Snow Dome Town

In the town of Takaoka, it has snowed without stopping for the past ten years, despite the weather proceeding as normal everywhere else in Japan. Ako, a talented artist, is working with her friend Tako, a prize-winning young author, to create their ticket out of Takaoka by collaborating on a book they hope will win them a way to get to Tokyo together. But why is it that the snow is constantly falling in Takaoka? And why is it that those born in Takaoka don't seem to be able to leave?