A journalist interviews an old woman who was forced into prostitution, just like many other Japanese women working in Asia outside of Japan during the first half of the 20th century. She worked in a Malaysian brothel called Sandakan 8.
A surreal, isolated village sees its inhabitants gradually leave behind their mutual traditions and superstitions as they leave for the city. Among them are two cousins who love each other and who get into a quarrel with other villagers.
A 16-year-old girl grows into maturity while hiking the 88-temple pilgrimage around Shikoku.
High-rise window cleaner Katsuo sees an office lady in an awkward situation. He is smitten and pursues her hotly. They are both running away from a hopeless life in their villages. They fall in love, but she gets raped. Tragedy ensues.