In post-WWII Japan, an American captain is brought in to help build a school, but the locals want a teahouse instead.

Marlon Brando
as Sakini

Glenn Ford
as Captain Fisby

Eddie Albert
as Captain McLean

Paul Ford
as Wainwright Purdy III

Machiko Kyō
as Lotus Blossom

Harry Morgan
as Sergeant Gregovich

Jun Negami
as Mr. Seiko

Nijiko Kiyokawa
as Miss Higa Jiga

Mitsuko Sawamura
as Little Girl

Carlo Fiore
as Soldier (uncredited)