Hanbun, Aoi.

Set in the Gifu Prefecture and Tokyo, the story follows Suzume Nireno, a spirited and imaginative girl who loses hearing in her left ear due to an illness during her childhood. Despite this physical challenge, she maintains a bright and optimistic outlook, supported by her childhood friend Ritsu Hagio, who was born on the same day in the same hospital. The narrative spans several decades, chronicling Suzume's journey from her rural upbringing to her ambitious pursuit of becoming a manga artist in Tokyo. As Suzume navigates the complexities of adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and professional failure, the series explores the enduring bond between her and Ritsu. Through the turbulent eras of the late 20th century and into the 21st, the drama captures the essence of resilience, the bittersweet nature of dreams, and the profound impact of lifelong friendships that evolve alongside the changing landscape of Japan.