It the Horeki era between 1751 and 1764 monk Daiten Kenjo of Shokokuji Temple in Kyoto arrives at a toy shop where Iwajiro, later known as Maruyama Oukyo, is serving his apprenticeship. Daiten becomes interested in a mysterious painting in the shop. The person who drew it is Masuya Genzaemon, the owner of a vegetable shop at Nishiki Market. Genzaemon has completely no interest in women and traditional performing arts but is thoroughly engrossed in painting which he started at an advanced age. On one occasion, Genzaemon happens to meet a mysterious mountain hermit Baisao making tea on the street and is given the name Jakuchu.