Stargazing (2024) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Happie Finds a Home

A cheerful Akita puppy named Happie is adopted by a working-class Japanese family, with the story narrated from the dog's point of view. Happie grows deeply attached to the man of the household, whom he affectionately calls 'Daddy'. He spends several happy years with the family, treasuring the daily walks Daddy takes him on above all else.

Where

Japan

The Divorce

After several years together, Daddy's wife requests a divorce and the family is broken apart. Daddy suddenly finds himself homeless and jobless with very little money to his name. Despite the hardship, he remains upbeat and refuses to abandon his loyal companion.

The Road Trip Begins

With nothing left to lose, Daddy decides to take Happie on an open-ended road trip to southern Japan. The pair set off in his car, leaving their old life behind. For Happie, the journey becomes a new chapter of adventure by his beloved owner's side.

Where

Southern Japan

The Boy at the Convenience Store

During a stop at a convenience store, Daddy spots a dirty-looking young boy attempting to steal bread. Instead of turning him in, Daddy quietly buys the bread and gives it to him. The boy then invites himself into Daddy's car without a word.

Where

A convenience store

An Uninvited Companion

Daddy agrees to drive the boy wherever he wants to go, though the child remains mostly silent during the trip. The unlikely trio ends up sleeping in the car together for the night. Even without many words, a small circle of trust forms between the strangers.

When

Night

Where

Daddy's car

The Stolen Wallet

When morning comes, Daddy discovers that the boy has vanished in the night. Along with him, Daddy's wallet is gone, taking most of the little money he had left. The betrayal stings, but the journey with Happie must continue.

When

The next morning

Happie's Kidney Stones

Happie suddenly experiences extreme pain while urinating, alarming Daddy deeply. He rushes his beloved dog to a veterinarian, where the examination reveals Happie is suffering from kidney stones. The diagnosis means the dog will need an operation to survive.

Where

A veterinarian clinic

Paying the Price

The veterinarian operates on Happie and the surgery is successful. However, the bill is enormous, and Daddy is forced to pawn almost everything he owns to pay for it. The sacrifice leaves him nearly penniless, but Happie's life is saved.

Stranded at the Campground

Continuing their journey, the car eventually runs out of gas near a campground. With no money or means to move on, Daddy and Happie settle in there for a while. They live off whatever food they can scrounge and catch, sleeping together in the car each night.

Where

A campground

Daddy's Death

One day, Daddy's preexisting heart condition takes its final toll. He passes away quietly in his car at the campground, with no one around to help. Happie is left completely alone, keeping vigil by his best friend's side.

Where

The campground

Two Winters of Loyalty

Happie refuses to leave the spot where Daddy died, remaining at the campground through two long winters. He survives on his own as best he can, faithful to the very end. Eventually, the aged dog perishes as well, close to his beloved owner.

When

Two winters later

Where

The campground

The Discovery

About three months later, the police finally discover the two bodies. Happie's loyal remains are found resting right next to Daddy's feet, true to his bond until the last. The touching scene marks the beginning of the mystery of who this man was.

When

Three months after their deaths

Okutsu's Assignment

Okutsu, a middle-aged social worker, receives the assignment to locate Daddy's family and inform them of his death. He begins traveling the same route backwards, following the clues of Daddy's past. His investigation eventually leads him to the point where Daddy sold all of his properties to pay for Happie's kidney operation.

Reflections and Sunflower Memories

As the investigation progresses, Okutsu reflects on his own life's achievements and recalls his childhood with his grandfather. His grandfather once built a large window on his camp house so his sick wife could watch a sunflower field from her bed, and after her death he bought Okutsu a lonely pup. That dog would gaze at the stars in the sunflower field for long periods, as if trying to reach them. Okutsu comes to understand that Daddy and Happie's life is a parable — in the end, we are all like a stargazing dog, always dreaming of a way to reach the impossible.

Final Rest in the Sunflower Field

Since Daddy intentionally destroyed all traces of his past, Okutsu is unable to locate any relatives. He decides to authorize the cremation of the remains as an unidentified person and disperses the ashes around Happie's grave. Fittingly, the grave lies in the middle of a sunflower field, just like the one beside his grandfather's home.

Where

Happie's grave in a sunflower field