Hinokio

It is the time near future. Twelve-year-old Satoru has gone into withdrawal following the death of his mother in a car accident. The story begins with him steering HINOKIO, a two-legged remote control robot his scientist father has invented, to school. It is through operating Hinokio from his room that Satoru gradually opens up to others. Through the eyes of Hinokio, Satoru finds out about real life and friendship, and discovers his first love. However, soon Satoru faces the fact that the robot gives only a simulation of experience, and he must go out into the real world himself in order to feel the reality. (Shochiku)