Zatoichi's Cane-sword (1967)
"Zatoichi tekka tabi" (original title)

Zatoichi, while fighting off the usual group of gangsters, meets the apprentice of the swordsman who created his blade, who relays bad news about the sword.

Director:

Kimiyoshi Yasuda

Writers:

Ryôzô Kasahara, Kan Shimosawa (story)

Stars:

Shintarô Katsu, Shiho Fujimura, Yoshihiko Aoyama

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Shintarô Katsu	...	Zatoichi
Shiho Fujimura	...	Oshizu
Yoshihiko Aoyama	...	Seikichi
Makoto Fujita	...	Umazo
Kiyoko Suizenji	...	Oharu
Eijirô Tôno	...	Senzo
Masumi Harukawa	...	Oryu
Masako Aboshi	...	Omatsu the maid
Junichiro Yamashita	...	Shinnosuke
Ryûtarô Gomi	...	Ronin
Fujio Suga	...	Seisuke Kuwayama
Tatsuo Endô	...	Iwagoro
Ryûji Kita	...	Genbei Shimotsukeya
Eigoro Onoe	...	Zato
Yûsaku Terajima	...	Noodle Shop Owner

Storyline

Zatoichi comes upon the town of Tonda, overrun by gangsters. Using one of his favorite techniques, Zatoichi proceeds to win 8 ryo in a rigged gambling game. Of course, the local gangsters attempt to kill him, and the adventure begins. It turns out a blacksmith named Senzo examines Zatoichi's cane sword, and discovers it to be forged by his old mentor. Senzo discovers the sword is at the end of its usefulness and will break when it is used next....

---

Plot Keywords:

zatoichi | fifteenth part | maid | sequel | character name in title

---

Genres:

Action | Drama | Adventure

---

Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

3 January 1967 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Zatoichi's Cane-sword

Company Credits

Production Co:

Daiei Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Follows The Tale of Zatoichi Continues (1962)

User Reviews

One of the best Zotoichi

This is one of the best Zatoichi movies. It has lots of humor, great action scenes and a history of Zatorichi's sword. Zatoichi gives up his sword when he discovers it is about to fail. Later, when gang of swordsmen attack him he must defend himself with just his bamboo cane. In another fight he defends himself against a knife attack with his pipe. After he gets a sword back, he finds himself sealed in a barrel by his attackers. But he defeats the attachers by stabbing through the barrel.

The best scene in the movie is Zatoichi doing a crazy song and dance about trying to catch ducks. Because it is completely out of character for Zatoichi, it is very funny. But at the same time you have to appreciate how good the performance is. When the dance is over, Zatoichi proceeds to "accidentally" insult the gang leader by mooning him, ignoring his offer of sake and then spilling sake on him.

The underlying story line is the same as most Zatoichi films. The villagers are being exploited by a violent gang and corrupt leader. Zatoichi kills enough bad guys until the town is saved.