Struggling to elevate himself from his low caste in 17th century Japan, Mayamoto trains to become a mighty samurai warrior.

In the civil wars of 16th century Japan, two ambitious peasants in Nakanogo want to make their fortunes. The potter Genjuro intends to sell his wares for vast profits in…

Shuhei Horikawa, a poor schoolteacher, struggles to raise his son Ryohei by himself, despite neither money nor prospects.