Binbou Shimai Monogatari

Synopsis

The Yamada sisters—Kyo, fifteen, and Asu, nine—attend junior high and elementary school respectively. After their mother's death and their father's flight over gambling debts, the two resolve to face their hardships with optimism and self-respect. Thanks to a legal reform from a few years back, Kyo can now pursue her studies while taking on part-time work like newspaper delivery and tutoring to support the household. Asu, meanwhile, handles the cooking, cleaning, and budgeting to help her big sister. They are also looked after by caring neighbors, including the novelist Saegusa-san and the lady who runs the public bath. Life is tough and sometimes painful, but the sisters find happiness in having each other.