|
|
|
||||||||
Zatoichi is Shintaro Katsu
Toshio Okumura was born 29 November 1931. His acting name was Shintaro Katsu (Katsu-shin). His celebrity status was not limited to just one series of samurai films. As a singer he produced a few music CD's and this site (might be down) shows some. The Zatoichi series was produced in the sixties but he has appeared in film as late as the eighties. On 21 June 1997 he passed away, obituaries may still be available in english and japanese .
Table of Contents Videography
Click to go directly to section.1) Life and Opinion of Masseur Ichi (Zatoichi Monogatari).
2) The Return of Masseur Ichi (Zoku Zatoichi Monogatari).
3) Masseur Ichi, The Fugitive (Zatoichi Kyojotabi).
4) Masseur Ichi Enters Again (Shin Zatoichi Monogatari).
5) Masseur Ichi and a Chest of Gold (Zatoichi Senryo-Kubi).
6) Zatoichi's Flashing Sword (Zatoichi Abaredako).
7) Masseur Ichi on the Road (Zatoichi Kenka-Tabi).
8) The Blind Swordsman & The Chess Expert (Zatoichi Jigokutabi).
9) The Adventures of a Blind Man (Zatoichi Sekishoyaburi).
10) The Blind Swordsman's Revenge (Zatoichi Nidangiri).
11) The Blind Swordsman's Vengeance (Zatoichi No Uta Ga Kikoeru).
12) The Blind Swordsman's Cane Sword (Zatoichi Tekka Tabi).
13) Zatoichi Challenged (Zatoichi Chikemurikaido).
14) The Blind Swordsman & The Fugitives (Zatoichi Hatashijo).
15) The Blind Swordsman Samaritan (Zatoichi Kenkadaiko).
16) Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (Zato Ichi to Yojimbo).
![[IMAGE]](katsu.jpg)
The following episodes have yet to be seen. A special thanks to William Connolly (for providing information which you can find at SPAGHETTI CINEMA/MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE ASSOCIATES ).
17) Fight, Zatoichi, Fight (Zato Ichi Kessho Tabi).
18) Zatoichi and the Doomed Man (Zato Ichi Sakata Giri).
19) The Blind Swordsman's Pilgrimage (Zato Ichi Umio Wataru).
20) The Blind Swordsman's Rescue (Zato Ichi Royaburi).
21) The Blind Swordsman's Fire Festival (Zato Ichi Abare Himatsuri).
22) Zatoichi Meets His Equal (Shin Zato Ichi "Yabure! Tojin-ken").
23) Zatoichi at Large ( Zato Ichi Goyotabi). Shintaro Katsu leaves Daiei for Toho.
24) Zatoichi in Desperation (Zato Ichi Orieta Tsue).
25) Zatoichi's Conspiracy (Zato Ichi Kasama no Chi Matsuri). Subtitled in spanish!
![[IMAGE]](ce104.jpg)
Zato Ichi Monogatari (Life and Opinion of Masseur Ichi) First Zatoichi adventure film from Daiei pictures (1962). Chambara transfered these adventures to film for distribution on videotape. Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman, was portrayed by Shintaro Katsu against the backdrop of early 19th century Japanese countryside.
While waiting for Boss Sukegoro at Iioka, Zatoichi plays a game of even/odd dice to get a sense of the character of the gang. It's a bit unsual but it seems Zato senses what the roll will be. It is not fair to gamble on dice you cannot see?
He learns more of Sukegoro's gang after taking all their money at dice. A "brother" Haji is young for a yakusa boss and married Inspector Kuwayama's mistress. Tatekichi charged with care for Zato got Osaki pregnant. He is cruel to the carpenter's daughter. Osaki is found dead later in a reservoir and Zatoichi makes Tate pay for it.
While fishing nearby he meets Hirate Miki. Here is where Zato's senses become somewhat exaggerated. He tells Hirate there's a tug on his fishing line and asked if he is sick. Does Zatoichi-san have Extra Sensory Perception?
Zatoichi's greatest sensitivity however is from insults. Another "brother" Masa insults Zato as "just a blind man." Zato Ichi explains that until three years ago he was a decent masseur but many had slighted and teased him. He wanted to get back at them. This is why Zatoichi started fencing. He further claims blind men can pursue accupuncture to reach Kengyo rank. (Sukegoro was receiving treatment). He could become a music teacher but that didn't suit him--for it would not impress a seeing person.
A recuring theme in the Zato Ichi series is the unthoughtful insensitivity to the blind. Examples abound--one warrior warns Zatoichi to "be careful it's dark outside." Perhaps a blind person's other senses are enhanced by compensating for the handicap. Zatoichi hears footsteps, the camera shot zooms in on his ear, and the sound effect becomes like an echo. He correctly sensed that a couple of Boss Shigezo's men from Sasagawa were out to get him.
Tatekichi's younger sister is Otane (Masayo Banai). Otane had separated from her gambling husband. She also has feelings for Zato. Ichi somehow perceives she is beautiful. He realizes it when she guides his hand over her face. But Zatoichi is not going to lie to her--he will not give up gambling.
As fight between Sukegoro/Iioka and Shigezo/Sasagawa begins, Hirate's consumption sickness worsens. Still the samurai prepares to fight so Shigezo won't use rifle on Zato. Zatoichi goes to see ailing Hirate at Joshoji temple but Miki has already left--prepared to die.
