"When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" is a 1960 Japanese film directed by Mikio Naruse. The story follows Yoko, a young woman who works as a bar hostess in post-war Tokyo. As she navigates her challenging life, she faces societal pressures and personal dilemmas while striving for independence and success. The film explores themes of gender roles, ambition, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. It highlights the emotional and psychological burdens that Yoko endures as she balances her aspirations with the expectations placed upon her, ultimately portraying the complexities of her journey.