
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.
Ishimura

Ishimura's wife

Kiichi, first son
Genji, second son
Noboru, third son
Eisaku, fourth son
Kokichi, fifth son
Hide, first daughter
Ogawa - the teacher

Mitsuko
Kiichi's goroup leader
Ishimura's fellow worker
Genji's fellow worker
