Madadayo

In a heart-wrenching moment, Hyakken Uchida bids farewell to his students as he announces his retirement from teaching. This farewell symbolizes the end of an era for both Uchida and his students, who feel a deep sense of loss as they prepare to transition into a world overshadowed by the upcoming war.

In 1943, Uchida and his wife relocate to a larger residence as a result of growing family needs. However, this decision is marred by his wife's anxiety about the safety of their new neighborhood amidst the mounting tensions of World War II.

Two of Uchida's students, motivated by playful antics, decide to stage a break-in at Uchida's home. In an unexpected turn, they discover a collection of his handwritten notes, which intriguingly detail steps for burgling their own residence.

Uchida hosts several students for dinner, yet he feels a sense of embarrassment due to the meager wartime rations available. The meal, limited to venison and horse meat, reflects the struggles of the time and Uchida's deep care for his students.

Tragedy strikes when Uchida's home is engulfed in flames due to U.S. bombing raids. He and his wife are left without shelter, forced to seek refuge in a cramped shack while holding onto the remnants of their belongings.

As peace returns after the war, Uchida's former students organize a festive gathering to honor him. The banquet is whimsically dubbed the 'Not Yet Banquet' after Uchida's poignant response when asked about leaving this world.

During the lively festivities of the 'Not Yet Banquet,' two American military policemen arrive at the scene. However, they are soon disarmed by the overwhelming joy and camaraderie prevalent among Uchida's students and friends.

With unwavering support from his students, Uchida constructs a new home for him and his wife, incorporating a tranquil pond with a tiny island at its center. This new residence symbolizes hope and renewal after the devastation of war.

Uchida adopts a stray alley cat, whom he affectionately names Alley. This feline companion brings joy to Uchida's life, helping to ease the emotional scars left by the war and the loss of their home.

A developer purchases the lot across from Uchida's new home, causing distress as he insists on acquiring Uchida's property as well. Uchida's refusal is pivotal, leading him to realize that this development would block his cherished view.

In a united effort, Uchida's former students band together to buy the contested lot, demonstrating their loyalty and appreciation for their teacher. They successfully return the lot to the seller, ensuring that Uchida's view remains unobstructed.

During a storm, Uchida's beloved cat Alley goes missing, plunging him into deep sorrow. His desperate search for Alley rallies support from students and townspeople, yet he faces frustrations and false leads that deepen his despair.

Uchida experiences a fleeting moment of hope on a train when he believes he spots Alley at a station. Unfortunately, as the train pulls away, he realizes that it was just an illusion, amplifying his feelings of loss.

In time, Uchida finds a new feline companion, which he names Kurz, meaning 'short' in German. This new arrival rekindles a sense of joy in Uchida's life, helping him cope with the sadness of Alley's absence.

His students organize the seventeenth iteration of the 'Not Yet Banquet,' this time featuring their children, who present beautiful flowers, and grandchildren, who surprise him with a cake. Tragically, during the festivities, Uchida collapses from arrhythmia, leading to a moment of reflection in his timeless dream.