The End of Summer

Manbei Kohayagawa leads a modest sake brewery near Kyoto with his family. His family includes two daughters, Noriko and Fumiko, and a widowed daughter-in-law, Akiko, who live in Osaka.

Manbei is eager to see his daughter Akiko happily married. To facilitate this, he enlists the help of his brother-in-law, Kitagawa, to find a suitable match for her.

Kitagawa introduces Akiko to Isomura Ei'ichiro, a widower he met at a bar. Despite Isomura's interest in Akiko, she is hesitant about pursuing a romantic relationship with him.

Meanwhile, Noriko has feelings for Teramoto but struggles to express them as he prepares to move to Sapporo for a job. This creates a sense of urgency in her emotional journey.

Amidst family matters, Manbei secretly rekindles a relationship with his former lover, Tsune Sasaki. He contemplates the possibility that Tsune's daughter, Yuriko, could be his own child.

Fumiko discovers her father's clandestine relationship with Tsune and confronts him about it. Manbei adamantly denies any infidelity, escalating tensions within the family.

The Kohayagawa family gathers at Arashiyama for a memorial service honoring their deceased mother. This solemn occasion highlights the family's struggles and unresolved issues.

After a heated argument with Fumiko regarding his relationship, Manbei suffers a heart attack during the memorial service. Surprisingly, he awakens the next day feeling revitalized.

Following his recovery, Akiko asks Noriko about her matchmaking attempts. Noriko admits to enjoying the experiences but cannot shake off her feelings for Teramoto.

Manbei takes a secret trip to Osaka with Tsune, leading to another heart attack that tragically results in his death. This event dramatically shifts the family dynamic.

Tsune reveals Manbei's passing to his daughters, leaving them in shock. This revelation alters not only their emotional landscape but also their future as a family.

In the wake of Manbei's death, the Kohayagawa brewery, struggling to stay afloat, faces the prospect of merging with a competing business. This raises concerns about the family's legacy.

Determined to reconnect with Teramoto, Noriko resolves to travel to Sapporo. Her journey symbolizes a fresh start, despite the heavy backdrop of her father's death.

As the family gathers for Manbei's cremation, they are enveloped in memories and nostalgia. This moment serves as a poignant conclusion to their family's turbulent narrative.