In the mid-18th century, Edo, a metropolis with a population of over 1 million people, developed into one of the world’s largest cities during a period of peace. Tsutaya Juzaburo, also known as Tsutashige, was born to a poor commoner in Yoshiwara, a suburb of Edo, and was separated from his parents at an early age. He becomes an adopted child. Tsutashige, who was nurtured through connections that go beyond blood ties, started his career as a book rental business and later started a book editing and publishing business.
Coincidentally, Edo culture flourished in the free atmosphere created by the powerful figure of the time, Tanuma Okitsugu, and a variety of literary figures, such as Hiraga Gennai, were produced. Tsutashige continued to interact with cultural figures such as “Yellow Cover Books” and produced a series of hit works with abundant illustrations. The talents that Tsutashige discovered were young and unique talents such as Kitagawa Utamaro, Santokyoden, Katsushika Hokusai, Kyokutei Bakin, and Ikku Jukkasha. Many of them later became masters and became the cornerstone of Japanese culture.
However, times have changed, and Tanuma Okitomo has fallen from grace. During the Kansei reforms led by Sadanobu Matsudaira, Tsutashige’s freedom and political satire became a problem, and he was punished by having half of his property confiscated. There are people around him who are exiled to Edo or driven to death… Tsutashige continues to be exiled from the shogunate. Although he continues to face severe oppression, he remains determined to oppose the authorities and continues to fight with the power of his pen. Meanwhile, a disease attacks his body.
As his death approaches, Tsutashige sets up a grand entertainment called “Sharaku” that will never be taken away…
