Beat Takeshi directs this surprisingly gentle, ultimately uplifting story about faith and hope. Masao (Yusuke Sekiguchi) is a lonely 8-year-old boy who decides to spend his summer vacation looking for his estranged mother, whom he has never met. Kikujiro (Takeshi) is an immature man who has never had any serious responsibilities. When his wife gives him 50,000 yen to travel with Masao, the journey begins. As the two slowly grow to accept one another, they both learn powerful lessons about life and friendship.