The novel revolves around the story of a young man, known only as "I," who returns to his hometown in rural Japan after serving in the military during World War II. Upon his return, he finds solace in a casual relationship with a local woman, O-Ku. Their encounters are fleeting and lack emotional intimacy, reflecting the desolate and isolated atmosphere of post-war Japan. As the story unfolds, the protagonist grapples with his own sense of disconnection and melancholy, symbolized by the sunflowers that bloom in the night, their beauty short-lived and unattended.
The phrase gained mainstream traction through music. Several songs—most notably by the band (of Your Name. fame) and the solo artist Aimer —have used night-blooming sunflowers as central imagery. himawari wa yoru ni saku