Boys Who Cook

Osaka. It is the summer of a year before university graduation. Nao Soma, an art student aspiring to become a photographer, leads a photography-centered life. Sayo, Yamada and Tada, who also study photography, are turned on by Nao, but recognize her talent and support her. They are faced with life choices and are sometimes hurting each other and sometimes encouraging each other in their confusion. Nao's passion for photography forces them to make various choices. After graduation, the four begin their own lives. They meet again after four years and learn that Yamada has disappeared.

Saki, who is not confident of becoming an adult before the age of 20, vomits her uneasy feelings in front of the camera without hiding it. A realistic portrait of a 19-year-old girl that goes back and forth between fiction and non-fiction.

It's a weekday morning, just like any other. Natsumi, a fourth grader, is on her way to school when she suddenly decides to run away from home. She leaves her school bag in a luggage locker, and heads for her grandmother's house, who lives far away. Her grandmother is surprised by her sudden visit, but she understands Natsumi's feelings and welcomes her warmly. Natsumi is exhausted from the stress of her parents' bad relationship. Natsumi's heart begins to relax as she spends the time with her grandmother and her neighbors, who seem to be enjoying themselves without a care in the world. The next day, her parents come to take her back.

Ao is an academic and athletic genius at the top of his class who openly and innocently showers affection without condition. Midori naturally looks after Ao, yet struggles to be honest with his own feelings. Meeting in high school and drawn to one another, their desire to fit society's idea of "normal" leaves them caught in a mutual, unrequited love well into adulthood. Because they cherish each other so deeply, they carefully layer their words and feelings, moving forward step-by-step over the span of eight years.