A Song to the Sun

Kaoru lives with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, which forbids sun exposure. She sleeps during the day and is active at night, busking with her guitar in front of a station. Through her bedroom window she notices a high school boy visiting the ocean each morning.

One night she gathers courage to introduce herself to the boy, without telling him about her illness. The stranger responds and reveals himself as Kōji Fujishiro.

Kaoru's friend drags her home after their initial encounter. They sit by her window and observe Kōji meeting his friends. The friend suggests they might attend the same school and offers to spy on him.

That evening at the bus stop, Kaoru and Kōji awkwardly talk. He promises to meet her and listen to her sing again at the start of the school holidays.

When they meet again, a street performer blocks her usual spot and Kōji takes her to the city. They tour the sights, and she begins singing in a square, drawing a substantial crowd.

They watch the ocean together and Kōji asks her out. The date ends when the sun rises and Kaoru must rush home.

Kōji is later informed of Kaoru's condition and is taken aback. He begins to understand the seriousness, but his care for her grows.

Kōji learns of a recording studio where Kaoru could record her debut single. He begins taking up small jobs to earn money for it.

Kaoru's father invites Kōji to dinner out of concern. During the meal, Kōji shares his plans for Kaoru's CD and their future together.

Kaoru's illness progresses and she loses feeling in her hands, preventing her from playing guitar, though her voice remains.

In the studio, Kaoru asks her family and friends to leave, asking them to wait for the CD. She continues the project with Kōji by her side.

Kōji brings Kaoru to the beach to watch him surf. The sun-protective suit she kept for years is finally worn, and she is in a wheelchair. She complains the suit is too hot, and they share a moment of lighthearted improvisation as she feints a stumble.

During the beach moment, she declines removing the suit and, while attempting to stand, trips and is helped by Kōji. The moment shows her zest for life even as she continues to confront her illness.

Kaoru ultimately succumbs to her condition and dies. She is laid to rest in a coffin full of sunflowers as her CD is released to the public, and the final scene follows Kōji rushing toward the waves while replaying her voice.