Haru

The narrative unfolds in contemporary Japan, with online forums, video contact, and rail travel shaping how the characters form and test their connection. Modern work life and everyday commuting anchor the emotional journey in a present-day setting.

Tokyo serves as the bustling urban hub where Haru works and where their online lives begin. Morioka, a northern city in Iwate Prefecture, is where Hoshi resides and where a pivotal meeting along the Shinkansen line unfolds. The film traces the journey along the Tokyo–Morioka corridor, using place to bridge digital connection and a real-world encounter.

🪪 Identity

Two strangers build trust through anonymous online exchanges, raising questions about how much a person’s true self matters when faces remain hidden. Hoshi adopts a male persona to protect vulnerability, testing the depth of their bond. The eventual acceptance of each other’s real identities deepens the emotional resonance of their connection.

💞 Healing

Both Haru and Hoshi carry emotional wounds from past losses, and their online bond provides a space for healing. The relationship offers solace and a sense of being understood, helping them confront pain. Through their correspondence, they discover renewed hope and personal growth.

🚄 Distance & Meeting

Distance tests the bond as digital conversation meets physical proximity. The climactic moment on the platform—where Haru and Hoshi glimpse each other—captures the transition from online intimacy to real-world connection. The Shinkansen journey becomes a symbol of bridging worlds and connecting lives.