Hayashi Akiko is a lazy high school student in Miyazaki, who dreams of becoming a popular cartoonist. Her parents recommend that she enrolls in a painting class run by Hidaka Kenzo and she does so. Hidaka Kenzo is a strict teacher. At first, Hayashi Akiko is frustrated with his harsh methods, but she learns what real effort is. She gradually comes to believe that her dream of becoming a cartoonist will not come true in Miyazaki. (Source: AsianWiki) ~~ Adapted from the autobiographical manga series "Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist's Journey" (かくかくしかじか) by Higashimura Akiko (東村アキコ).