Hula Girls

In 1965, the northern coal town of Iwaki faces crushing unemployment as cheaper oil dominates energy. The mining company conceives a plan to use hot springs seeping into the mines to heat a new 'Hawaiian Center' spa resort. The proposal is met with hostility from conservative miners, so the company recruits Madoka Hirayama, a dance instructor from Tokyo, to train local girls in the hula.

Madoka Hirayama arrives to lead the project, but she faces immediate skepticism from locals who doubt the plan's viability. After some deliberation, she decides to persevere, convinced the group can prove the venture's worth.

At the first meeting, Sanae and Kimiko decide to join the effort, but a rumor that the dancers will perform topless sweeps through the crowd. Dozens of attendees flee, leaving only a few listening to Hirayama's assurances. The two girls remain determined to prove the plan's merit.

Hatsuko, the organizer's secretary, and Sayuri join Sanae and Kimiko, forming the core of the new troupe. The group begins training under Hirayama's direction, learning the basics of the Hawaiian-inspired routine. The atmosphere shifts toward cautious commitment.

Training is tough and progress is slow, and Hirayama nearly abandons the project. Yet the girls' growing enthusiasm rekindles her faith, and she resolves to continue coaching them toward the big plan.

Kimiko's mother Chiyo argues with her about staying in town, prompting Kimiko to leave home and move into the dance school. The separation strengthens the group's resolve as training continues.

On the day Sanae's father is fired, he returns home and beats Sanae, outraging Hirayama. She strikes back, and he leaves town to seek better prospects. Sanae then chooses to accompany him to help care for her siblings.

Kimiko's brother urges her to see the project through, reigniting her determination. She regains focus and returns to join the publicity efforts.

The troupe embarks on the publicity tour, and their first performance is disastrous. Despite the rocky start, the team bonds and begins to improve as the tour continues, building momentum.

A mine accident injures Sayuri's father just before the last planned performance, forcing the troupe to consider returning home. Sayuri begs to finish the tour, and the group supports her choice. The bus arrives in town hours after his death, creating a moment of shared grief and resolve.

Hirayama admits she bears responsibility for not returning immediately to the troupe and prepares to leave. Her students intervene, stopping her from quitting and reinforcing the students' faith in the show.

Imported palm trees for the resort's grand opening are threatened by cold weather, underscoring the venture's fragility. Meanwhile Sanae sends a package to Kimiko, and Kimiko's mother Chiyo, moved by her daughter's progress, takes a job as a scrap collector to support her. She attends the opening night.

The opening show is a great success, establishing the Joban Hawaiian Center as a tourist destination. The moment marks a turning point for the troupe and the town, validating the long effort of Hirayama and her students.