In 1853 Japan, the story follows the Westernization of Japan, mainly through the story of Kayama, a samurai, and Manjiro, a fisherman. The lives of both men are radically changed by the coming of American ships to Japan.

Mako
as Reciter/Shogun/Jonathan Goble

Soon-Tek Oh
as Tamate/Samurai/Storyteller/Swordsman

Yuki Shimoda
as Abe, First Councillor

Sab Shimono
as Manjiro

Isao Sato
as Kayama

Alvin Ing
as Shogun's Mother/Observer/Merchant/American Admiral

Ernest Harada
as Physician/Madam/British Admiral

James Dybas
as Second Councillor/Old Man/French Admiral

Mark Hsu Syers
as Samurai/Thief/Soothsayer/Warrior/Russian Admiral/British Sailor

Patrick Kinser-Lau
as Shogun's Companion/Dutch Admiral/British Sailor/Girl