Shigezo ambushes Sukegoro at Sasagawa. When Hirate looses to Zato, Sukegoro's men begin to turn the tide. Sukegoro wins but at a huge cost. He celebrates before giving his fallen warriors a proper burial. Ichi-san is visibly incensed.
Shintaro Katsu usually rolls his pupils up to look blind. However when he blew up at Sukegoro he "looks" straight at him yelling "fool." Zato returns Hirate's effects to the temple for proper burial. He says he will return in one year to pay respect for the fallen samurai . . .
![[IMAGE]](ce107.jpg)
Zoku Zato Ichi Monogatari (The Return of Masseur Ichi). This is the second film in the series. We learn a few basic facts about the blind masseur. He is from the Joshu Providence and is estimated to be 26/27 years old. The openning scene finds our main character on a boat and being forced out. Zato grabs the pushy man's knife and wounds him before entering the water. They curse him "blind rat." This water scene foreshadows another near the end of the picture.
Somewhere on this page is Zatoichi's stage name in Kanji. His real life brother is Tomisaburo Wakayama, and he plays Yoshiro in this movie. Both have interest in Ochiyo (=Osetsu? played by Yoshie Mizutani) and eventually each claims she left him due to handicap. . .
The blind swordsman rarely stays in one place for long. This time he is headed to Joshoji Temple in Sasagawa to honor a bodyguard he slayed, Hirate Miki. Along the way he is asked for massage at the Kashiwaya Inn. The customer is an interesting one. His vassals worry about word getting out about him not having both oars in the water. Boss Kanbei, Sukegoro and assorted samurai and yakusa try to silence Ichi-san.
Yoshiro it turns out has a past of his own. First he is missing an arm. In Takayama he he robbed a pawn shop and hence changed appearance to a samurai to avoid the authorities. His love triangle with Ochiyo and Zatoichi points to a fight that ends on a bridge over a small stream.
The brothers escape underwater. Yoshiro is however mortally wounded. A search continues into the night along the stream and the scene is reminiscent of an o-bon. Young Zatoichi did meet Otane (from the original adventure) again but she is to marry a carpenter. One can sense this is just the beginning of many hardships. Can Zatoichi find a way through?
![[IMAGE]](ce110.jpg)
Zato Ichi Kyojotabi (Masseur Ichi, the Fugitive). In one of the more entertaining openings, Zatoichi finds himself winning a sumo wrestling exhibition at a summer festival. In Shimonita, Ichi-san is attacked by Kisuke (in hope of getting to ten gold coin bounty). Boss Yagiri of Tokuro put up bounty. While searching for Yagiri he finds Kisuke's mother and pays her 10 coin.
Zatoichi stops at Obataya Inn where he meets Onobu a young girl who seems to have an effect on a young Boss Sakichi. Zato also appears to sense Otane's presence (she in fact is staying at same Inn with Tanakura Gajuro). He remarks that he has a lot of "dirty laundry" to clean.
Dirty laundry seems to be the theme. Onobu was an orphan child taken up by Shimazo who lost to the elder Sakichi. Yagiri wants to get rid of Sakichi and could use Onubu to set a trap. Yagiri sends Tanakura to disrupt Sakichi's fund raiser. Zatoichi foils the plan in a duel of sword demonstration. A quick draw and ceramic sake servers are bisected with and without dice inside!
Yagiri uses Otane to trap Zatoichi by kidnapping her from Tanakura. Or was it Tanakura's idea? Zato falls for it. He is tremendously outnumbered. Otane admitted to Zato "you're the last person I want to see." Otane grabs Tanakura's sword in an attempt to keep him from Zatoichi. Tanakura slays her.
In perhaps Zato's worst fight Tanakura actually breaks Ichi's sword. Tanakura Gajuro essentially beat Zatoichi. But somehow Shintaro Katsu prevails. As Tanakura breathes his last he claims the trap was Otane's idea.
![[IMAGE]](ce115.jpg)
Shin Zato Ichi Monogatari (Masseur Ichi Enters Again). "Aren't you from Kasama village?" asks a childhood friend (Tame of Kojiya). Soon the tone is set for deep regret. Zatoichi realizes his friends are few, his enemies many so he lives in constant danger. He regrets becoming yakusa (the most un-wanted duel with his sensei is being foreshadowed).
Ichi borrows Tame's shamisen (over wife Okinu's objection). He jokingly sings about massage for 16 mon, no need for costly equipment, and self-pity much to the amusement of the other guests of the Inn. Mito Goblins arrive and rob the guests.
Tame identifies Tashichi by a tattoo of cards on his hand. Kyuroku, Yamakichi and Gonroku were also named. Zatoichi gets the guests money returned. Zato claims next time he meets Tame he won't be a gambler. More regrets . . .
During an altercation with Kanbei's younger brother, Shimakichi, Zato meets Yajuro Banno. Banno-san taught Ichi the art of the lightning quick draw.
Banno is is fooling around with Oshin at the Aburaya Inn. He is also linked to the Mito Goblins. After a showing of Shintaro Katsu's draw, a wealthy student, Kanda Kingo, is taken hostage by Banno. Banno intends to extort ransom from his father Kanda Jinpachiro.
