Mainly the story of Shinsuke and his stepmother, ranging from Shinsuke's infanthood to his mid-teens. Coal workers and the mines dominate nearly every aspect of the life of the characters. Shinsuke's father dies while bravely using dynamite to rescue a group of trapped Korean miners. Several older men attempt to help he and his mother cope, including a kind Korean and a Harley-riding yakuza.

The story depicts a young man suffering from an incurable disease trying to live his life to the fullest in the time he has left. Based on the true story of Ayumu Oya (poet), the eldest son of Soichi Oya (journalist, novelist and critic)