“The cherry blossoms had fallen, and the new leaves were already darkening.”
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Makioka Family
The novel opens with an introduction to the four Makioka sisters—Tsuroko, Sachiko, Yukiko, and Taeko—who belong to a once-wealthy Osaka merchant family now in decline. The eldest, Tsuroko, has married and moved to Tokyo, leaving Sachiko as the de facto head of the household in Osaka. The family is deeply traditional, and much of their energy is devoted to finding a suitable husband for Yukiko, the third sister, whose shyness and high standards have delayed her marriage.
Chapter 2: The Search for a Husband
The Makiokas engage in a series of arranged marriage meetings (miai) for Yukiko, but each attempt fails due to mismatched expectations or Yukiko’s reluctance. Meanwhile, Taeko, the youngest sister, rebels against family traditions by pursuing a career in doll-making and secretly dating a man beneath her social status.
Chapter 3: Family Tensions and Social Expectations
As Yukiko’s marriage prospects dwindle, the family grows increasingly anxious. Sachiko, caught between tradition and modernity, struggles to mediate between her sisters’ conflicting desires. Taeko’s relationship with Okubata causes scandal, while Yukiko’s passive resistance to marriage highlights the tension between individual happiness and family duty.
Chapter 4: Natural Disasters and Personal Crises
A devastating flood hits Osaka, forcing the Makiokas to evacuate. The disaster disrupts their lives but also brings temporary unity. However, Taeko’s affair with a bartender, Miyoshi, further alienates her from the family. Yukiko, meanwhile, remains withdrawn, her marriage prospects fading as she ages.
Chapter 5: Yukiko’s Last Chance
A promising suitor, Nomura, emerges for Yukiko, but negotiations stall due to the Makiokas’ declining status. Taeko becomes pregnant with Miyoshi’s child, deepening the family’s shame. Sachiko, torn between loyalty to tradition and sympathy for her sisters, watches helplessly as the family’s cohesion frays.
Chapter 6: The Decline of the Makioka Name
Yukiko finally accepts a marriage proposal from a widower, though it is far from the prestigious match the family once hoped for. Taeko, now estranged, lives independently with Miyoshi. The novel ends with the sisters scattered, their once-united household a relic of the past.
Key Ideas
- The decline of traditional Japanese family structures in the face of modernity.
- The tension between individual desires and societal expectations.
- The role of women in a rapidly changing society.
- The fragility of social status and family reputation.
- The quiet resilience of women navigating constrained lives.
Notable Adaptations
| 1983 | The Makioka Sisters (Film) | Directed by Kon Ichikawa, acclaimed for its faithful adaptation. |
| 2019 | Sisters of the Wind (TV Drama) | A modern reinterpretation focusing on Yukiko’s story. |
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in Japanese literature and cultural history.
- Those who enjoy family sagas and character-driven narratives.
- Fans of subtle, lyrical prose exploring social change.