In Tokyo, a life-sized inflatable doll lives with its owner, a middle-aged man who treats it as a human companion, dressing it up and talking to it as though it were alive. One day, a miraculous occurrence brings the doll to life. It develops human emotions and consciousness, starts to breathe, and can move on its own, though it retains its doll-like appearance. Naming herself Nozomi, she keeps her newfound sentience a secret and continues to play the role of the dutiful doll by day. Curious about the world and eager to understand the complexities of human existence, Nozomi ventures out of the apartment while her owner is at work, exploring the city and the lives of its inhabitants.

As she navigates through Tokyo, Nozomi finds work at a video store, where she becomes fascinated with the concept of love and begins to observe the intricate relationships between people. Her innocent and unfiltered perspective on life and her doll-like, emotionless expressions make her interactions with others uniquely poignant and sometimes comically misunderstood. Through her experiences and the connections she forms with the video store clerk, a kind-hearted man with his own set of struggles, and other city dwellers, Nozomi embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and the understanding of what it means to be alive. This exploration leads her to confront the inevitable challenges and joys of life, love, and existence.