Ganbatte Ikimasshoi

As a child, Etsuko Murakami believed her speed made her special, then quit running once other people began passing her. In high school she joins the rowing club, only for that place to disappear as well when the club is dissolved. The loss seems like further proof that enthusiasm is not worth the disappointment, until transfer student Riina Takahashi arrives determined to rebuild the team.

Etsuko and Hime are joined by Taeko and Mayumi, girls with different motivations and different levels of skill. A rowing shell gives none of them the luxury of succeeding alone; one mistimed stroke slows everyone. Through practice, arguments, and races, Etsuko begins to understand that her value does not depend on being the best. It can come from choosing to give everything beside people who need her just as much as she needs them.