What was the deal with the mother's illness?
She never seemed to be terribly ill, yet she stayed in the hospital for a long time.
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Tuberculosis.
Straightedge means I'm better than you.
Okay, thanks.
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The treatment for TB was mainly fresh air and rest. This is probably why the family has moved to the country, although the father still works in Tokyo. His commute involves a bus and a train, if you recall.
I'm not sure where the setting is meant to be - perhaps the Tama Hills? Have you seen Pom Poko? It deals with the destruction of the rural landscape to build the world's biggest housing estate. Very sad, but necessary, I suppose.