In July 1945, Japan's army is on the run. A platoon in Burma sings to keep its spirit up, inspired by their self-taught lute player, Mizushima. Awaiting repatriation at war's end in Mudon prison camp, Mizushima is sent to convince a recalcitrant Japanese company to surrender. The British attack and his companions fear he has been killed, but he has survived, disguised as a Buddhist priest. En route back to Mudon, overwhelmed by the frequent sight of dead Japanese soldiers, he vows to live a life of prayer; burying bones and bodies rather than returning to Japan.