[3] The working class Ishimura family, living on the brink of poverty, depends on the salaries of the father and his three eldest sons, Kiichi, Genji and Noboru, who became factory workers immediately after elementary school.

Kiichi sees no prospect of a promotion or salary raise at his job, meaning he could never support a family of his own, and expresses his wish to go to a higher school.

While his mother objects against his plan, which would result in a decrease of the family's income, his father is torn between financial necessity and his son's happiness.

During a family meeting, moderated by Ogawa, Mr. Ishimura announces that he will accept his sons' decisions.

While Kiichi assures Ogawa that he will work hard, and his younger brothers rejoice, the parents appear worried.