In a small Japanese village, a widower named Kumagoro lives with his daughter and mother-in-law, leading a simple life filled with traditions. The story centers on his longing for music and the beauty of nature, represented by the song of a nearby mountain. However, their peace is interrupted by the arrival of a group of traveling musicians, who bring both melody and modernity that challenge the traditional values of the community. As Kumagoro finds himself drawn to modern music and the possibilities it offers, his daughter begins to fall in love with one of the musicians.
As the plot progresses, the relationship between father and daughter becomes strained, as he fears she will drift away from her roots and the simple life she has always known. The struggle between family duty and the desire for freedom intensifies, while the mountain landscape symbolizes the internal conflict they face, inviting the characters to reflect on what they truly value in life.
Moving between moments of serenity and turmoil, the characters are forced to confront their own aspirations. Throughout this emotional journey, lessons about love, tradition, and modernity emerge strongly, leading us to a climax where everyone must decide whether to cling to the past or venture into an uncertain future. The film delicately exposes, with poetic grace, the struggle between nostalgia and change.