Kazumasa Yuuki is a journalist for the local newspaper. In 1985, a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger aircraft tragically crashed in a remote mountain range, leading to the deaths of 520 individuals. This incident ranks among the deadliest single-plane crashes ever recorded and he'd been put in charge as a crash desk chief. At the same time, he was making arrangements to climb Tsutate Mountain alongside his climbing partner, Kyoichiro Anzai. However, a mysterious turn left Anzai in a vegetative condition.
The narrative intertwines the true story of a Japanese passenger plane disaster with the obstacles encountered by the community newspaper business. The JAL crash had made the top story for several days and there were always disagreements and fighting over to create fresh news. The story highlights how Yuuki works closely with reporters across the group's stations skillfully managing the planning and organization of story elements, all while under pressure. The two life-changing experiences inflicted on him with seventeen years apart. I loved how the book was structured and the flawed elements of a character are where I find their humanity impacts the plot of the story.