Private Mizushima, a Japanese soldier, becomes the harp player of Captain Inōye's group, comprised of soldiers who fight and sing to raise morale in World War II, Burmese campaign. They are later told that the Japanese surrender has occurred and they surrender. At a camp the soldiers are asked for a volunteer to talk down a group of soldiers who are still fighting on a mountain. Mizushima volunteers, but fails his mission. Soon the British artillery bombs the place and he becomes the only survivor. En route to Mudon to join his comrades, the frequent sight of dead Japanese soldiers overwhelms him, and vows to live a life of prayer, burying bones and bodies.