Mina's Matchbox

Set in the spring of 1972, a twelve-year-old girl named Tomoko embarks on a transformative journey to stay with her enigmatic aunt's family in Ashiya, Japan. Surrounded by their opulent lifestyle and complex dynamics, she navigates relationships with her dignified aunt, charming uncle, and her precocious cousin Mina, who introduces her to a world of secrets and storytelling. Through Tomoko's eyes, the narrative explores themes of family, identity, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, culminating in a poignant reflection from her adult perspective.