The Voyage of the Kazu Maru is an enlightening story of self-discovery about a young orphaned Japanese boy who becomes a reluctant monk at an isolated mountain monastery. An opportunity arises to follow the famed running monks to their temple along the seashore far below.
Once there, Ichiro is taken in by the family of a fisherman, and soon he is spending his life at sea. One fateful day a violent storm sends him out to sea. Ichiro's will, almost broken, is severely tested as he drifts along for weeks upon the vast ocean, facing dangers and delusions and each day a new menace. Finally, he lands upon a distant shore. Trekking hopelessly across a range of forest and mountains, he makes his way until suddenly, he encounters a strange group of people. Soon, he becomes part of another family and falls in love with a beautiful young woman.
But tensions arise. Another suitor claims his romantic partner; those jealous of his strange talents resent his artistic skills. His unusual looks and foreign behaviours frighten others, and Ichiro realizes he will never be part of this new world. With this epiphany, he flees his rivals, locates his old fishing boat and heads out to sea. How will this voyage end?