Zato visits Oshige, he previous visit was four years ago. She is an elderly woman who raised Ichi. Another woman there is Yayoi. Yayoi is the ronin Banno's sister. He is trying to get her married to higher status. His motive is to get to Edo.
Yayoi proposes to marry the underclass Zato. Ichi determines she is sincere and swears to give up being yakusa (the reget is almost at climax). With perfect timing enter Shimakichi. The new couple pleads for Zato's life. Shintaro feels his luck has run out. In a rare moment of compassion Shimakichi flips a die from odd to even thus "sparing" Zato's livelihood. Banno does not approve of marriage to Zaoichi. He tells him he is no longer his pupil.
Yayoi watches her brother kill Jinpachiro for 300 gold coin. Zato however rescues Kingo. He tells Banno he was just defending himself.
Shimakichi crossed Banno by correctly identifying his mistress. Banno has no compassion and in fact seems to have abandoned the "yakusa code." He slays him unarmed. Zato was about to thank Shimakichi.
Zato stuns his teacher. Banno did not see his student's draw this time it was so fast. To Yayoi he admits, without regret, "I cannot change what I am."
![[IMAGE]](ce101.jpg)
Zato Ichi Senryo-Kubi (Masseur Ichi and a Chest of Gold). This one begins in dramatic fashion. Isolated sword fight scenes are shown against a black backdrop. Zato eerily blows his whistle between attacks. The backdrop changes to somewhere near Itakura village.
Zatoichi is travelling to visit the grave of Kichizo (1842, February 13th). Kichizo caught Zato off guard two years ago and was accidentally slayed. Ichi happens upon a celebration of locals who had managed to raise enough fund to pay the government tax. And in my favorite Shintaro Katsu line -- Ichi admits "I do not dislike rice wine." Sake ga suki desu!
The tax or chest of gold (1,000 ryo) is stolen. Villigers are led to suspect Kunisado Chuji. Zato knows him as the guardian of the farmers in the Joshu province. He defends Boss Chuji. A witness, relation of Kichizo, says "she saw a blind man sitting on the chest. Both Zato and Chuji are under suspicion.
Chuji's men Yata, Senroku and Kanji participated in stealing the chest and were slain by Zato. Chuji learns of this and places judgement of his life in Zato's hands. Zato allows Chuji to descend Mount Akagi but at great cost. Only Chuji, Enzo and Gantetsu survive Monji's raid at Akagi.
Officer Monji of Todo village stole the money. He is backed by a samurai killer Jushiro (Kenzaburo Joh = Tomisaburo Wakayama, brother of Shintaro Katsu). Jushiro had challenged Zato's draw for 35 gold coin and lost.
Governor of Iwabana, Matsui Gundaya orders four farmers excuted. Zato frees them, slays the officer, and returns the money. Jushiro duels Zato along the riverbed. Using a whip and horse he drags Zatoichi. Zato cuts the whip and Jushiro falls from horse. Soon Jushiro is defeated.
![[IMAGE]](ce105.jpg)
Zato Ichi Abaredako (Zatoichi's Flashing Sword). Being pestered by a fly, Zatoichi slices it in three! Perhaps more unbelieveable is how Ichi-san is taken down by a rifle shot. Bunkichi's son, Seiroku claims he got him-"I killed Zatoichi."
Bunkichi's daughter Okuni assists in rescue of Zato. His men were traveling to Kajikazawato make hanabi (fireworks). As soon as Zato recovered he heads to Kajikazawa to thank his saviors.
Along the way he encounters a group of 15 children. They con him into buying candy for the group. In apprecition they warn him of a hole in the ground. Stubbornly he distrusts the overall character of their generation and falls into the hole.
Boss Tsumugi Bunkichi hold the river crossing rights. "Stammering" Yasugoro wants them. His daughter is the governor's mistress. He kidnaps Seiroku, and delivers ultimatum to Bunkichi 1) fight 2) give up rights or 3) Seiroku's life.
Bunkichi does not react. Zatoichi frees Seiroku from Yasu. Seiroku is foolish and does thank Zato for escape or appologize for shooting him.
Yasu informs Bunkichi he is harbouring a wanted man. Bunkichi orders Zaoichi to leave before fireworks. Fireworks begin as Yasu men attack Bunkichi. They cease after 5th explosion.
Zato slays 5 samurai hired to kill him. He asks Okuni to resume fireworks to honor the dead (like 21 gun salute). Zatoichi gains access to Yasu and lectures him on gamblers code 1) refrain from walking on sunny side of street 2) make way for decent people 3) act modest and humble before them.
Zatoichi cuts down candles (an often repeated theme). "If it is dark it is to my advantage". Yasu and him men are cut down surprised to hear the fireworks resume. In the end, says Zato, "I'll make you all blind."
![[IMAGE]](ce109.jpg)
Zato Ichi Kenka-Tabi (Masseur Ichi on the Road). In a gamblin den Zato "observes" the dice have been switched. The cheats pay with their lives. Zato slicing light from the candles- "Darkness is my ally."
Zatoichi is being escorted to Doyama by Kisuke. Some of Shimozuma's men catch up with them. Kisuke is killed and Zato slays Ohisa's husband. Ohisa take's bag of coin from recently departed husband.
Zatoichi meets a man barely alive "Please save Omitsu-san." Omitsu stabbed lord's face when he tried to her. She is the daughter of Narumiya in Nihonbashi. Narumiya-san is large merchant in Edo that supplies rice for Kaga clan.
