A comprehensive behind-the-scenes piece that features raw footage from the production studios and work stations, introductions and in-depth interview clips with many of the key artists and filmmakers, an examination of the manga that inspired the film, a look through some of the key components in the filmmaking process (storyboards, adapting the manga, production meetings, and many of the steps along the way), and more, even some "life and times" highlights as the filmmakers go about their routine and work commitments. The piece plays sort of like a dramatic "reality television" program at times, but it's an absorbing look into the wonderful world of animated film creation.

The Making of Miss Hokusai

In a cone-shaped land named Kikyōgahara in Shin Province, there lives a girl named Hana. She is a gentle girl, who always thinks of her family, in particular her great-grandmother Chiyo, whom she affectionately calls "Granny." One day, a traveling entertainment troupe named the Natsugawa Genzaemon Troupe happens by, and the villagers welcome them warmly. Upon finishing their performance and receiving their acclaim, the troupe's leader spots Hana with some "oyaki," his favorite food, and transforms into a fox in his excitement.  It turns out that the leader Genbanojō, and his companions O-Natsu and Shinzaemon, are all foxes who have taken on human forms. Genbanojō hastily negotiates with Hana, telling her that in exchange for keeping their secret, he will grant her one wish. She answers, "I want to let my Granny see the cherry blossoms."