Grave of the Fireflies

Set during the final stages of World War II, this drama follows the struggle for survival amidst the bombing of Japanese cities. After losing their home in Tokyo, Hisako and her two children relocate to the outskirts of Kobe to live with her cousin, Kyoko. Following another series of bombings that result in Kyoko's death, Hisako must care for her cousin's children along with her own despite a severe shortage of food. In a separate thread of survival, a fourteen-year-old boy named Seita and his younger sister Setsuko are left orphaned and alone, attempting to sustain themselves in an abandoned shelter.

Directed by Tōya Satō, this television adaptation of Akiyuki Nosaka's novel is the first film listed in the director's career chronology. The screenplay was written by Yumiko Inoue and the production was handled by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The cast features Hoshi Ishida as Yokokawa Seita, Mao Sasaki as Setsuko, Nanako Matsushima as Hisako, and Yui Natsukawa as Kyoko, with appearances by Ikki Sawamura and Mao Inoue. The film has been received positively by audiences, holding a 7.4 rating on IMDb based on 592 votes and a 7.9 rating on TMDB from 119 votes.