A father and son story set in the late Tokugawa era (ca. 1850). Since the gradual opening of Japan new knowledge and technology reaches the country. Young Rintaro's dream is to explore all the new things and he is strongly opposed to the old values of his father Shokichi. However, after Rintaro gets into a fight with Samurai-rowdies and is rescued by his father they start to respect each other. Unfortunately Shokichi's involvement in the fight has been witnessed by high officials. To save his family name and position he is forced to retire in favor of his inexperienced son who takes over all official duties of his father. From then on Shokichi keeps in the background and watches over the safety and progress of his son. --elisan 08:34, 27 May 2007 (CDT) (wiki d-addicts)