A lantern faintly lights a stall under a willow tree in the Shinbashi area of Oedo. The soba stall, which appears and disappears like a dream, is called "Gen-an." Gentaro Makino, a former hatamoto (feudal lord), gave up his important position as an accountant and retired early from that business. He has decided to devote himself to "making soba" as his second life. The story is about the life of a former Lord, who is now enjoying a friendly competition to master the art of buckwheat noodle making.