Kinnosuke Nakamura

Kinnosuke Nakamura

Born: November 20, 1932
Died: March 10, 1997
in Tokyo, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yorozuya Kinnosuke (萬屋錦之介) was a Japanese kabuki actor. Born Kin'ichi Ogawa (小川 錦一 Ogawa Kin'ichi), son of kabuki actor Nakamura Tokizō III, he entered kabuki and became the first in the kabuki tradition to take the name Nakamura Kinnosuke. He took on his guild name (yagō) Yorozuya as his surname in 1971.

In addition to his kabuki activity, Kinnosuke had an extensive film career. A specialist in jidaigeki, Kinnosuke appeared in more than 140 films. These include a 1957 Mito Kōmon and a 1961 appearance as the title character in the Toei Company's Miyamoto Musashi series (a role he reprised in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1965, and again in 1971). A versatile actor, he has played as many as seven characters in a single film.

Movies for Kinnosuke Nakamura...

New Kabuki Final Fantasy X
Title: New Kabuki Final Fantasy X
Character: Braska
Released: July 19, 2023
Type: Movie
A kabuki play rendition of the video game Final Fantasy X, available for streaming for a limited time.
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Title: Hana no Ran
Character: Yamana Sōzen
Released: April 3, 1994
Type: TV
The story takes place during the Muromachi period of Ancient Japan, in the midst of the Ōnin War. The main character in the series is Tomiko Hino, a historical figure with a bad reputation because of her actions to rebuild Kyoto after the Ōnin War.
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Kumokiri Nizaemon: The Great Bandit
Title: Kumokiri Nizaemon: The Great Bandit
Released: March 29, 1991
Type: Movie
When Nizaemon Kumogiri, a major thief quits his job as a thief, he has two more big jobs planned in order to obtain a huge sum of money to enable his many subordinates scattered all over the country to live out the rest of their lives. First, he targets Matsuya, a medicine wholesaler in Nagoya and seduces the master of the shop by using his female subordinate, Nanakake. He then calls upon Sanji, a skilled locksmith to Nagoya, but the bandit Yagura no Fukuemon who is plotting to intercept the thief plots to extract Sanji for a large sum of money. Furthermore, Abe Shikibu, the chief of the firebrand bandit reformatory who is obsessed with Nizaemon's arrest, sends his men to Nagoya.
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Death of a Tea Master
Title: Death of a Tea Master
Character: Urakusai Oda
Released: October 7, 1989
Type: Movie
Years after the death of legendary tea master Rikyu, his disciple Honkakubo attempts to resolve the mystery of the master's death.
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Tabaruzaka
Title: Tabaruzaka
Released: December 30, 1987
Type: Movie
Known as the ”Last Samurai” Saigo Takamori was a stout giant of a man with a huge head and a neck like a bear. As the leader of Satsuma’s anti-Western faction, he was instumental in establishing the Sat-Cho Alliance dreamed of by Sakamoto Ryoma. After the fall of the Tokugawa, Saigo rose to major prominence before falling in disfavor. In 1876 Saigo Takamori resigned from his government post and went back to Kagoshima. He founded a local military school and dissatisfied samurai gathered around him in large numbers. In late 1876 it came to an open conflict when samurai rebels raided and occupied ammunition and weapon depots of the central government. The samurai rebels urged and proclaimed Saigo Takamori as their leader. While the Tom Cruise movie fictionalized Saigo’s life story, this is history come to life in the most exciting rendition with an all-star cast that is not to be missed!
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The Last True Yakuza
Title: The Last True Yakuza
Character: Kadota
Released: November 16, 1985
Type: Movie
A made man during the height of Hiroshima's yakuza turf war must maneuver through the violence and betrayal inside the criminal underworld.
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The Fugitive Samurai
Title: The Fugitive Samurai
Character: Itto Ogami
Released: January 1, 1984
Type: Movie
Itto Ogami- High Executioner to the Shogun- has been betrayed by his political enemies and sentenced to a dishonorable death. Seeking to restore the honor of his name, Ogami- The Wolf- must flee the Shogun's grasp and live long enough to prove his innocence. Taking only his sword and his son, Ogami embarks on a bloody journey of righteousness and revenge as he seeks to destroy those who would disgrace his family's name. Hunted mercilessly by the Shogun's troops, by his enemies, and by those who seek the reward put on his head, Ogami must fight his way through feudal Japan, challenging and defeating all who stand in the way of his quest for honor. Can Ogami- a true Samurai Warrior- endure the ceaseless violence which surrounds him?
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Gate of Youth 2
Title: Gate of Youth 2
Character: Eiji Niki
Released: January 23, 1982
Type: Movie
Mid 50s: the trials and tribulations of Shinsuke Ibuki, freshly arrived in Tokyo from Kyushu.
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Baian the Assassin
Title: Baian the Assassin
Character: Baian Fujieda
Released: April 11, 1981
Type: Movie
