Jo Niijima's Story

Jo Niijima, a young man living during the final days of the Edo period, risks his life to travel to America in search of freedom. In this new land, he receives a democratic and advanced education at three different schools, supported by many kind-hearted individuals.

While studying abroad, Niijima realizes that for Japan to become a modern nation, it must have an education system that fosters autonomy, freedom, and conscience. Upon returning to Japan, he dedicates himself to establishing an American-style school, taking on the challenge of founding the country's first private university.