The Convenience Store by the Sea

Customers flock daily to Tenderness Mojiko Koganemura to see its charismatic manager, Mitsuhiko Shiba. His charm and warm service even inspire a fan club, and a comic posted online by employee Mitsuri goes viral. But why is such a handsome man managing a convenience store in Mojiko? One day, Mitsuhiko becomes worried when regular customer Mr. Urata suddenly stops showing up for lunch. © NHK

Yoshiro Kiriyama, a cram school teacher who loves Tenderness coffee, has been feeling down after a student complaint. Yoshiro gave up his dream of becoming a manga artist, but he continues to enjoy drawing. When Mitsuhiko praises his art, Yoshiro lashes out and disappears from Moji Port. Mitsuri blames the manager's careless remark, and Mitsuhiko asks Tsugi to help track Yoshiro down... © NHK

Mitsuhiko plans a sweets fair after seeing middle schooler Azusa's love for Tenderness sweets. Secretly eating sweets is Azusa's only joy. One day, she meets Nayuta, an isolated classmate who often skips school, and the two become close. But their time together is interrupted when Mizuki, Azusa's childhood friend, the class queen, and a critic of Nayuta, appears and harshly scolds them. © NHK

Convenience-store sceptic Takiji Otsuka meets Hikaru Minamikata, an elementary school boy who always eats alone at Tenderness. When Hikaru is teased about his dad not coming to sports day, Takiji declares he'll run in the three-legged race as his grandpa. As they begin training, Junko falls ill. Takiji panics, but with help from Mitsuhiko and Hikaru, her health and their marriage recover. © NHK

Kosei spots his mother, Mitsuri, with an unfamiliar man and suspects she's having an affair. With the help of his classmate and fellow Tenderness part-timer, Mifuyu, he secretly follows her. But while Kosei has feelings for Mifuyu, she likes someone else. As Mitsu and Tsugi watch over the teenagers' romance, they offer advice. Meanwhile, Jewel shows up at the store... © NHK

When Mitsuhiko's little sister Jewel shows up at Tenderness, a mysterious beauty, Hana Kanzaki, comes looking for him. For some reason, the two women clash. Jewel blames Hana for her brother's lost love, while Hana says she will see him again. Soon after, Jewel, who left home without a word, collapses with a fever. Days later, Hana returns and takes Taro out instead of the absent manager. © NHK

After her son loses his job and struggles with mortgage payments, Mitsue sells her home in Saga and moves to Moji. Struggling to adjust, she falls ill at Moji Port and is rescued by Shiba. Inspired by the encounter, she joins his fan club and becomes an avid supporter. Meanwhile, her granddaughter Shino is recovering from a breakup. Mitsue's sudden makeover throws the family into chaos. © NHK

Mitsuhiko comes across a tearful Kazuko Inui, who says she must leave Moji Port for good, and he spends the day with her walking around town. Waka spots the two of them, but Makio claims he can't see Kazuko. The next day, Mitsuhiko's usual sparkle is dim, and he makes careless mistakes at work. Finding it odd, Mitsuri asks him for details about his date with Kazuko the day before... © NHK

An elderly woman asks Mitsuri to help her buy prepaid cards. Sensing a scam, Mitsuri prevents her from becoming a victim. The story makes the news, and Mitsuri becomes the talk of Moji Port. Later, a local elementary school's newspaper club interviews Mitsuri and Shiba. During the interview, a tragic incident at Tenderness 18 years earlier comes up. It changed Shiba's life forever. © NHK

At Mrs. Nose's suggestion, a party is organized to celebrate Mitsuri's award. As preparations get underway, Taro meets Tsugi for lunch, only to find Jewel there as well. Claiming he has no personality, Taro tries to push Jewel away, but Tsugi points out his hidden appeal. On the day of the party, Mitsuhiko reunites with Koki Nise, the boyfriend of Mihoro, who was Mitsuhiko's first love. © NHK