The events of the mid-1800's that led to the dawn of the modern era in 1868 shook Kyoto. The Tokugawa Shogunate collapsed, ending 700 years of samurai control. Youths battled for their conflicting ideals of imperialism, the exclusion of foreigners, and the opening of Japan to the world. Kyotoites defied the accepted norms and supported them in their endeavors. Retrace the steps of these heroes of the Meiji Restoration and discover the passion of the citizens, who survived these turbulent times.