River End Cafe

Set in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a few years have passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami forever altered the coastal city. One evening, Saki Irie, a second-year high school student, finds herself cornered by a group of unruly individuals. Before the situation can escalate, a mysterious man intervenes and rescues her from their harassment. Shaken but grateful, Saki soon notices an inexplicable glow emanating from the middle of the Kitakami River. Drawn toward the strange lights, she follows them until she discovers a hidden, enigmatic cafe resting upon the water. Inside this otherworldly establishment, the coffee served is far from ordinary. Each cup carries a profound blend of human emotion, intertwining the joys and sorrows of life into a single, transformative experience. As Saki steps into this surreal space, she begins to confront the lingering weight of her hometown's past and her own place within it. Created by Akio Tanaka, a native of Ishinomaki, this poignant work serves as a deeply personal exploration of his hometown's resilience and quiet mysteries in the aftermath of disaster.