In post-war Japan, a young woman named Tamiko lives a quiet life in her small town, where tradition and modernity clash at every corner. Tamiko is known for her skill in playing the shamisen, and her passion for music drives her to dream of a bright future. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a famous music producer from Tokyo arrives in the village in search of new talent. Excited by the possibility of leaving her modest existence behind, Tamiko embarks on a journey to the city, leaving her family and home.
As she dives into the entertainment world, Tamiko faces the challenges of urban life, where ambition and competition are relentless. Although she initially enjoys the glitz and glamour of her new life, she soon realizes that the music industry is a place filled with traps and disappointments. Amid the pressures and expectations, Tamiko begins to lose sight of what truly inspires her.
With the help of an old mentor who guides her from a distance, Tamiko must find her way back to herself and recognize that success is not always measured by fame or money. Through music and introspection, she learns valuable lessons about authenticity, family, and the true meaning of happiness in an ever-changing world.