Ohisa teams up with the man , Jingoro, who ordered her husband to kill Zatoichi. While Jingoro receives a massage from Ichi, she steals Omitsu from Zato's room. She take her to Kagotome's palaquin service. Kagotome eyes a possible reward and takes Omitsu from Ohisa.
Zato finds Ohisa and chases her around a bit until Ohisa gives up. Then Zato rescues Omitsu from Kagotome. Zatoichi voices his displeasure with Omitsu for not trusting him and staying in the room. Omitsu appologizes, and the couple leave for a full night of travel to Edo.
Zatoichi and Omitsu part so he can tell Boss Hikozo about kisuke. Boss Hikozo is more interested in getting Zatoichi to fight Shimozuma. One of Hikozo's men is Matsu who also turns out to be Omitsu's boyfriend. Zato agrees to fight Shimozuma for 20 gold coin.
Jingoro is one of Boss Tobei henchmen in Shimozuma he managed to recapture Omitsu. They bring her to the fight. They "show" her to the blind swordsman and say they will double whatever Doyama is offering.
Zatoichi switches to Shimozuma and returns Doyama's blood money. He also declines money from Shimozuma and request Omitsu's safety. He tells Shimozuma to stay close to witness slaying of Doyama.
He eventually turns on Shimozuma for bringing Omitsu to fight. Zatoichi releases Omitsu to Matsu, and asks them to wait while he considers returning her cosmetic mirror. He thinks the better of it and returns it to his kimono. Perhaps he will meet Omitsu again. . .
![[IMAGE]](ce103.jpg)
Zatoichi Jigokutabi. (The Blind Swordsman & The Chess Expert). This episode contains a violent scene which may not be suitable to younger viewers. Zatoichi opening scene is asking a boatsman to get lower fare for handicapped. Of course he doesn't get the break but being a successfull gambler this is only a momentary setback.
Down below in the ship Zatoichi asks if a blind person can shake the dice. Reluctantly Boss Banyu's men from Tateyama let him. Zato acts as if he isn't aware the dice fell outside the upturned cup for everyone else to see. Soon everyone is betting odd (han) or even (cho). Ichi-san wonder aloud why the bets are one-sided. He completes the trick by finding the dice outside the cup and explains "these must have rolled out my shirt." Don't you bet on dice inside the shaker? Upon lifting the cup dice appear opposite everyone's confident wager.
Travelling in Enoshima Island Zatoichi encounters Jumonji Tadasu. They ask about each other's names. "So you're just Tada-no-Ichi (plain Ichi)?" Soon the two are playing chess ( Shogi Page ). Zato exclaims "I love chess so much I cannot see straight." Jumonji admits he has an unfair advantage and blindfolds himself during play.
At Misakiya Inn Zato is attacked by a sworn 'brother' of Banyu. Zatoichi is a bit reckless with counterattack and a child Miki is injured. This sparring includes a rather violent scene of a spear going through a man's face.
Miki contacts tetanus from the leg wound. Ichi-san feels responsible and vows to get the needed medicine (o-kusuri). Zato tries the same gambling trick as he did on the ship but this time upon lifting the cup dice appear the same as everyone's confident wager.
His new found companion Jumoji suggests getting money at Yugyoji Temple festival in Fujisawa. At this point Zatoichi realizes Jumonji Tadasu's name means "get a hit for 10 mon." Zato perfoms a different game -- more directly he catches coins people throw in the air.
Having raised the 5 gold coin needed for medicine he heads toward Odawara. On the way back Boss Banyu's men find him in a marsh. They attack and he drops the box of medicine. He finishes them off but nearly breaks down and just then notices the box on the ground.
Sagawa Tomonoshin warned Zato at hot spring of almost stepping on razor. His servant Roppei was choked with a fish line by Jumonji at Bishamon Shrine while doing 100 prayers. Tomonoshin and sister Kume were seeking Jumonji for killing their father.
In a strange twist a woman named Otane was signaling Zato's location at Inns by hanging a hat outside. Whoever she was Zato slayed her husband Shodayo. At any rate Zatoichi wounds Jumonji and lets Sagawa/Kume finish him. Ichi-san then walks away leaving Otane/Miki with Mt. Fuji in the final background scene.
![[IMAGE]](ce111.jpg)
Zatoichi Sekishoyaburi (The Adventures of a Blind Man). This is perhaps one of the more confusing episodes. If not for containing the quickest example yet of Zatoichi's lightening fast draw this might have been the least interesting. Opening scene is windy and Zato surmises it is hard on the eyes but "lucky I am blind."
Zatoichi is headed to home town Kasama. A man asks Zato to give letter to Osen, a maid at Musashiya Inn. The magistrate Kahima is greedy and Boss Jimbei bribed his way into being in charge. They are assigning booths for the holiday festivities and participants are ordered to contribute 40% of sales or double last year's fees.
A Daruma doll vendor drops some merchandise. Zato finds doll at his feet and begins to return it. The merchants tell him to keep it and fill in eyes when your wish comes true.
The inns are full due to number of holiday visitors. Ichi-san is lucky to be able to share a room with two (futari) women one of which is Osaki.
