Life and Death on the Shore tells the story of 户枝, a teacher at a national school in the middle of the Ryukyu Islands during World War II. The island was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army, and 朔则 is a new military officer who has been stationed there. 戸枝 is initially captivated by 朔则's charm and beauty. However, their feelings for each other are complicated as they navigate their roles as teacher and soldier during a time of war and military occupation.