SAKURA BY KANAKO NISHI

Sakurais the story of a family who is happy, until it isnt. Skipping back and forth in time, it begins when the narrator, Kaoru, receives a letter from his estranged father announcing he will be home in Osaka for New Years. The letter spurs Kaoru to go back to his childhood home, and though he is apprehensive at returning, his spirits are unexpectedly lifted when he is greeted by Sakura, the family dog.

Growing up, the Hasegawas were the perfect family. Kaorus loving parents doted on their children. Kaorus baby sister, Miki, was cute and charismatic, and his older brother, Hajimea natural leader, athlete, and charmerwas the superstar. The middle child, Kaoru was good at school, but not a star student, friendly with girls but never popular. He was content to exist in Hajimes shadow, and occasionally bask in his light. Then Hajime was involved in a tragic accident that fractured the Hasegawas, with nothing to keep them together but memories and melancholy.

Returning home, Kaoru and his family must find the strength to reckon with the past and pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Luckily, there is Sakura, who somehow has managed to stay happy. Whats her secret? As the Hasegawas learn to let go, it is Sakura who holds the key to help them move forward.

Translated by Allison Markin Powell