Alice-san Chi no Irori-bata

After a decade spent living in Tokyo, Alice finally returns to her quiet hometown, choosing to settle into a traditional Japanese house built around an irori—a classic sunken hearth. Seeking a simpler life away from the city, she begins living alone in this nostalgic home, where the ancient architecture holds memories of her past. The return marks a significant shift in her journey, trading the fast pace of urban living for the slow, comforting rhythm of rural tradition. Her arrival does not go unnoticed by those she left behind. Harumi, a childhood friend who has remained in town, approaches their reunion with a mixture of anticipation and nervous apprehension. Ten years is a long time, and the weight of that absence makes their first encounter feel uncertain, leaving Harumi wondering how much they have both changed since they last spoke. Yet, as they sit together beside the glowing embers of the sunken hearth, any lingering anxiety quickly fades. The familiar warmth radiating from the fire mirrors the enduring comfort of their bond, proving that despite the years apart, the connection between Alice and Harumi remains just as genuine and welcoming as it was in their youth.