True Mothers

As Satoko (Hiromi Nagasaku) and Kiyokazu (Arata Iura) navigate the complexities of parenthood alongside their adopted son Asato (Reo Sato), a seemingly minor incident at his kindergarten sparks a series of events that reopens old wounds. The revelation that another child has accused Asato of pushing him off the jungle gym, despite Asato's vehement denials, sets off a chain reaction within Satoko as she begins to wonder if her son may have inherited problematic traits from his biological parents.

In a poignant flashback, we see Satoko and Kiyokazu grappling with the reality of their own fertility issues. When they learn that Kiyokazu is infertile, they embark on a journey of treatments, only to ultimately come to terms with their inability to conceive. It's during this period of heartache that they stumble upon a documentary about Baby Baton, a non-profit organization dedicated to matching infertile couples with mothers who are unable or unwilling to raise their biological children. The prospect of adoption becomes an alluring solution for Satoko and Kiyokazu, allowing them to build a family despite the odds.

When the day arrives for Satoko and Kiyokazu to take home their newborn son Asato, they're presented with an opportunity to meet his biological mother, Hikari (Aju Makita). With a mix of trepidation and curiosity, they agree, only to be met with a somber apology from Hikari. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper exploration into Asato's past.

In another flashback, we're transported back in time to witness the tender love story between Hikari and her teenage sweetheart. Their romance blossoms in the midst of junior high school hallways, culminating in an unexpected pregnancy. Fearful of gossip and the potential damage it could inflict on Hikari's future, her family decides to send her away to Baby Baton, where she finds solace among a community of expectant mothers, many of whom have been victims of trafficking. As these young women await the arrival of their babies, they find comfort in each other's company, forging bonds that transcend their circumstances.

As Satoko (Satoko) navigates the present day with a sense of relief washing over her, the family's plans for a joyful outing to the zoo are suddenly upended by an unexpected phone call. A woman claiming to be Asato's mother, Hikari, appears on the scene, threatening to reveal their son's adoption unless they comply with her demands for financial compensation. Satoko and Kiyokazu (Kiyokazu) are initially hesitant but ultimately unyielding in their refusal to succumb to her tactics, firmly convinced that this mysterious woman is not who she claims to be.

Meanwhile, Hikari, once a resident at Baby Baton's facility, has been struggling to reconcile her new life with the reality of her past. Feeling disconnected from her former existence, she makes the bold decision to return to the facility and request employment and housing. As she settles into this new chapter, she inadvertently stumbles upon the records of adoptive parents, leading her to a groundbreaking discovery - the file detailing the adoption of her own son.

As Hikari draws closer to the city in an effort to reconnect with her child, she takes on a job delivering newspapers and forms an unlikely bond with a young girl who bears a striking resemblance to one of the expectant mothers she met during her time at Baby Baton. The two become fast friends, but their budding relationship is put to the test when Hikari's new acquaintance finds herself entangled in a precarious situation with loan sharks, prompting Hikari to come up with a plan to extricate her friend from this financial quagmire.

In the aftermath of this ordeal, Hikari reaches out to Asato's parents once more, but instead of finding solace in their reunion, she is met with an overwhelming sense of regret and shame. Recognizing the error of not having acknowledged her true identity earlier, Sakoto sets out to track down Hikari, determined to introduce her son to his biological mother - a poignant moment that marks a new beginning for this trio bound by a shared secret.