What is the Praise Ribbon Arc? Synopsis and Famous Scenes Summary | When & Which Manga Volume [Chiikawa]

The story begins with Hachiware happily telling Chiikawa and Usagi about being praised for a blue ribbon. Hachiware treasures the ribbon, displaying it in a flower vase and trying to hold onto the joy of being praised. While everyday pleasures are depicted—such as boiling shellfish they obtained together with Chiikawa and the others in a sweet and savory sauce and eating it with rice—Hachiware's attachment to the blue ribbon is carefully woven throughout.

However, one morning when Hachiware looks at the vase where flowers were displayed, the ribbon that should have been carefully kept is gone. Hachiware searches the surroundings and even hides away waiting for news of the ribbon's whereabouts, but it cannot be found. As Hachiware bites into a fried sweet bread in a bustling spot and confides through tears that the ribbon was lost, Chiikawa cannot hide their shock.

Having lost the blue bow, Hachiware still feels a desire to treasure things connected to the memory of being praised. At a shopfront choosing candy, Hachiware spots a blue ribbon attached to a bag or wrapping and thinks it might be the same one they had been looking for. Hachiware also notices a blue ribbon tied to someone else's belongings, and with Chiikawa watching close by, Hachiware tries to approach the decoration.