THE BLOSSOM AND THE FIREFLY

Traci Kato-Kiriyama and Greg Watanabe lend their voices to the narration of this poignant love story set in Japan in 1945. Fifteen-year-old Hana has been tasked with caring for young kamikaze pilots as they prepare for their final missions. Taro, a pilot himself, has set aside his aspiration to be a violinist and has volunteered to die for his country. Kato-Kiriyama and Watanabe capture the melancholy mood of the story as Hana and Taro connect over their shared love of music, despite the unforgiving press of time. With measured pacing and precise diction, Kato-Kiriyama skillfully conveys Hana's gravity and sense of decorum. Watanabe communicates the complex yet intoxicating fervor that takes hold of the young pilots. A nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of love and duty in unthinkable circumstances. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]