The novel opens on the protagonist reflecting on the 30 years he has lived in the picturesque Bedley Run, 50 minutes north of New York City. Franklin Hata moved to the originally desolate Bedleyville in 1963 because it reminded him of the small city in Japan where he grew up. Known as good Doc Hata, he deeply appreciates the sentiment. Though Hata expected to be mistreated because of his race, the people of Bedley Run make an effort to welcome him.

Despite his nickname, Hata is not a physician. He simply ran a medical supply store in town, where many customers would ask him questions due to his friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable demeanor. People claim he too keenly seeks approval, and Hata reflects on the difficulty of understanding why people conduct their lives in a certain way, and in considering one’s own past without bias. Hata recently sold his store, Sunny Medical Supply, to a young New York City couple that has no experience in the business. He visits the store often to help its new owners, the Hickeys, learn the trade. At first, the Hickeys appreciate his visits, during which Hata practically runs the store.