In the changing Tokyo of 1909, businessman's son Daisuke (Yusaku Matsuda) lives apart from his family in a world of books and art. Disdaining modernization and sheltered from financial worries, Daisuke's cloistered life is shaken up when old friend Hiroaka (Kaoru Kobayashi) and his wife Michiyo (Miwako Fujitani) return. Daisuke never declared his love for Michiyo, stepping aside for his friend. With Hiroaka in financial trouble and Michiyo miserable, will Daisuke flout society to steal her away?