Takako, a Japanese housewife in the late 20th century, is confronted with the restrictions and mores of her culture. Faced with a philandering husband and social pressures designed to create the "ideal housewife" she struggles to find a way out of her predicament. Others that touch her life in various ways are also busy carving out their own paths in the restrictive culture. A good read for adults interested in the Japanese culture of the period.