Softening… Breath

This short film is based on a true story by interviewing to several staff who actually work at children’s welfare centers. It depicts the substance of a Japan’s social services that has never been featured into movies. Kasumi is the second-year consultant at the children’s welfare center. She has been struggling to fulfill her duties while feeling doubts; pulling a baby away from his mother and temporarily protecting him, or being yelled at by the parents unreasonably. One day, Kasumi is appointed to a case of Hina Yasuda, a nine-year-old girl whose mother is hospitalized for acute alcohol poisoning. While Hina is under protection, Kasumi discusses with her parents in order to get Hina back home. Hina’s parents seem corporative at first, however, it doesn’t long last; Mr. Yasuda leaves home, and Ms. Yasuda’s drinking habit seems not getting any better. Kasumi struggles gaining trust of Ms. Yasuda. However, Ms. Yasuda is moved by Kasumi’s devoted work and gradually opens up to her.