Shôbun Inoue

Тамико с мужем мечтают построить дом по проекту молодого ультрамодного интерьер-дизайнера. Дизайнер гениален в разработке идей ― но, к сожалению, ничего не смыслит в строительстве. Тогда Тамико зовёт на помощь отца ― старого, «традиционного» японского плотника. Строительство начинается, но очень скоро заходит в тупик: новаторские, прозападные идеи «молодого» никак не желают реализовываться в руках старика…

Yoji Kitami, a fisherman's son, is a student in Tokyo. His father had died at sea and Taichiro, his brother, is sending him to the university. But the outbreak of violence by radical students and blockade of classrooms make studying impossible and Yoji goes home. Fortunately, he meets Katsuyuki Shinoda, a childhood friend, who works on a whaling vessel. Yoji decides to join him and rediscover a meaning in life. But finding sidework on a whaler is not so easy and Ogaki, a veteran harpooner, curtly turns him down. But finally, deeply touched by Yoji's earnestness, Ogaki reluctantly agrees to take him with them. Rules are very strict, for even one slight slip-up may jeopardize the safety of the entire ship. For a long time, it seems like a living hell, but with patience and courage, he begins to learn the ropes. And the day they sight their first whale, Yoji comes into his own and finds the real meaning of life.

Будучи призывником в войска Японии военного времени, пацифист борется за то, чтобы сохранить веру в свои идеалы.

A group of rank-and-file Japanese soldiers are jailed for crimes against humanity, themselves victims of a nation refusing to bear its burdens as a whole.