The emergence of Japan as a growing super power before and after WW II seen through the eyes of Hirohito's most trusted companion, Dr. Taki Akira. In the story, Taki is an orphaned boy brought into the Imperial family by Emperor Meiji and his wife, eventually becoming a close friend and confidant of their son, Prince Hirohito, who will one day take the reins of the Imperial Throne. In his friendship with the Prince, they travel the world together, but Taki's loyalty is tested many times to the extent where he is finally forced to tell the Prince the truth about his pitiable behavior toward himself and others in their circle. As Taki grows older and weary of life in the Imperial Court, he eventually leaves and strikes out on his own to live amongst common people where he meets a colorful cast of characters who teach him about real life and living in Japan under the Emperor's rule.