Set in contemporary Tokyo, the film explores the lives of the Sasaki family, which appears to embody the typical middle-class household. Ryuhei Sasaki, the father, loses his administrative job due to outsourcing but hides his unemployment from his family, pretending to go to work every day. This dishonesty stems from a mix of pride and fear of losing respect within his family. Meanwhile, his wife, Megumi, occupies herself with domestic duties, unaware of the financial instability creeping into their lives. Their two sons, Takashi and Kenji, quietly deal with their own personal challenges and ambitions that diverge significantly from the paths their parents envision for them.

As the narrative unfolds, each family member's secret and individual struggle begin to surface, challenging the fragile veneer of their family unity. Kenji, the younger son, seeks solace and meaning in learning piano lessons against his father's wishes, viewing it as an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, Takashi, the older son, deals with his existential dread and lack of direction by making a drastic and unexpected decision about his future. Within this framework, the film delicately portrays the unraveling of family dynamics and societal pressures, reflecting broader themes of identity, purpose, and the quest for personal fulfillment against the backdrop of modern societal expectations and economic hardship.