Hirai, a middle-aged prison guard, is about to marry single mother Mika, but cannot afford to plan a honeymoon. Even though he is surrounded by colleagues, his days at work are shrouded in loneliness. Every day, he follows the same routine of strict rules and onerous duties, attending to death row's model inmate, Kaneda. When Kaneda's execution order is signed by the minister of justice, Hirai has the unexpected opportunity for a week of vacation, which he could use to go travelling with his fiancee. But there is a price to pay for this well-deserved break, as Hirai must assist Kaneda during his final moments.