Harmful Insect
(Gaichû)

Sachiko, a 12-year-old girl in junior high school, has a complicated family life. Her father disappeared with a young mistress when she was a baby. Her mother, who works in a bar as an hostess, is unable to live without outside help. It may be the reason why she seems secretive and mysterious. Sachiko had early love experience with a sixth-grade teacher Ogata, who retired from teaching and works at a nuclear power plant far away. They continue exchanging letters. When her mother attempts to commit suicide, Sachiko drops out of school, and in town she meets many people who also don’t fit in society. Her classmate Natsuko asks her to corne back to school and she does, but she also throws petrol bombs into Natsuko’s house: her life spins out of control.