Memories of Matsuko is a 2006 Japanese drama film directed by Tetsuya Nakashima. The film follows the life of Matsuko Kawajiri, a middle-aged woman who is found dead in an abandoned building. Her nephew, Sho, sets out to investigate her life and uncovers a series of tragic events that led to her death.
Through a series of flashbacks, the film tells the story of Matsuko's life, starting from her childhood. Matsuko was abandoned by her mother at a young age and was raised by her abusive father. As a teenager, she fell in love with a musician named Shou whom she later entrusts her first sexual experience to. Unfortunately, Shou abandons her before the two engage in sexual intercourse.
She eventually becomes a schoolteacher and marries a man named Iwamoto, but their marriage falls apart after Matsuko is forced to undergo an abortion. She then becomes involved with a yakuza member named Kenji. She helps him conceal evidence of his crimes, which results in her being arrested and imprisoned.
After she is released from prison, Matsuko struggles to find work and becomes homeless. She turns to prostitution in order to survive and starts a relationship with a man named Ryu. However, Ryu is abusive towards Matsuko, and she ultimately leaves him.
The film ends with Sho, having learned the truth about his aunt's life, reflecting on the lessons he's learned. Memories of Matsuko is a tragic yet ultimately hopeful story about a woman who overcomes tremendous adversity and hardship.