Crossing Time

The story is built around the everyday lives and thoughts of people waiting at railroad crossings. Every day these people stop at the barrier, waiting for the signal that will let them continue on their way to work or school. At first glance it is just a fleeting moment in their lives, but in fact it is a time when they can reflect on their thoughts and watch the trains go by.

The anime consists of short episodes, each of which tells the story of some of the characters. Most of the main characters are young schoolgirls, but other people who get stuck at the crossing appear as well. Friends, enemies, acquaintances and complete strangers all end up side by side for a few minutes, and each of them has their own unique story and the thoughts they work through while they wait. The series documents the conversations that unfold in these brief pauses, which can be funny or depressing, predictable or completely unexpected, but almost always turn out to be surprisingly interesting.