A retired Japanese artist, formerly of a high social status. After studying for several years under a master artist whose focus is solely on aesthetics and artistic technique, Ono decides he cannot go on living in an ivory tower and that his aesthetically pleasing work has no impact or bearing on life in Japan. Influenced by one of his peers, Ono's work takes on a political bent and he renounces the ephemeral artistic style to which his master, Seiji Moriyama, has dedicated his life. Unable to accept Ono's rebellion, Moriyama evicts the young artist, leaving him homeless and jobless.
Ono recovers and becomes a huge success with his political art. He takes pride in being vindicated in his beliefs, and even enjoys Moriyama's fall from grace; when his old teacher begins to incorporate European influences.....
