagiyama Shopping District, where local shopkeepers form a tight-knit community, lives Tamako Kitashirakawa—a kind-hearted but slightly clumsy teenager who comes from a family of mochi artisans running the little Tama-ya shop. One day, Tamako encounters a peculiar talking bird named Dera Mochimazzi, who originates from a far-off land and is on a quest to find a bride for his kingdom's prince. Dera, determined in his mission, ends up at Tamako's home but quickly becomes obsessed with mochi, causing him to gain weight and lose the ability to return home. As a result, he stays with Tamako's family, becoming a cherished fixture in the district. Meanwhile, Tamako's friend Mochizou Ooji secretly holds feelings for her. Though their fathers are rival mochi makers locked in an intense competition, this rivalry might not be the only barrier between Tamako and Mochizou. As for Dera, will he ever manage to accomplish his royal duty of finding the perfect match for the prince?

In this installment

In "Tamako Love Story," Mochizou Ooji faces the end of his third and final year of high school as the seasons change. His goal is to attend university in Tokyo, which would mean parting ways with the people he holds dear, including Tamako Kitashirakawa, who has been his secret crush since childhood. Meanwhile, Tamako, without clear plans for her future, wishes to remain in town to assist her family at their small mochi shop. With Mochizou's departure approaching, he must muster the courage to express his feelings to Tamako before time runs out, or else risk having his love go unacknowledged forever.

Background

Winner of the 2014 Japan Media Arts Festival Encouragement Prize/New Face Award.