Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted Kikuo (rising star Ry Yoshizawa) is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjir Hanai (played by the iconic Ken Watanabe, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Samurai). Alongside the great performers only son, Shunsuke (Rysei Yokohama), he dedicates his life to the artform a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft. Over the ensuing decades, against the backdrop of stunning stagings of classic Kabuki tales, the destiny of the two young disciples entwines and twists – from acting school to the most prestigious stages – and their hearts suffer as much yearning, scandal and glory as their on-stage alter-egos. Only one of them will become the master of the art.