Riding the Waves of Youth

Under the boundless blue sky and sea, a rowing race between classes unfolds at Mitsuhigashi High School. Second-year student Etsuko Murakami, a rower, stops paddling, convinced of defeat. She finds no purpose, her days a dull routine between home and school. Then, transfer student Reina Takahashi arrives. After watching a race by the shore, she passionately declares to Etsuko, whom she's just met, 'I want to join the rowing club!'—even though it's been disbanded. With help from Etsuko's childhood friend Hime Saeki, the club is revived, joined by classmates Taeko Hyodo and Mayumi Imoto. Etsuko, who intended to merely lend her name, begins to row. Five novices start intense training. A crushing defeat in the preliminaries reveals their level, igniting a fierce resolve to win next time. Once strangers, Etsuko and her four companions now live each day with passion and purpose.