The story follows a group of Japanese students dealing with selective mutism, a complex childhood anxiety disorder, characterized by a child's inability to speak in select social settings. The focus is on the special support system provided in their schools to help them cope. This includes modified teaching methods, counseling, and school-wide awareness campaigns. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing mental health conditions at an early age to ensure overall well-being.

Mental health issues like selective mutism were traditionally stigmatized in Japan. However, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on recognizing and addressing these issues. Japanese schools are increasingly focusing on the mental health of students and adopting supportive infrastructure, signifying social progress towards understanding mental health disorders.

In the US and EU, mental health awareness amongst children has quite a precedent, with established provisions like counseling and special education. Despite this, stigma remains prevalent. The comparison could help highlight the global efforts in overcoming mental health stigma in education systems.