At the dusk of World War II Tokyo is a city of sordid atmosphere, tragic ambiance and daily misery. Satoko is nineteen. lives at home with her widowed mother and works at the local civil defense bureau. A more mature and married neighbour Ichikawa has avoided the dreadful fate of going to war and instead is around for Satoko to love. The inevitable love affair that follows helps Satoko truly become a woman and give reason to her life.—aghaemi