Synopsis
Elementary student Takeshi shares a deep bond with his white dog, Shiro. Every day after school, he enjoys spending time with Shiro and his friends. However, as the war escalates, the government issues a decree forbidding dog ownership.
Background
During WW2, dogs suffered from lack of nutritious food as not enough was available even for Japanese citizens. Then many were killed to be eaten by the starving populace, and their pelts were used as clothing. Finally, the government ordered all remaining dogs to be killed on sight to prevent the spread of disease. Over 100,000 were killed.