Set in 19th-century Japan, during the turbulent period preceding the Meiji Restoration, the story follows the life of a clever and charismatic kabuki actor trying to survive in a rapidly changing world. This man, with an innate talent for drama and improvisation, finds himself caught up in a series of comedic entanglements as he faces the pressures from local authorities and societal expectations.
In his quest to find his place, he becomes entangled with a group of revolutionaries aiming to overthrow the shogunate, and soon he finds himself at the center of a series of misunderstandings and hilarious situations. With his wit and ability to disguise himself, he becomes a key figure in the outcome of events, although not always for the reasons one might expect.
As he navigates between the lives of actors on stage and the turmoil of real life, the protagonist learns important lessons about friendship, love, and sacrifice. The film blends humor with sharp social criticism and a profound sense of human drama, capturing the essence of an era in which honor and survival intertwine in unexpected ways. With a rich visual design and memorable performances, this masterpiece of Japanese cinema becomes a vibrant reflection on the passage of time and the struggle for identity.