In 1940, Masaaki Takaoka works as a teacher in the agricultural division at a youth training institute. Although Japan’s defeat seems imminent, all of Masaaki’s students are drafted in a futile last-ditch effort. In an attempt to give the young men some hope, he makes everyone promise that they will all meet again under the cherry blossoms upon their safe return. Consumed by sadness over the fate of his students, Masaaki devotes the next 30 years of his life to develop a new species of cherry blossoms that could thrive in any climate in remembrance of his students.
Toshio, who works at an architectural firm, visits a fishing port to reminisce about his love with his girlfriend Kyoko, who died suddenly one year ago. On a small island, he meets a woman who looks just like Kyoko. Toshio becomes obsessed with the woman. Soon, a rumor spreads among the fishermen that the woman is the incarnation of a shark.
A trio of young scientists investigate a source of uranium at the base of a sacred mountain, and after running over a dog, find themselves cursed by the locals.