Jarinko Chie is a 1981 film directed by Takahata. Adapted from the highly popular manga by Etsumi HARUKI, it follows ten-year-old Chie, known as "the most unfortunate girl in Japan," who runs her family diner while her unemployed yakuza father and her mother are separated. While this premise sounds quite depressing, the film is actually a very funny comedy. The narrative takes place in Osaka, a city with a culture entirely distinct from Tokyo's. Following the movie's success, a TV series was produced, with Takahata serving as chief director.