Otokichi Nakane practices the family tradition of fishing rod making, teaching the craft to his eldest son Tadayoshi to preserve their generational legacy. Married to Yoshi, he fathers children Kayoko, Tadayoshi, Takejirou, Kisaburou, and Kounosuke, while his brother-in-law Koutarou shares a past as his classmate.

Amid Japan’s involvement in World War II, Otokichi clings to optimism, convinced America would avoid attacking due to Japan’s alliances with military powers Germany and Italy. He voices faith in divine protection, viewing Japan as favored by the gods—a perspective rooted in the era’s nationalistic fervor.

This confidence shatters during the Pacific War. Fleeing an attack, Otokichi and most of his family perish while seeking shelter in a locked Kazakami school building. He directs Kisaburou to enter first and unlock the gates. After Kisaburou succeeds, he waits inside for the others, who never reach safety. Otokichi, Yoshi, Tadayoshi, Takejirou, and Kounosuke die in the incident, leaving only Kayoko and Kisaburou as survivors.