Oharu, a lady-in-waiting in the Imperial Court, falls in love with a lower-class page, Katsunosuke, leading to their banishment. Disowned by her family and thrust into a life of hardship, Oharu is sent to serve as a courtesan. Despite her attempts to navigate this unforgiving world, her dignity is continually stripped away by the men she encounters and the social structures that dominate her life. Each new role she is forced into, from courtesan to concubine, only seals her fate as an object of exploitation.

As Oharu strives to find stability and dignity, she faces relentless misfortune and societal oppression. Her life becomes a series of tragic encounters and betrayals, each eroding her spirit further. She experiences fleeting moments of hope but is continually pulled back into suffering, exposing the harsh realities of feudal Japan's treatment of women. Through her suffering, Oharu's resolve to maintain some semblance of integrity amidst societal decay becomes a haunting testament to her enduring strength and resilience.