Osaki is daughter of Headman of Ota village. Kashima and Jimbei are responsible for his death. An old and drunk man leads Zatoichi into Jimbei's gambling den.
Zato inspects the dice. The roller twirls the cup and in one motion overturns cup onto a board trapping the dice. What the roller didn't realize was that Zatoichi drew his sword in a split frame single instant cut both dice in two before landing in the overturned cup. Zato asks him "you use two dice right?"
Zato calls even. The roller lifts cup to reveal split dice. As he bends forward in astonishment, Zato draws sword again this time taking a swath of the gamblers hair. Inside the hair was hidden a second set of dice.
The rest is anticlimatic. The old drunk man Giju is suggested as possibly being Zato's long lost father since he tells a story of taking a son to Mt. Miyagi and leaving without him. Osen agreed to filing in each daruma eye when she and Zato find their fathers. Zato has unfortunate duty of informing her of the crime against her father for trying to protest the oppressive rule of Kashima. Nevertheless Osen holds onto the doll.
Giju eventually double crosses Zato. Osen uses doll to reveal her whereabouts. Gonosuke although skilled was no match for Zato before year's end.
![[IMAGE]](ce114.jpg)
Zatoichi Nidangiri (The Blind Swordsman's Revenge) This is perhaps my favorite Zatoichi episode. It begins with Zato-san looking to the sky and thanking the sun for helping produce the rice ball he is enjoying. A shoten gang has put up a bounty of 10 gold coin.
Zatoichi kneels at a marker near Azabu Bridge. He wonders how his Massage Teacher, Hikonoichi is doing. It has been 10 years.
It turns out that Hikonoichi was murdered two weeks ago. Osayo (his daughter) was witness and reported to be at Chojiro. Boss Tatsugoro has turned it into a brothel and sent Nishikigi (Osayo) to the dungeon. The Boss tried to buy her dad into the Kengyo rank. He works his way instead and heads to Kyoto. The masseur died clutching a tobacco pouch ornament. Zato promises to help Osayo.
Heading back to his lodgings Zatoichi encounters a charming 11 year old girl named Otsuru. Her mother died when she was 3 and for 8 years was raised by her dad, Denroku. She gets Zato to massage her dad.
Ichi-san guesses Denroku's occupation. Denroku asks if he also does accupuncture. Zato caught off-guard asks why he guessed that. To which Denroku replies "because you get right to the point!"
Otsuru having a sunny disposition is singing songs and conversing with Zato-san. She asks "Ojichan nani o suki?" Dear sir what do you like? He again looks to the sky and replies "Otantoo-sama da ne." The sun. They move on, she continues song, an attacker moves in, Zato slays him and blocks it from her view.
Following afternoon we discover what Zato guessed correctly. Denroku is dice roller and a good one. Kadokura Koheita, Tatsugoro's bodyguard had been watching Zato win and places 100 coin bet against Zato's cane. Denroku upturns cup, Zato drew sword but did not slice dice under cup. In a slight twist he slices a nearby sake bottle. Noboby realizes bottle was cut. Denroku lifts cup showing Zato lost. Zato grabs a chip, tosses at sake bottle which now breaks evenly at cut revealing he wins on dice inside sake bottle!
Kadokura slays an auditor, Jingo Odate to keep Governor Isoda and Boss Tatsugoro from being found out. A duel between Kadokura and Zato is set at Utsune Bridge. Zato slays Kadokura easily.
Denroku is fired by Tatsugoro for loss to Zato. "I'll reconsider if you get Zato's cane sword." Otsuru overheard and steals cane. Isoda and Tatsu agree to frame Zato for the death of Odate. Denroku teams up with Zato at a soup vendor. They release women from brothel. Denroku dispenses their money. Zato leads Isoda and Tatsu out to fight. He slays several of their henchmen. Finally he punishes them in front of their victims.
Zatoichi leaves early to visit gravesite of his teacher, Hikonoichi. Osayo, Otsuru, and Denroku arrive later calling out his name. Again Zato faces toward the heavens asking Otantoo-sama to watch over their happiness.
![[IMAGE]](ce102.jpg)
Zatoichi No Uta Ga Kikoeru (The Blind Swordsman's Vengeance). This is one of the more interesting adventures. Zatoichi passes a samurai, Kurobe-san. Then Zato meets the gang that hired him. Zatoichi-san wipes out entire gang. Talks to victim, Tamekichi-san.
"Give this to Taichi" Tamekichi says as he hand Zatoichi a bag of money (and phony dice). Further down the road Zato pauses near a rather interesting man. The man is also blind (probably a Buddist priest) and surmises that Zato could in fact see until the age of 5 or 6.
As Zato greets the stranger he notices that he is carrying a biwa. The biwa player concludes Zato is neither a blind person nor a normal person but a monster in between (after examination of Zato's sword wielding hand--which exhibits wear not common for a masseur). They head towards Ichinomiya.
Zatoichi literally runs into the boy Taichi. The boy is cared for by his grandmother. Boy asks where his father is as Ichi-san drinks tea. The tea is hot (atsui) he covers what he knows by improvising "Atsuta"(town in Owari). Continues deception with some talk of Tamekichi becoming in charge of the kichen at a big restaurant. And "if you obey grandma he will return."
The quite town is being overrun by Boss Gonzo who demanded local business pay to remain in business. The Grandma is holding out with Joshuya (owner of Inn).
