The biography of Budori Gusko received numerous awards, including the Monbusho Selection. The original novella that inspired the film is one of Kenji Miyazawa’s most celebrated works, alongside *Matasaburo the Wind Imp*, *Gauche the Cellist*, and *Night on the Galactic Railroad*. The story follows a young boy named Gusuko who lives in the countryside with his parents and little sister. A series of droughts and other natural disasters tear the family apart, forcing Gusuko to leave home and seek his fortunes on his own. Driven by a desire to improve the lives of his impoverished countrymen, he eventually joins a group of scientists in the Iihatov Volcano Department, where he participates in scientific work.