Synopsis
Waka is a second-year high school student, busy with club activities and friendships.
One day, just before summer vacation, she clashes with her father over her future career path.
She wants to go to college, but her grades aren’t improving.
She knows she needs to study, but she can’t find the motivation…
Her brother, Kitaro, introduces her to a mysterious figure called “Letterman.”
He claims that by exchanging ten letters, she can make her dreams come true…
Waka begins writing letters with the sole desire to blow away her current frustrations. How will her interactions with the “Letterman” change her?
What is the true meaning of studying?
What is so interesting about it?And what do you really need to make your dreams come true?
Nice to meet you, Letterman.
I’m currently a second-year high school student.
I’m actually a little worried about my future career path.
My strongest desire is to go to college.
But when asked “for what purpose,” I don’t even know…
(From this book)
[Ten Letters to Make Your Dreams Come True]
First Letter: “Studying is just one tool.”
Second Letter: “Studying isn’t just about what you learn in school.”
Third Letter: “You can’t achieve results without spiritual growth.”
Fourth Letter: “You can create your own meaning in life.”
Fifth Letter: “Willpower makes difficulties possible.”
Sixth Letter: “What you need to succeed is action, not methods.”
Seventh Letter: “The first place you sit when you get home determines your life.”
Eighth Letter: “There are more important things than what you do.”
Ninth Letter: “Every subject can be an opportunity to enrich your life.”
Tenth Letter: “Studying today will greatly change the world in the future.”
Thoughts
What is the purpose of studying for entrance exams?
I’ve always studied with the vague idea that it was to expand my future possibilities.
However, it’s true that studying isn’t the only thing that determines our lives.
Therefore, answering this question can sometimes be difficult.
The story’s protagonist, Waka, is a high school student who is unsure of the meaning of studying. Watching her gradually change through her correspondence with the “letter man,” Waka hopes her daughter will grow up to be just like her.
What particularly struck me was the line, “Studying is a tool to make your dreams come true.” This gave me the perspective that studying isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but also about preparing to enrich your life.
The letter man’s words are all gentle, yet they hit the nail on the head.
“Studying isn’t about improving yourself now, it’s about making sure your future self doesn’t suffer.”
This sentence made me nod deeply. It made me realize that, in a world where people are expected to continue learning even after entering society, studying for entrance exams is only the first step.
The story’s older brother, Kitaro, also adds depth. Despite losing both legs in an accident, his positive attitude seems to embody the message that “it’s not your environment that determines your life, but your mindset.” The scene where Waka reads her brother’s letter and decides to write to the letter shop herself is a quiet yet powerful turning point.
She realizes that the goal is not to gain knowledge, but to develop the ability to choose her own future.
Just like the people of the past who studied by the light of fireflies or snow, the attitude of continuing to learn no matter the circumstances is the key to carving out your own path in life.