A woman, Ocho, calls out to Zatoichi from Fujinoya. Kurobe (samurai from openning scene) knows her as Oshino. She pays for Oharu so she won't have to be with a customer.
Zatoichi thinks of going to Shimonida. As Otsuya tends to him cane sword drops and owner asks him to leave. Taichi appears and prevails upon grandparent to allow stay.
Biwa player is also staying there and observes "children idolize strong men." Gonzo's men come but Zato conscience was clearly affected by the blind priest. They return however and Zato cannot resist killing them even in the boy's view. Kurobe observes Zato's swordplay as "Muraku-style.
Biwa player continues guilt trip on Zato-san. "Building is hard, tearing down is easy." Claims Zatoichi will no live long if sword is all he depends on.
Boss Gonzo ties grandma up. Trying to get an advantage on Zatoichi they decide compromise one of his remaining senses by beating Taiko drums. It seems that Ichi-san got rhythm as he repeatedly slashed through their pattern of drumbeat/sword attack.
Zatoichi meets Kurobe by the shore. Kurobe appears skilled but Zato finished him in one dedly stroke. He leaves hairpin he got from from Ocho. Zatoichi then seeks out Gonzo to deliver punishment. In a repugnant scene Zato flicks something from his nose into Gonzo's sake cup. Zato then collects money Gonzo strong-armed from the town folk. Ultimately Gonzo pays with his life for his greed.
![[IMAGE]](ce112.jpg)
Zatoichi Tekka Tabi (The Blind Swordsman's Cane Sword). This episode contains a few comedic antics--Shintaro Katsu must have enjoyed making this one. Zatoichi happens upon Shotaro-san from Ashikaga who is on way to Nikko shrine. A nuisance keeps flying overhead and Zato slices it out of the sky.
A traveling troupe's cart knocks Ichi-san into a ditch. A female singer tells him every year they go to Ebisu Shrine in Tonda. After the ride he is about to take in a dice game but it is broken up before it gets started. Boss Iwagoro of Agata and his men take over and impose a fee of 30% of profit for every show.
Zato finds their gambling den and places bets in a humorous fashion--changing mind at last minute. On final roll he blew hot ash from pipe onto rollers hand to get him to lift cup quickly before he can trick him. Before they catch on to Zatoichi he has already left with 8 gold coins.
At nearby noodle stand he make the acquaintance of Senzo-san, a blacksmith. The sword makers teacher was Kotatsu of Shimotsuke. Senzo saw Zatoichi's sword and fully examines it. "The life of this sword is almost over." He sounds out a crack in the metal 3.5 inches from the hand sword guard. Zato asks if it can be repaired. Of course not--it's not an ordinary sword.
Zatoichi gives cane sword to Senzo. Asks where he can find work. He is directed to Shimotsukeya Inn in Ashikaga. He meets Oshizu (Senzo's daughter). Ganbei is the Inn keeper. Seikichi is Shotaro's heir but want nothing of it and leaves with Shinosuke.
Police Inspector Kuwayama (Kanto area) is to visit and arrangements are made by his mistress Oryu. In an amazing scene Zatoichi used his thin smoking pipe to disarm a man of sword by flipping it to ceiling. He then throws pipe at ceiling to disloge sword down onto upturned cup revealing loaded dice.
A corrupt officer Monji asks about sword for Lord Matsudaira that Senzo supposed to make. He had not befriended the blacksmith as Zatoichi had done. In Monji's room, Zatoichi sings a song and dance about 100 ducks (a childrens song?). It seems he is mocking Monji's lack of proper ettiquette.
Later Zatoichi dreams he is awoken to fight and his sword breaks as predicted by Senzo. Monji kills Seikichi and Senzo. Senzo somehow managed to switch Zato's broken blade with one he "put his soul into." When Zato duels against broken sword he easily wins and rescues Oshizu.
To finish off Iwagoro's men he has to overcome rolling barrel obstacles. He hides in a barrel. They close top. Spin it around until "his eyes must be dizzy by now." But he has no eyes to get dizzy. He slices out of barrel. Contrary to the ending of western hero movies but typical of this series, the final scene is Zatoichi walking off into the SUNRISE!
![[IMAGE]](ce113.jpg)
Zatoichi Chikemurikaido (Zatoichi Challenged) A group of men are running after Zatoichi (footfalls are echo sound effect--zoom in on Shintaro's ear). They shout "you killed our boss, prepare to die!" After witness to the mass execution Akatsuka Tajuro muses "Zato- naka naka iru na." Not sure of translation but it seems he admires Zato sword skill.
At Toraya Inn of Iizuka town Zatoichi settles into room with a boy Ryota and his mom, Omine. She claims the boy's father is an artist Shokichi in Maebara town. Ukiyo-e or pictures of the floating world were artists' depictions of the pleasures and amusements of people living in Japan in the time period set for this film series (1800's).
The boy, Ryota, apparently has some of his dad's artistic skill. He jumps on the cart of a traveling troupe headed for Minowa town. Boss Sobei's men greet troupe and their lead singer, Tomoe. Boss Manzo's men interrupt attempting to steal their show.
Akatsuka-san intervenes to restore peace. He had seen their performance at Okuyama theater in Asakusa. Boss Sobei is retiring and Boss Gonzo is pushing him out. Shokicki is purportedly staying with Tahei the potter. His daughter is Omitsu.
