Discipline is an important theme. As a very young student, Akira keeps a schedule that most adults would find impossible to endure. He leaves home hours before sunrise every morning and walks well over an hour to his kendo lessons (martial art swordsmanship). After that he pays respect at his shrine, has breakfast at home, then begins his day as a student. After school he walks to his calligraphy classes. Akira keeps this hectic schedule for two years. However, his wise father knows that this agenda will help to transform the generally undisciplined youngster. From these early lessons, he begins to learn the necessity of organization and understand the value of effective use of time.