From director Takahiko Akiyama (Visual Effects/Art Director: "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within"), comes the tale of a boy who refuses to go to school after his mother dies and gradually learns to reconnect with people again with the help of Hinokio, a remote-control robot.

So, robots do not have feelings? What if, it is a robot that is controlled by a live boy? Hinokio comes to life on screen, showing a range of human emotions, and presents a moving story with a positive and powerful message.

It is the time near future. Twelve-year-old Satoru has gone into withdrawal following the death of his mother in a car accident. The story begins with him steering HINOKIO, a two-legged remote control robot his scientist father has invented, to school. It is through operating Hinokio from his room that Satoru gradually opens up to others. Through the eyes of Hinokio, Satoru finds out about real life and friendship, and discovers his first love. However, soon Satoru faces the fact that the robot gives only a simulation of experience, and he must go out into the real world himself in order to feel the reality.