A place, somewhere, that bears a strong resemblance in history and environment to Japan. Its return to properity after defeat in war is due to a certain law, the Special Law for the Maintenance of National Prosperity. All children, just before thay start primary school, are vaccinated. The ampoule for one in every thousand containing capsule that, before they turn 25, will shatter near the heart and kill them. With the tension arising from the awareness that death could come early to any of these children, they are raised day by day with great sincerity and effort. Officially recognized as sacrificial victims, they provide stability to the state. 24 hours before this capsule is to bring about death, an official of the Ministry of Health and Welfare brings a letter announcing impending death, an ikigami.