Shibawanko no Wa no Kokoro

Synopsis

Adapted from a Japanese children's book written by Yoshie Kawaura, this story features Shiba-wanko, an earnest Shiba-inu dog, and Miike-nyanko, a calico cat with a short fuse. The two share a traditional Japanese home furnished with a tokonoma alcove. While Shiba-wanko handles all the chores—cleaning, laundry, and cooking—with a gentle and diligent nature, Miike-nyanko is quite the opposite: hot-tempered and clumsy when it comes to housework. Through their everyday life, the pair picks up the manners and customs tied to seasonal events, including the courteous way to host guests, the preparations for the Japanese New Year, and the proper appreciation of the kimono. Every chapter focuses on a particular aspect of living in "Wa"—the Japanese spirit of peace and harmony—as the seasons turn.