In the end of Meiji era, Takei Chiyo was born in a poor family in Osaka, and was sent to a theatre tea room as a servant when she was 9 years old. There, she was attracted by the world of theatre comedy. She grows up to be an actor and marries to Amami Ippei , but the war broke out and she was forced to stay away from acting for a while. However, when she comes back again, her acting in a radio drama impresses many people and makes herself one of the leading actors in western Japan.

Reiko Kuki is single, works in the accounting dept. for toy manufacturer. She lives her life frugally and hardly buys stuff that is not a necessity. A year ago, she found small dishes at a secondhand store and liked them immediately. And Finally, she makes the decision to purchase it for $15. She enters the store, but sees a man and woman buying small dishes at random. The man is Keita Saruwatari. His father runs the toy company where Reiko works. Reiko happens to be the person to advise Keita about money...

Austria, 1888. Crown Prince Rudolph is bored with the ostentatious royal life in the Austrian court. He is forced into a marriage contract with Stephanie, Princess of Belgium. The couple is incompatible and they live in unhappy discord. Grand Duke Jean Salvadore, Rudolph`s cousin, is in touch with the liberals of the realm and his lover, Milly, is a commoner. The Grand Duke has broken the shackles of convention and he enjoys a life of freedom much to his cousin`s envy. During a performance of “Hamlet”, Rudolph meets Maria Vetsera, the daughter of Baron Vetsera, the wealthiest man in Vienna. The Prince and Maria fall in love at first sight...