Mikio Sato

In the late 6th century, the leaders of the Yamato Dynasty had no clear plan for the creation of a unified state. Battles still raged among various warrior clans. Prince Shotoku, second son of Emperor Yomei, strived to create a new nation out of this chaos. NHK captures this great man from a time in history rarely depicted on screen, in a story of epic proportions.

Ami Nonomura, who lives with her aunt, moves in with her half-brother Hiroshi to care for him. Hiroshi has lost his mental balance since the death of his real sister, Mami. Under Ami's diligent care, Hiroshi gradually recovers. However, conversely, Ami begins to be plagued by erotic nightmares. Ami learns that Mami's death was a suicide, and that the cause was her pregnancy resulting from a forbidden love affair with her brother Hiroshi. Hiroshi's heart was still trapped by Mami. Ami makes a decision. "From today, I'll belong only to you, big brother. So please, forget about Mami..."

In the late 6th century, the leaders of the Yamato Dynasty had no clear plan for the creation of a unified state. Battles still raged among various warrior clans. Prince Shotoku, second son of Emperor Yomei, strived to create a new nation out of this chaos. NHK captures this great man from a time in history rarely depicted on screen, in a story of epic proportions.