A large family scrapes by on the meager salaries of the father and three eldest sons, who left school in order to work and support the family. The fourth eldest is soon to graduate and follow in their footsteps, though he'd rather continue schooling. The eldest finally decides to break free and set out on his own against his parents' wishes, with the support and sympathy of his siblings.
as Ishimura
as Ishimura's wife
as Kiichi, first son
as Genji, second son
as Noboru, third son
as Eisaku, fourth son
as Kokichi, fifth son
as Hide, first daughter
as Ogawa - the teacher
as Mitsuko
as Kiichi's goroup leader
as Ishimura's fellow worker
as Genji's fellow worker
