Set in a future America that is crippled with national debt and has forfeited its title as the most powerful nation on Earth to Japan, an American salesman named Mr. Harris attempts to sell old landmarks to Mr. Ito, a titan of Japanese industry, who is looking for an art installation to put in his garden.

First, Mr. Harris takes him to the Statue of Liberty, which has been partially destroyed because of the violent the Insurrection that threw the country into decline. Mr. Ito politely claims that the ruined monument is too sad a reminder of the greatness America once had to be displayed on his property.

He is thrilled when they visit the Yankees Stadium next, but remembers that his wife finds the sport to be barbaric and declines Mr. Harris' offer for it. He does the same to the abandoned United Nations buildings, citing strong political opposition to the organization's policies against Japan.

Throughout the tour, Mr. Harris silently abuses the picky mannerism of Mr. Ito in his head, which he attributes to Japanese ignorance and finds incomprehensible. As they reach the Brooklyn Bridge, he is once again surprised by Mr. Ito's ecstatic offer to buy what is otherwise an old, dilapidated bridge.

Weeks later, Mr. Harris receives picture of the bridge --it is beautifully restored and displayed in Mr. Ito's garden-- and a brick of solid gold for his commission.