House on Fire 1986

Kazuo's parents split up in his youth

Kazuo grows up amid his parents' separation, an event that shapes his view of family and love. The absence of a stable home life shadows his later relationships as an adult. This early fracture foreshadows the emotional turbulence that unfolds in the story.

Becomes a celebrated writer and wins the Naoki Prize

As he matures, Kazuo establishes himself as a writer and earns the Naoki Prize for his literature. The accolade confirms his literary status and public visibility. Yet personal relationships begin to strain under the weight of success.

Kazuo's son Jiro contracts meningitis and is left paralyzed

Jiro's meningitis leaves him paralyzed and mentally disabled, placing a heavy burden on the family. The illness exposes the fragility of family bonds and becomes a catalyst for later decisions. Kazuo's mood and priorities shift under the strain of caregiving.

Yoriko embraces spiritual beliefs; marriage deteriorates

Yoriko turns to spiritual religion, a shift that creates distance between her and Kazuo. Their marriage begins to unravel as their paths diverge. The growing disconnect foreshadows the eventual separation.

Invitation to Dazai memorial in Aomori on August 9

Kazuo is invited to participate in the construction of a memorial to his old friend Dazai in Aomori, on August 9—the day his son becomes ill. Yoriko warns that a darker omen may unfold that day at the hands of a woman. The day marks a turning point in the emotional landscape of the characters.

Kazuo and Keiko travel to Aomori and begin an affair

During the trip to the memorial, Kazuo brings his young assistant Keiko to Aomori and they consummate their affair. The liaison marks a decisive blow to his marriage and personal ethics. The trip cements the complex web of relationships that follow.

Kazuo confesses to Yoriko; she asserts she knows everything

Upon returning, Kazuo admits he was with Keiko in Aomori. Yoriko responds that she already knows everything he does, revealing a deep awareness of his infidelities. The scene cements the disintegration of trust between them.

Yoriko leaves; marriage threatened; children reject Keiko

Yoriko abandons Kazuo and threatens a costly divorce, while his children reject Keiko as an intruder in the family. The household fractures as loyalties become divided. The couple's attempts at rebuilding are overwhelmed by resentment.

Stormy evening brings decision: Yoriko stays with the children; Kazuo is asked to leave

In a stormy evening, Yoriko returns and comforts the children, telling Kazuo that she will stay with them while he may leave. The family stabilizes around Yoriko's decision, effectively ending the marriage. Kazuo is pushed toward a solitary path for a time.

Kazuo rents an apartment for Keiko in Asakusa; one year passes

Kazuo moves Keiko into an apartment in Asakusa, starting a new phase of their relationship. A year passes as they navigate fame, intimacy, and consequence separate from his family. The separation creates new routines and tensions.

Ichiro burgles the apartment; Keiko becomes pregnant

Ichiro, Kazuo's eldest son from his first wife, burgles the Asakusa apartment and admits reading Kazuo's book about his adultery. Keiko becomes pregnant from the relationship and contemplates her options for the future. The revelation deepens the strain between everyone involved.

Rumor of Keiko with a powerful man; Kazuo spirals into alcohol and fights; encounters Yoko

Publishing rumors link Keiko to the power broker Mr. Shimamura, threatening Kazuo's safety and reputation. He drinks to drown his worries and gets into a series of fistfights. He ends up in the apartment of a young woman named Yoko, beginning a new, troubling chapter.

Kazuo and Yoriko work on the manuscript while Jiro is placed in care

With Keiko absent, Kazuo asks Yoriko to type what he dictates so he can finish the manuscript before the deadline. The strain of family life leads them to place Jiro in a care facility to simplify their lives. The two cooperate professionally despite the personal distance between them.