Haru Ichiban means “first wind of spring” in Japanese. In the Emperor’s gardens, spring slowly awakens nature. Carps, frogs, and dragonflies warm up under the first sunbeams. Two apprentice gardeners compete for the coveted job of Imperial Gardener. They will have to show how skilful they are, and will try to take advantage of this first wind of spring to flower the water lilies in their colour, and use them to create the most harmonious combinations.