Set in Kyoto in 1953, the story begins with the head of Miroku Bank—a former noble—who commits suicide after his investment in a Southeast Asian reconstruction project fails. His wife, Akiko, and her stepson are summoned by the abbot and a nun from their family temple, who demand repayment of the lost funds. Bearing her husband's responsibility, the widowed Akiko is forced to take holy vows and live out her life as a nun in a convent.