Fuyu is the first special is set one and a half years after the end of the series. Nothing much has changed for the Kuroitas. Fuyu deals with two stories, first is about Shoki and his mom and the trouble that she causes Goro. The second is about one of the founders of Furano who has come back after running away from his family many years ago.
There's going to be huge spoilers ahead so read at your own risk. Once again, Kita no Kuni Kara is about old/country values and both stories are written to illustrate that well. Goro (stupidly) signed on as a guarantor for Shokichi's mom and she has gambled all the money away and the only way Goro can settle the debt is to sell of his property.
While no one would certainly believe that the Kuroitas were in danger of losing their home, the highlight of the story for me was not how the townspeople came together and share Goro's burden the fact that Goro is unable to hate Shokichi's mom and the farewall scene at the train station. Goro was more concerned with Shokichi's mom losing her hometown. After what she has done, she would be forever shunned and forbidden to return to Furano.
That goodbye scene with Nakajima Miyuki's Ikoku, which luckily was translated by Chuks as well was superbly powerful. Its like saying more than money, one's hometown and the strength of the people there are more important.
The senile old guy story isn't as good though it has similar themes of regrets and forgiveness but it shouldn't have been the climax to the special. Of note is Fukubi Jun who plays the old man's granddaughter and Sota's new love interest. She looks the same as in Soredemo ikite yuku but is so much younger. Well, it looks like the Kuroita family gets a new member and I can't wait to see what the other specials have to offer.
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