Friends can help solve problems

Have you ever seen an animation called Kodomo no omocha (Children's Toys)? If you have only seen the TV version, you might think that it is only a farce. Actually, it includes the message that life is fantastic if you appreciate your friends.

In the comic version, the children think that the world is a toy and life is just a game. Although this is silly, it helps them solve their problems.

The leading character, Sana, who is studying in Primary Six, is an actress. Her mother, Mariko, is a famous writer. When Sana was 11, she became famous because of her part in a television programme. Then, Mariko wrote a novel called My daughter and I. It revealed that Sana was adopted because she wanted to help Sana find her natural mother. However, this caused Sana to be followed by the mass media.

The leading male character is Hayama, who is Sana's classmate. Hayama's mother died on the day he was born and his sis ter thought that their mother died because of him and hated him very much. Hayama always wanted to die but he did not because he had found a purpose in life - karate. Unfortunately, his arm was broken after getting a good result in a karate competition.

Both leading characters are primary school students but they have to face many problems that adults may find difficult to handle. However, they are able to find the solutions with help from friends.