A Song to the Sun

The narrative takes place in contemporary Japan, reflecting urban life, street music culture, and family dynamics of the era. Night-time busking and day-to-day concerns drive the rhythm of the story, while technology and media support a budding music dream. The time period anchors the characters’ routines around school, work, and performance, with a focus on personal resilience in the face of illness.

The story unfolds in a modern Japanese city with a busy train station where Kaoru performs at night, a lively downtown square, and a nearby coastal area where she and Koji watch the ocean. The settings contrast indoor venues with open-air performances and the freedom of the sea. The beach and square serve as key backdrops for pivotal moments, from intimate chats to public concerts. The world feels intimate and lived-in, blending everyday urban life with the magic of music.

💗 Love & Sacrifice

Love blooms between Kaoru and Koji despite her Xeroderma Pigmentosum and the looming threat of a shortened life. Koji's support pushes Kaoru to chase her dream of making a debut CD, even when the odds are stacked against them. The couple’s patience, trust, and sacrifices become driving forces that test both their boundaries and commitment. The romance is framed by the fragility of life, making each moment precious.

🩺 Illness & Resilience

Kaoru’s XP condition dictates the narrative, shaping how she expresses herself—through voice and music rather than sunlight. The protective suit becomes a recurring symbol of protection and isolation, while the audience’s warmth sustains her. The story explores how illness redefines identity, agency, and the meaning of a final performance. Even as her health deteriorates, Kaoru fights to share her voice with the world.

🎵 Music & Identity

Busking under the city lights, Kaoru uses music to carve out a space for herself beyond illness. The dream of recording a debut CD drives action—from saving money to finding a studio and assembling support from family and friends. Music becomes a language that binds characters, reveals longing, and negotiates loss. The final release of her CD redefines her legacy and Koji’s memories of her.