A singer returns to her hometown and puts together a team of fighters to go after local gangsters.

A kid strives to be perfect, and in the end realizes that individuality is more fun.

In 1853 Japan, the story follows the Westernization of Japan, mainly through the story of Kayama, a samurai, and Manjiro, a fisherman. The lives of both men are radically changed by the coming of American ships to Japan.