The thick paper rustles, gift-wrapping being torn off by small hands. They belong to Rhythym, a shy, 9 year-old mixed-race daughter of a Japanese mother Reiko, and African American father. The present is from her Grandpa, who she only met shortly after she was born. The present is a dull Japanese ancient 'Karakuri Doll'. Rhythym finds it uninteresting to make an effort to complete the doll, but she does so reluctantly as her mother tells her to. Namiko, Reiko's sister, offers help to Rhythym, but is blocked by strict-mother Reiko. Meanwhile, Takashi, Reiko's younger brother, is talking loudly on the phone, putting his foot on the couch, not helping his sisters making dinner at all. And Shu, Namiko's husband, is busy making drinks for Granpa. The disconnected-family gather in NY for this occasion, trying to find a way to reunite.