Set during the Tokugawa Era, the film tells the story of Misawa Ihei, a Rōnin who wanders on the roads of Japan in search of employment, his devoted wife in tow. Misawa's problem is that he's too good at what he does, and attracts jealousy and resentment wherever he goes. But he is a genuinely selfless man, entirely devoid of petty ambition.
After being stuck in an inn for several days during a raining spell, he meets the local daimyo and hopes to finally get a steady job as his retainer.
After the Rain contains examples of:
- Badass Normal: Despite his humble, self-effacing way, Misawa is in fact quite badass.
- Technical Pacifist: Misawa goes out of his way to avoid getting into deadly fights.
- Wooden Katanas Are Even Better: Played straight — Misawa is such a skilled swordsman that he defeats an opponent armed with a lance using a wooden katana.
- Yamato Nadeshiko: Misawa's wife is devoted and soft-spoken; she dutifully follows her husband and helps make his life easier in various subtle ways.
- You All Meet in an Inn: The story begins as a bunch of travellers are stuck together in an inn.
