In the heart of Tokyo, a middle-aged bureaucrat named Kanji Watanabe lives a monotonous and gray life, engulfed in the tedium of bureaucracy. His routine is shaken when he receives the devastating news that he has a terminal illness. This blow leads him to a deep reflection on the meaning of his existence. Anticipating his death, Watanabe realizes that he has spent his life without truly living it, and he embarks on a personal journey of rediscovery.
Driven by a new sense of urgency, he decides to quit his meaningless job and seek ways to leave a mark. Captivated by the idea of doing something meaningful, he encounters a group of workers who are striving to transform a vacant lot into a community park. This project becomes his obsession. As he becomes more involved, he starts to form authentic connections with the people around him, giving him a sense of purpose that he had long lacked.
Throughout this journey, Watanabe confronts his own fears and doubts, balancing the sadness of his situation with the small joys of life. His new perspective touches those around him, and, although his time is limited, he manages to impact the lives of many in his community. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of life and finding meaning even in the most difficult circumstances.