A Majority of One

Widow Bertha Jacoby agrees, at her daughter's urging, to move from Brooklyn to Tokyo to be closer to Alice and Jerry, who are stationed at the American embassy. The move stirs tension with Essie, who worries about neighborhood changes and prejudice. Bertha also harbors resentment toward the Japanese for her son's death, which complicates the relocation.

On the ship to Tokyo, Bertha encounters Koichi Asano, a gracious Japanese Buddhist businessman who is central to Jerry's mission. He asks whether he has offended her or whether she resents the Japanese, and he remains affable even as Bertha stays guarded.

Asano reveals his losses: a son whose ship was destroyed by a dive bomber and a daughter who worked as a nurse in Hiroshima. Bertha admits her resentment about her son's death, revealing the depth of pain that shapes her views. The two bond over shared grief, beginning to bridge their differences.

Bertha starts returning Asano's politeness and tentative warmth. They dance at a party, and their connection deepens while her reticence slowly loosens. Jerry notices and disapproves, signaling future trouble.

The American diplomats neglect to learn Japanese language or customs, and Jerry's culturally awkward gestures insult Asano. The missteps derail negotiations and Asano walks away, citing the incident to the ambassador. The rift foreshadows ongoing problems in their relationship.

To reconcile, Bertha visits Asano's home, where he showers her with lavish gifts and hospitality. He asks permission to formally court her by taking her to social events. Bertha agrees to consider the courtship, acknowledging many serious factors.

When Bertha tells Alice and Jerry about the courtship, they object to the idea of an interracial marriage. Bertha confronts their hypocrisy, pointing out their criticisms of Essie's prejudice. The family remains uneasy about the potential match.

Asano asks to court her more formally, but Bertha declares it is too soon. They acknowledge loneliness and the need to move carefully, agreeing to continue seeing each other during his frequent trips. The tension between affection and caution deepens.

Bertha resolves that she might return to New York, yet she and Asano agree to keep seeing each other on his travels. They balance distance with their ongoing feelings and the possibility of a bigger future. The arrangement keeps hope alive while geography complicates matters.

Sometime later in New York, Bertha and Asano reconnect. They decide enough time has passed to explore a future together, as Asano has accepted a post at the United Nations. The development opens a path for a transpacific relationship.