The small island of San Piedro is so isolated that its inhabitants cannot afford to make enemies. They honor traditions, and the memories of the war are still alive in their minds. In 1954, a tragedy occurs - the body of local fisherman Karl Heine is found in the waters of Puget Sound. Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese American, is accused of murder. The trial is followed by everyone on the island, and the case is covered by local newspaper editor and war veteran Ismail Chambers. Many years ago, Ismail had an affair with a Japanese girl, Hatsue, who grew up married to Kaubo. In search of justice, the journalist begins his own investigation, and he has to make a difficult choice between feelings and conscience.