"Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park, where you will find a very special age-old hippo ride named Kabahiko. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. Meet the neighbors who each find their way to Kabahiko: Kanato, desperately hopes to recover the stellar marks he once scored. Sawa, a new mother with no friends, wishes to be able to communicate as she once did when she was an award-winning retail assistant. Chiharu, a wedding planner, longs to listen better for the happiness of others. Yuya, avoids sports day with a fake injury, only to find he really is in pain. Kazuhiko, despite his fading eyes from too much editorial work, seeks to see life's everyday wonders. A powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama's beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader's heart as the eclectic characters find healing in their lives--though they may not always find it in the ways they expect."--Dust jacket flap

In English translated from Japanese