In 1958, as Japan prepared to enforce the Anti-Prostitution Law, the story centers around the lives of women working at the Fujinoya Geisha House, under the guidance of Madam Satoe. Among them is Tokiko, a young maiko who is just beginning her journey into the world of traditional entertainment. Throughout her days, she witnesses various events that highlight the social tensions and personal struggles faced by women in her line of work. One such incident involves Terucho, a fellow geisha, who becomes furious when she discovers that Kimiryo has been sleeping with a client at the Momoyama Hotel. Additionally, Tokiko observes scenes of unrest, such as striking workers at Hinod Taxi being violently beaten by hired thugs, illustrating the turbulent atmosphere of the era.
The narrative also touches on the complex relationships between patrons and geishas. Mr. Yoshikawa, a tailor and a long-time patron of Madam Satoe for over ten years, suddenly stops visiting after his wife and daughter request him to cut ties. His son and his friends later visit the geisha house, where they are entertained by Terucho. During their conversation, it is revealed that Mrs. Yoshikawa may be disinherited for her wealth, prompting her son to threaten her financial stability. Despite the tension, Terucho advises him to continue his support of Madam Satoe if he truly cares about her, suggesting the importance of loyalty and connections.
Tokiko’s personal life gets more complicated as she returns home to find her sister, Fujiko, has quit school to work with their mother, while her unemployed brother, Sadao, spends his time drinking and neglecting the family’s needs. Meanwhile, Yamashita, a young man working at a sawmill, meets Tokiko and they share a moment over rice cakes, discussing their hopes and uncertainties about their futures.
The film takes a darker turn when Mr. Yoshikawa’s son resumes his visits to Terucho and engages in a sexual encounter. When his father finds out, he is furious and publicly disowns Terucho, even physically slapping her. The son then reveals that his actions were part of his plan to drive his father away from Madam Satoe. Subsequently, he sexually assaults Terucho, who later reports the incident to the police and plans to pursue legal action, fearing damage to the family’s reputation because of their engagement to another woman.
Meanwhile, Michiko, a bar owner, faces her own struggles. She borrows money from Madam Satoe to lend to the father of her young son, Ichiro. Sadly, the father disappears almost immediately, leaving her uncertain about his whereabouts despite their 15-year relationship.
As the story progresses, Madam Hanaman offers to support Tokiko’s debut as a maiko by covering the costs of her new kimono and debut party, in exchange for part of the earnings from her first client, the wealthy and elderly Mr. Tamura. Before securing a patron, Madam Satoe sells herself to a new sponsor to meet her financial needs. Tokiko, now bearing the geisha name "Omocha," meaning "toy," makes her debut and prepares to meet her first client with hope and trepidation, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Throughout this poignant and layered narrative, the film explores themes of love, duty, societal expectations, and the harsh realities faced by women navigating a changing Japan on the brink of legal and social upheaval.
