Traumatised twelve-year-old Satoru has gone into withdrawal following the death of his mother in a car accident. Never leaving his room, he lives through Hinokio, a remote controlled robot his scientist father invented for his son to interact with the world, including school. Through the eyes of Hinokio, Satoru discovers life, friendship, and meets his first love. Gradually, Satoru begins to open himself up to others and learns how to communicate once again. He soon realises that in order to experience the pleasures of the real world himself, he must venture out from his room and embrace reality.