Tokyo 1912 The closed world of the ancient aristocracy is being breached for the first time by outsiders
- rich provincial families a new & powerful political & social elite Kiyoaki has been raised among the elegant Ayakura family
- members of the waning aristocracy
- but he is not one of them Coming of age he is caught up in the tensions between old & new & his feelings for the exquisite spirited Satoko observed from the sidelines by his devoted friend Honda When Satoko is engaged to a royal prince Kiyoaki realises the magnitude of his passion