Sold at age 12 to the renowned Yokiro geisha house, Momowaka (Kimiko Ikegami) slowly becomes the most successful geisha of the house, an achievement that gives her a greater amount of freedom -- and bitter enemies. Director Hideo Gosha's stirring epic romance, controversial upon its release, won nine Japan Academy Prizes, including Best Actor for co-star Ken Ogata, Best Director and Best Screenplay.