Love Exposure

Yu Honda's journey starts with a heartfelt request from his dying mother, who urges him to marry a woman as beautiful as *The Virgin Mary*. This moment sets the foundational idea for Yu's quest for love and shapes his aspirations in life.

After the death of Yu's mother, his father, Tetsu, turns to faith and becomes a devout Catholic priest. He establishes his own church, which shifts the family dynamics and heavily influences Yu's upbringing.

As Yu matures, he develops a determination to find and marry someone named 'Mary'. This belief becomes a driving force in his life, encapsulating his struggle between faith and personal desire.

Kaori, a woman who develops an intense obsession with Tetsu, manages to win his affections. Their relationship adds complexity to their cohabitation, fostering an atmosphere filled with secrets and hidden desires.

The three of them—Yu, Tetsu, and Kaori—begin living together in a new house. However, the fragility of their relationships leads to tension and unease as secrets start to surface.

Overwhelmed by the secrets and hidden dynamics of their relationship, Kaori decides to leave. Her departure leaves Tetsu heartbroken and Yu longing for a way to reconnect with his father.

Desperate to mend his relationship with Tetsu, Yu begins attending confession daily. However, he struggles to confess real sins and starts fabricating lies about his behavior, leading to a cycle of deceit.

In an attempt to provoke a reaction from Tetsu, Yu joins a group of delinquent boys and is introduced to petty crimes, like voyeuristic photography. This decision leads him down a path of moral conflict and estrangement from his father.

While out photographing girls, Yu encounters Koike, who instead of getting angry, finds amusement in his actions. This interaction boosts Yu's confidence, prompting his friends to join him in his photography endeavors.

Yu engages in a bet that leads him to dress in a female costume akin to *Meiko Kaji*’s character from *Female Convict #701: Scorpion*, adopting the persona of *Sasori*. This transformation marks a significant turn in Yu's journey of self-discovery.

Yu encounters a brave girl challenging a group of thugs, seeing her as a potential 'Mary'. This pivotal moment ignites new feelings in him and intertwines their fates in unexpected ways.

Delving deeper into Koike's life reveals her rise within a New Religious Movement, the Zero Church. Her traumatic past fuels a vendetta against men, setting the stage for her manipulative plans involving Yu.

Yoko's introduction brings to light her history of abuse and her hatred for the notion of a happy family. Her bond with Kaori offers temporary respite, but soon conflicts arise as Kaori grows closer to Tetsu.

As tensions escalate, Yu grapples with his dual identity as a dutiful son and a wayward sinner. As Sasori, he forms complex feelings for Yoko, who is drawn to his enigmatic persona.

The climax unfolds as Yu is forced to join the Zero Church, unraveling the cult's dark secrets. Ultimately, he battles to save Yoko, encountering despair and moments of clarity that shape the bittersweet conclusion of their intertwined lives.