True Mothers

Satoko receives a distressing phone call from Asato's kindergarten teacher. A fellow student has accused Asato of pushing him off the jungle gym, and this accusation threatens to unravel the family's sense of stability.

Asato's claim of innocence is met with skepticism when the other child's mother demands compensation for her son's medical expenses. This confrontation forces Satoko to reflect on the potential impact of Asato's biological heritage on his behavior.

The narrative flashes back to Satoko and Kiyokazu's early attempts to start a family. Their journey is marred by Kiyokazu's aspermia diagnosis, leading them to endure painful medical treatments that ultimately fail.

Facing the heartache of their childless existence, the couple is inspired by a television program about Baby Baton, a nonprofit organization that helps infertile couples adopt. They embrace this opportunity, sparking hope for a family.

Satoko and Kiyokazu finally bring newborn Asato into their home. They meet Hikari, Asato's biological mother, who offers them a heartfelt letter expressing her sorrow and love for her child, emphasizing the complexities of their situation.

In a poignant flashback, Hikari's life is revealed; at just fourteen, she faces an unexpected pregnancy after her first love. Her family sends her to Baby Baton to protect her future, showcasing societal pressures on young mothers.

Relief washes over Satoko when the kindergarten teacher informs her that the other child has admitted to lying. However, plans for a family trip to the zoo are interrupted when a woman claiming to be Asato's birth mother appears, raising new concerns.

The woman, revealed to be Hikari, intimidates Satoko and Kiyokazu, demanding money and threatening to expose their adoption. She struggles with her identity, torn between her love for Asato and her legal rights as his mother.

Seeking a sense of belonging, Hikari works at Baby Baton, only to discover that it is closing down. As she grapples with her past, she unintentionally finds herself embroiled in trouble, including a forged signature incident.

Driven by her love for Asato, Hikari reaches out to her son's adoptive parents. Hearing Asato call for her stirs deep emotions, but she wrestles with the reality of their separation, ultimately choosing to flee.

Satoko learns from the police about Hikari's true identity, which fills her with guilt for not recognizing her sooner. This revelation fuels her determination to find Hikari, seeking resolution for their complicated situation.

Satoko embarks on a heartfelt journey to reconnect Hikari with Asato. When they finally meet, the powerful emotions surrounding motherhood, sacrifice, and love come to a head, culminating in a poignant reunion.

The reunion allows both Satoko and Hikari to confront their feelings about motherhood and identity. Asato's presence brings a sense of healing, illustrating the complex nature of family and the bonds that tie them together.