The Place Promised in Our Early Days

In a world ravaged by war, a divided Japan struggles to find its place in a fragile balance of power. The year is 1954, and the country is bifurcated into two starkly different territories: the North, a dystopian regime controlled by the Union, and the South, a more affluent and democratic society governed by the United States. Within the North, a towering structure, the Airship Island, rises majestically – a monolith of mystery and intrigue – casting a shadow of wonder and unease over the population. Among the students of Shiroiwa High School, nestled in the heart of the North, are three individuals bound by an unbreakable bond of friendship. Hiroki Sugimura, Takashi Saeki, and Nozomu Ishigami are an inseparable trio, united in their determination to unravel the secrets of the enigmatic tower that pierces the sky above the Union. The source of their fascination lies in the Airship Island's seemingly impossible construction. In the aftermath of World War II, the world was forever changed. The devastating war left in its wake a legacy of nuclear devastation, a shattered Japan, and the emergence of powerful nations vying for control. The creation of the Airship Island, a towering behemoth constructed by the enigmatic engineer Franz Bonn, has been shrouded in mystery. Some speculate it was built as a testament to human ingenuity, while others believe it is a hub for nefarious activities. As the three teenagers ponder the truth surrounding the tower, they find themselves bound by a shared vision: to cross the treacherous border dividing the North and the South in a makeshift airplane, an ambitious endeavor that has been dismissed as a foolish dream by the adults around them. Their bond is strengthened when they stumble upon an old photograph depicting a boy and girl standing in front of the tower, taken prior to its completion. The image resonates deeply within Hiroki, who sees it as a promise, a vow to find the truth and bridge the divide that separates their world. As they begin to secretly build their airplane, employing ingenious engineering principles, Hiroki, Takashi, and Nozomu embark on a journey of discovery. Along the way, they navigate the complexities of high school life amidst an atmosphere of suspicion and tension. Within the oppressive confines of the Union, the students begin to realize the gravity of their aspirations, as the authorities take a keen interest in their endeavors. In the midst of this tumultuous backdrop, the trio's friendship is tested when Takashi's family is torn apart by a Union crackdown. The event leaves Takashi with a poignant realization: perhaps their dreams, like the ones they shared as friends, are doomed to remain beyond reach. Nozomu, a brilliant engineer in his own right, is also haunted by memories of his sister, who mysteriously vanished while exploring the periphery of the tower. These losses only deepen their resolve to reach the truth, no matter how elusive or treacherous it may be. As the construction of their airplane nears completion, Hiroki, Takashi, and Nozomu begin to sense the gravity of their actions. With their makeshift machine ready to take flight, they are faced with a stark choice: to give up their aspirations or brave the unknown and risk everything to unlock the secrets of the Airship Island. Ultimately, they choose to defy the odds and soar into a future that only they can shape. As the trio soars across the treacherous border, the fate of Japan hangs precariously in the balance. Beneath the majestic tower, the enigmatic Franz Bonn is revealed, his true intentions for constructing the Airship Island shrouded in mystery. In the midst of this revelation, the line between past and present blurs, revealing the interconnected destiny of the three friends. Their determination to uncover the truth serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human resilience and friendship. Set amidst the crumbling ruins of a post-war world, The Place Promised in Our Early Days offers a compelling vision of redemption and hope, challenging viewers to question the true cost of progress and to cherish the unbreakable bonds that unite us in the face of adversity.