Hira Hira - Kuniyoshi Ichimon Ukiyotan

After spending 15 years in pursuit of his master’s arch-enemy, Tasaka Denpachiro finally catches up with his prey but then decides to drown himself in a river. Tasaka is saved, however, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who happens to be passing by. Saying “You may be willing to throw your life away, but I am just as willing to pick it up,” the famed ukiyo-e artist takes Tasaka on as an apprentice. After receiving a new name, Denpachi, he quickly distinguishes himself as a brilliant painter but cannot reveal his unspeakable past to his teacher.

(Source: Japan Media Arts Festival Archive)