The film is based on the early life of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, whose character bears her childhood nickname Totto-chan. Totto-chan is depicted as being a poor fit for the 1930s Japanese public school system, exhibiting behaviors similar to
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Her wealthy parents withdraw her from public school and enroll her at an unusual one-room
elementary school where most classes are held in a converted streetcar. The school principal,
Sosaku Kobayashi, offers students many unusual innovations linked to
progressive education, such as student-directed curricula,
interpretive dance and other group activities, and guiding students to respond to
physical disability with respect and mutual care. The principal also introduces his own traditions, notably a daily requirement that students bring something from the "ocean" and "mountains" in their
bento (a food education focus later called
shokuiku). After showcasing the successes of the principal's unorthodox approach to childhood education, the film pivots to depicting the school's slow decline during wartime austerity programs, followed by its abrupt closure due to the
firebombing of Tokyo and
evacuation of children. As opposed to the book, where the war is depicted in the background before abruptly intruding into the narrative, the film emphasizes how war interferes with Totto-chan's learning and her father's career. The film provides a simplified narrative where most of the characters from the book appear only briefly. The film also alludes to Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's lifelong success as a television personality. ==Voice cast==