After her husband's death, Mrs. Hata desperately needs help on her cucumber farm. Rinko' mother wants her to spend the summer helping Mrs. Hata, her life-long friend. But 12-year-old Rinko sees Mrs. Hata's traditional Japanese ways as being backward and "crazy." When she gives in to her mother's request, she discovers Mrs. Hata is kind and courageous, fighting to save her farm. Before summer ends, RInko comes to appreciate and defend "crazy" Mrs. Hata.
Lana McKissack
as Rinko
Michel Perron
as Saunders
Robert Ito
as Mr. Tsujimura
樹木希林
as Aunt Hata
George Takei
as Mr. Yamanaka
Kitao Sakurai
as Zenny Hata
