In Yakitate Japan, Kazuma, inspired by the pun of 'Japan' as 'pan' meaning bread, aims to create a unique Japanese bread to rival global bests. His passion for bread ignited at six when his sister introduced him to its wonders despite their grandfather's traditional breakfast choices. Initially reluctant, Kazuma's encounter with fresh-baked delights changes his perspective, unveiling his gift of the 'Hands of the Sun' ideal for bread-making. Following the bakery owner to Tokyo to pursue his Japan dream, Kazuma, at sixteen, ventures to Pantasia, Japan's top bread store, to compete and fulfill his own bread-making aspirations.