The year is 1948, three years since the atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima and much of the Nakaoka family. Gen Nakaoka, his mother, and his adopted brother, Ryuuta, struggle to survive in the ruins of their once flourishing city. And yet, after befriending a group of homeless orphans, Gen realizes that in many ways, he is lucky. As the effects of radiation poisoning and the insensitive actions made by foreign troops continue to shape Hiroshima, Gen and Ryuuta must find strength within themselves if they ever hope to prosper. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hiroshima, summer of 1945. A young girl named Nobuko saves a starving kitten from crows. She wants to keep the kitten, but her parents dismiss the idea. Nobuko eventually convinces them to let her keep it. She and her brother Makoto name the cat Kuro. Kuro quickly brings joy and laughter to the family. As World War II takes its toll on Japan, it becomes harder for Nobuko and her family to care for Kuro. One August morning, Kuro begins acting strangely...

Black rain, which contained plenty of radioactivity, poured into Hiroshima just after the bombing. The effects of the death ash extend to the second and third generations and still cast the shadow of death behind the living witnesses. (Source: Official Site)