Jarinko Chie (TV)

A 1981 film directed by Takahata, it is based on a manga by Etsumi Haruki. The story centers on a ten-year-old girl known as the most unfortunate in Japan, who runs her family’s diner while dealing with her separated parents—her unemployed yakuza father and her mother. Despite the challenging circumstances, the film is presented as a comedy. It is set in Osaka, highlighting its distinct cultural differences from Tokyo. Following the movie’s success, a television series was produced, with Takahata serving as chief director.