The man in the story is named Tatsuo, and he is struggling with guilt and isolation after surviving a car accident that killed his younger brother. He lives with his alcoholic father and spends his days working at a fish factory. The woman, Chikako, is a hostess at a local bar who has faced a long string of disappointments in her relationships.
Despite their shared sense of despair, Tatsuo and Chikako form a connection and begin to lean on each other for support and companionship. They discover small moments of joy together but are ultimately faced with the reality of their situations and the difficulties of moving forward.
The film explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and hope, as the characters try to navigate their emotional landscapes and find meaning in their lives. The title, The Light Shines Only There, refers to a line from a poem about the ephemeral nature of beauty and the importance of appreciating small moments of brightness amid the darkness.