Zatoichi arrives at Iwama clay site. Ryoto is supposed to bring Zatoichi back to Tahei's place for lunch. The mischievous boy hands Zato a rock claiming it is candy. To the boy's shock Ichi-san acts as if he swallows it. Zato had carried the boy a long way and put sandals on his feet while his straw sandals had worn out. A bond between the two is developing.
Shokichi-san collaborated with Gonzo to draw pictures (prohibited by government) and sell them to wealthy daimyo lords. Osen has feeling for Shokichi but is better off no to show it and get Gonzo upset. She is killed for helping Shokichi escape.
Before Zatoichi can get Shokichi's location from Lord Torikoshi, Akatsuka-san slays him. He then slays governor. Meanwhile Gonzo took Omitsu and Ryota to Iwama site. Zato and Shokichi return to fight Gonzo and rescue Omitsu and Ryota.
Akatsuka-san had gone mad with government sanction and his duty. He wants to get rid of all evidence which includes Shokichi because he still drew the pictures even if coerced. A protracted duel with Zatoichi ensues. Akatsuka is a formidable opponent. Zato does sneak a jab in the abdomen area. Another swordman is ordered to get Shokichi and Zatoichi throws his sword at him to save the artist. Finally with arm raised to strike the now unarmed Zato, Akatsuka withdraws admitting he lost walking away bleeding.
![[IMAGE]](ce106.jpg)
Zatoichi Hatashijo (The Blind Swordsman & The Fugitives) This episode has perhaps the best soundtrack which features the music by Kaburagi Hajime (you might have noticed some of it playing earlier--hit refresh on your browser and it will play again). Zatoichi-san nearly dies in this story. It doesn't start out quite that bad. It is raining and Zatoichi is getting soaked. Not to worry everything will soon take a downturn.
He gets out of the rain to remove his wet clothes and a woman, Oaki, is watching. More on her later, a lot more, because she is . . .interesting.
A couple of no-goods attempt to sneak up on Zato's hiru-yasumi (lunch-break) by pouring dirt on his rice ball. Big mistake.
Meanwhile other no-goods raids the home of Seisaku-san. Zatoichi finds the place in disarray and takes the victim by wheelcart to a doctor (isha).
At Yoshidaya Inn Zatoichi meets the no-goods. They are lead by Genpachiro. They literally poke fun at Zato before their leader arrives. The Shogunate Inspector is on his way and the no-goods have to find new digs.
They get Oaki to ask Boss Matsugoro Omiya for a place to stay. The Inspector meets with Matsugoro regarding the no-goods and Oaki is there to ease his mind. Oaki wa omoshiroi hito desu.
Dr. Junan notices somethings wrong with Zato's face (kao-poked). Zato mentions he cannot stay at the Inn and Junan-san offers his home. He reasons after all "A masseur is like a doctor." This foreshadows dire condition later and what he does about it.
Shizu is a wholesome women who is gathering herbs from the field for her father, Junan-san. She asks Zato when he lost his sight. He replies at the age of 8. Gosuke who is worried about his daughter interupts the momentary tranquility Zato and Shizu are sharing. His daughter is Okiyo who works as a silk weaver for Matsugoro.
Sennosuke (Matsugoro's right hand man) calls Zatoichi out from Dr. Junan's place. According to some yakusa code he must go but asks to stop somewhere first.
Zatoichi picks up Gosuke to set the agenda for meeting with Matsugoro. He demands Okiyo to be set free and released from her contract. His demands are met when he demonstrates his sword skill (quartering Matsugoro's sake bottle).
Matsugoro who has protected Genpachiro from the Inspector orders hit on the villages headman, Tokuzaemon. After the dirty deed Matsugoro suggests they sneak out to Hatcho Pass. They claim officers were waiting for them at Inoda and have returned.
Zatoichi is shot by a pistol during face off with Genpachiro and falls in water. A search at night by torchlight is somewhat like Obon theme used in an earlier episode. Now the masseur acts like a doctor and with his sword surgically removes bullet himself. Pouring Shochu on his wound.
Eventually Zatoichi is brought to Dr. Junan. Shizu stays by his side through the night. He survives but the no-goods know he is near fatally wounded. He is moved but Shizu and Junan are taken hostage.
With no time to heel Zatoichi chases them swinging his sword. He slices off the arm of Kume, a dirk (dagger) thrower. Zato had caught a dirk on the handle of his cane sword earlier to fain being hit to draw him in closer.
Zato says something about going to hell and back and needing Matsugoro to pay the ferryman to cross the river Styx. Oaki has turned a new leaf and help Shizu out of harms way. After putting and end to Matsugoro's men and Matsugoro himself, all that is left is Genpachiro. He is afterall Shizu's brother (Junan disowned him 5 years ago in Edo no reason other than stubborness) which makes for a bittersweet ending.
![[IMAGE]](ce108.jpg)
Zatoichi Kenkadaiko (The Blind Swordsman Samaritan) Zatoichi stumbles over a trap to catch sparrows set by kids. They warn him that the bridge ahead is out. *splash*.
Unokichi-san owes Boss Kumakichi some money, probably a gambling debt. His sister Osode is raising the money. The Boss enlists the help of Zatoichi and others to make Unokichi pay.
