It is 1948.
But as his memories continually return to the past - to a life and career deeply touched by the rise of Japane.
His should be a tranquil retirement.
The celebrated artist, Masuji Ono, fills his days attending to his garden, his house repairs, his two grown daughters and his grandson; his evenings drinking with old associates in quiet lantern-lit bars.
Japan is rebuilding her cities after the calamity of World War Two, her people putting defeat behind them and looking to the future.
It is 1948