Mother's Spirit

Ryouichirou, a university employee, receives an unexpected directive from the chairman: he must take in and care for an incoming exchange student. The young man assigned to him is Qaltaqa, a native of a developing nation who arrives with absolutely no understanding of the Japanese language. Despite being a respected warrior within his own tribe and possessing striking physical beauty, Qaltaqa is entirely unprepared for modern life. His profound fear of everyday conveniences—such as telephones, television sets, and even basic plumbing—quickly pushes Ryouichirou to the limits of his patience. Caring for someone so unfamiliar with the modern world proves to be an exhausting ordeal, leaving Ryouichirou increasingly frustrated by the daily challenges. However, a subtle shift occurs when Qaltaqa attempts to speak his caretaker's name. Hearing his own name spoken with such earnest, clumsy effort stirs something unexpected within Ryouichirou. What begins as a burdensome obligation gradually softens, sparking a change of heart that neither man could have anticipated.