It was written by Kaneto Shindō and Shinobu Hashimoto, based on the 1706 play Horikawa nami no tsuzumi by Monzaemon Chikamatsu.
[4][5][6] Samurai Hikokuro returns home to his wife Tane after a full year at his shogun's residence in Edo.
In a series of flashbacks, Tane is first cleared from the charges pressed against her, but after Hikokuro's sister renews the accusations, she finally admits her guilt.
In her confession, she recounts how she had first escaped a rape attempt by the very samurai responsible for the rumours about her and, being drunk and in fear, had later spent the night with the musician.
In compliance with the samurai honour, Tane is required to commit suicide, and her lover declared fair game.