The apple of Nobuko's eye, Koji was studying to be a doctor and in love with Machiko (Haru Kuroki) when tragedy struck. On the third anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing, Nobuko tells the also still grieving younger woman -- who treats Nobuko like she's her beloved mother-in-law, regularly visiting her home and trying to make her life more pleasant in various ways -- that it's time for them to let go of Koji. That evening, Koji's ghost returns to visit his mother from "the other side"; an event which Nobuko reacts to with far more happiness than shock -- and definitely minus any horror!