Acting
Toru recalls his life in the 1960s, when his friend Kizuki killed himself and he grew close to Naoko, Kizuki's girlfriend, and another woman, the outgoing, lively Midori.
Kanako is about to open a French restaurant, for the sole purpose of making herself happy with good food and wine. She recruits Iga, a waiter who is undervalued at his current restaurant. After Kanako declares, “I’m convinced that you will become a great waiter,” he decides to work for her. However, he quickly finds out that not only is the restaurant poorly located – it’s in the middle of the cemetery, far away from downtown and residential areas – but none of the other staff, such as former hairdresser Kawai, have ever worked at a French restaurant.
Ryoko becomes a reporter for a major newspaper after receiving a master's degree from Tokyo University's graduate program. While concealing her adult video acting experience during her university days, she spends her evenings frequenting "host clubs" with her friend. At the same time, she is in a stimulating relationship with boyfriend Rei. Ryoko seeks emotional balance, and despite feeling the contradiction between her day and night lifestyle, hopes to gain happiness in her life.
Nishioka, a musician who has lost his passion for music and is living a life of self-indulgence, is fired by his contracted music production company.
When fourteen-year-old Yo is hospitalized she gradually develops feelings for Yayoi who is a nurse tending her. However, Yayoi leaves the nursing profession in favour of prostitution. Yo is disappointed, but turns to the older woman after she is the subject of unrequited love from her mother's man. The two grow closer and Yo is about to find out what motivates Yayoi.
The Kojimas run an onsen, hot spring inn. The husband decided he wanted a dog, but the wife tried to talk him out, saying he couldn't look after the dog. To prove he can look after a dog, he starts to take a stuffed dog for a walk.
