In the vibrant setting of early 1980s Japan, a group of tenacious women navigate the complexities of balancing successful careers with personal lives. These women, who travel for work, frequent luxury hotels and restaurants, and savor exquisite wines, often find themselves grappling with feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and pride. Despite these challenges, they remain resilient, never ceasing to dream, and express their whirlwind of emotions with clarity and transparency.
The collection opens with "L'ultimo volo per Tokyo," where Midori, a successful floral artist in the media world, faces a personal dilemma. During a business trip to Sapporo, she plans to meet her ex-boyfriend, aiming to showcase her newfound confidence and independence. However, she has only the taxi ride from the restaurant to the airport to decide whether to resist his advances or succumb to them.
In "Vino," another young woman finds herself abroad for work, purchasing a fine French wine to gift upon her return to Japan. This gesture aligns with the Japanese custom of presenting local products from one's travels. Yet, by the story's end, she questions whether anyone, including herself, truly deserves such a prestigious gift.
"Fino a Kyoto" introduces Kuniko, a thirty-year-old freelance editor on a business trip to the ancient capital. There, she encounters Kusama Takashi, a younger colleague, and is instantly drawn to him. This meeting proves to be a pivotal moment for Kuniko, as she navigates the complexities of her emotions and professional life.