As the group departs they warn Zatoichi not to interfere. Clouds blot out the moonlight and the darkness forces the group to depend on Zatoichi. When they arrive at Unokichi's house he blows out the lights. This is a disadvantage to most except Zatoichi.
Now he tells the others not to interfere as being blind he cannot tell friend from foe. As he finished the dirty deed Osode appears with the debt. They take the money and tell her she will do as interest on the late payment. Zato slays the other telling them not to get too greedy.
Kumakichi later admits he needed Osode for the Honjin master of Isawa. It is suggested that accomplishing that Kumakichi would be rewarded with a work contract for a Castle of Japan . Zatoichi bemoans the fact he was not privy to the full story at the outset.
Zatoichi takes to the road with Osode. She is disturbed by the death of her only brother, but she does not blame Zatoichi. In fact she thanks him for saving her from Kumakichi's men. She regrets not returning in time.
In time she sees a demonstration of Zatoichi's super human ability that often leaves other swordsman cursing (Chikushou!). Osode can no longer hide her anguish and attempts to stab Zatoichi.
Osode catches a cold and Zatoichi attends to it. Eventually this new big man in her life wins over her trust. She realizes Kumakichi is to blame. They leave for Sowa where an aunt has tea shop.
Later Zatoichi losses while gambling to the point where his gives his sword to Yasuburo to continue gambling. Zatoichi uses loaded dice, Yasuburo reavel the dice are fake. Ichi-san is then bundled to be thrown in water.
Somehow Zatoichi flips himself upright. Using Osode's broach he pins an attacker. Yasuburo throw a can to Zato (not a sword!) The gangters seeing this depart. Osode has gone ahead. Zatoichi tries to catch her on horseback.
Kinpeiro admits Osode into his brothel. She is to assume the name Hanaguruma. Zatoichi sneaks her out through the roof. He slays Kumakichi and Sashichi and their men. Zatoichi had killed Yasuburo's fencing instructor. Out of revenge a duels ensues. Zato walks off into the daybreak of the new year.
![[IMAGE]](z5.jpg)
Zato Ichi to Yojimbo (Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo) Here we treated to a side-by-side comparison of they righteous style of Shintaro Katsu and the mercenary style of Toshiro Mifune. Zatoichi is returning to what he remembers as a peaceful village. Romanticizing about ume blooms, murmuring brooks and gentle breezes Zato walks into another place in need of law and order.
The local blacksmith Tome-san, who used to make implements for working the land is now banging out iron swords. The former headman of the village, Kyoroku is now chiseling out statuettes of Jizu for burial markers. New headman is Boss Masagoro.
Yojimbo enters in a drunken state. In an amusing scene he thrusts sword at Zatoichi who manages to steal and thrust his sheath back onto it (while faining being stabbed). Yojimbo acknowledges 'the fugitive' is worth the bounty (which increases).
Zatoichi also remembers Umeno but time has changed her too. Good people die. Bad ones thrive. I'm one of the bad ones. This is no place for you. Yojimbo adds, I'm pretty bad (warui) myself. I go bad ones one better and make them pay up. I'm bad bad (warui-warui).
Zato is about to play along when guards take him to prison. He is imprisoned with Yogo-san who was involved with Tokubei's murder. Masagoro seeks revenge while he is in jail and sends poisoned rice. Zatoichi was about to enjoy some when rats in there died after tasting it. He and Yogo fain poisoning to make an escape.
Kyoroku's village had saved enough food to make it through winter after drought hit. Next village was eating rats to survive. They invaded and Masagoro was called in to protect.
Eboshiya Yasuke (a silk merchant) had Masagoro and Sanemon. The later studied medicine in Edo. Inspector Goto wanted him as son-in-law. Goto-san in charge of gold mint and mixing gold.
Yojimbo sets fire to Eboshiya's four story house. So the gold is not hidden in the house. Also burns warehouse still no avail. Sanemon sends Kuzuryu who is armed with a pistol.
Kuzuryu shoots Kyoroku. Kyoroku knew where gold was hid. Sanemon wounds Eboshiya and Masagoro. Kuzuryu finishes all three. Then he tries to shoot Yojimbo but Umeno jumps in front. Yojimbo takes Umeno to Tome-san to recover.
Zatoichi finds Kyuroku dead. Discovers statues contain gold. Yojimbo stops in and Zatoichi takes up religious chant to hide his discovery. Zato gets would be gangster youths to empty all 129 statues of precious contents in a pile.
Yojimbo bets on Umeno's life 1) she lives I quit way of life 2) she dies I continue. Zatoichi finishes off Kuzuryu's men. Yojimbo and Zatoichi fight. Zatoichi stabs Yojimbo in leg but sword breaks. Zatoichi is almost done in when it is announced that Umeno lives.
The golden pile is being carried off in the wind. Zatoichi and Yojimbo jump on top trying to grab at the last few remaining specks. Both quickly realize how foolish they look and quickly depart.
![[IMAGE]](z3.jpg)
Special Thanks to Gregg Yokoyama of Chambara Entertainment for providing the magnificent and scanable promotional artwork.
The Zatoichi site is unofficial thus is not endorsed nor affilliated with Daiei pictures, Chambara entertainment, and MVP home entertainment.
Comments and suggestions regarding this page are indeed welcome here.
Updated May 23,1999