Between two buildings, Mt. Fuji towers in a crisp and clear sky. Two kites are flying, and on one of them, the kanji character ‘kotobuki’ - meaning longevity or congratulations - is visible. It must be the New year. Three tile roofers are working on the quite exaggerated steep rooftop, whose angle is similar to Mt. Fuji covered by thick snow.

Surugacho, the name of the area shown in the title, is now Nihonbashi Muromachi, and the Mitsui Store, a celebrated kimono shop, has transformed into the Mitsukoshi Department store. On the sign on each side, "現金無掛値" are seen, which means cash payment with a fixed price. This was a new innovation, as before this, prices were determined through negotiation, and the new business practice proved very successful.

During the Edo era, which continued approximately 260 years, the government tried hard to control the common people. However, by the end of this era, the power of the merchant class, which was ranked at the bottom, grew immensely strong. The scene here reflects these changes occurring in society at the time.