This is an ensemble period drama adapted from Shotaro Ikenami's popular novel, featuring the famous Kabuki actor brothers Kinnosuke Manya and Katsuo Nakamura, who made the transition from the Kabuki world to the film industry, and a cast of gorgeous and diverse faces. The Edo period. Nagato Abe, a Hatamoto (a feudal lord), is annoyed by his son's bad behavior, and when it becomes a hindrance to his own career, he asks Otowaya Hanemon, a black marketeer, to assassinate his son. The target is then taken care of by the assassin, Umeyasu. In order to keep his mouth shut, Nagatomon no Mamoru also attempts to take Otowaya's life. Nagato's brother-in-law, Omiya Sahei, a corrupt merchant from the Kamigata region, also plans to replace Otowaya as the head of Edo's black market business, so Umebayashi and his fellow trapper Hikojiro set out to eliminate them.
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Title: The Man of Five Rings
Character: Miyamoto Musashi
Released: January 2, 1981
Type: TV
After 2 years of completely isolation in mountains, Musashi comes back in order to live a normal life. However, after his duel against Kojiro Sasaki he has many enemies who want to kill him...
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Tokugawa Ichizoku no Houkai
Title: Tokugawa Ichizoku no Houkai
Character: Matsudaira Katamori (Lord of Aizu)
Released: May 24, 1980
Type: Movie
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The Shogun Assassins
Title: The Shogun Assassins
Character: Tokugawa Ieyasu
Released: September 1, 1979
Type: Movie
This is a film about a real person. Sanada Yukimura fought a war against Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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Nichiren
Title: Nichiren
Released: March 10, 1979
Type: Movie
An epic drama about Nichiren's life. Nichiren was a Buddhist monk who lived for 60 years during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) in Japan. Nichiren taught devotion to the Lotus Sutra as the exclusive means to attain enlightenment. Because of his devout belief, Nichiren is met with opposition throught his travels, with life on the line, can Nichiren accomplish his goal?
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The Fall of Ako Castle
Title: The Fall of Ako Castle
Character: Oishi Kuranosuke
Released: October 28, 1978
Type: Movie
This is the story of "The Forty-Seven Ronin." Based on historical events in 1701-2, the movie tells the tale of the Asano clan's downfall and the revenge of its former samurai on the perpetrator of the catastrophe. Lord Asano was goaded, or tricked, into drawing his sword inside the Shogun's palace -- a crime which carried the death penalty. The newly installed Shogun was furious at Asano and ordered all his clan's assets seized, meaning some 20,000 samurai and commoners were unemployed and landless at a stroke. Forty-seven of these ronin (masterless samurai) banded together to take attempt revenge on Lord Kira, who had goaded Asano into drawing his sword.
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Title: 破れ新九郎
Released: October 3, 1978
Type: TV
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Shogun's Samurai
Title: Shogun's Samurai
Character: Yagyu Tajima
Released: January 21, 1978
Type: Movie
Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.
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Title: 破れ奉行
Released: April 5, 1977
Type: TV
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Title: The Dark Magistrate
Character: Tadashiro Hiramatsu
Released: April 6, 1975
Type: TV
The drama depicts in the late Edo period in Nagasaki, Hiramatsu takes up Nagasaki bugyō`s head post. He likes alcohol and women. Furthermore He is always willing to accept a bribe from villains so they consider it is easy to manipulate him. But he is just pretending to be idiot and he kills villains who escape justice despite their crimes.
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Title: 子連れ狼2
Released: April 7, 1974
Type: TV
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Title: Swordsman With the Torn Umbrella
Character: 叶 刀舟
Released: January 10, 1974
Type: TV
Set in the Edo period, Kanou Toshu studied medicine in Nagasaki and lives on the outskirts of Senju-juku . He is also a master of the Mugai Ryu sword style. Although he has skills in medicine, he is also a big drinker and often drinks all day and falls asleep, or drinks at night and does not go home. He does not charge for treatment and medicine costs from poor patients such as tradesmen and farmers, but occasionally he'll buy their produce or drink with them. When he senses injustice by the rich and powerful, he takes matters into his own hands and doles out justice as he sees fit.
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Title: Lone Wolf and Cub
Character: Ittô Ogami
Released: April 8, 1973
Type: TV
Ogami Itto is a master swordsman who holds a position of high power in the Tokugawa Shogunate. Highly trusted by the Shogun, he serves as the official decapitator, assisting lords and samurai who have been ordered by the Shogun to commit seppuku. One day, Itto’s wife and members of his household are brutally murdered by a clan seeking to avenge their lord’s execution, which had been carried out by Itto. In the wake of the attack, two items are left in Itto’s home: his unhurt infant son, Daigoro, and a symbol meant to signify Itto’s betrayal of the Shogun. Disgraced by the false symbol, Itto is labeled a traitor and forced to forfeit his position. He becomes a ronin, wandering the country with his son, searching for the men who killed his wife, seeking to clear his name and avenge her death.
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Title: 子連れ狼 (萬屋錦之介版)
Released: April 1, 1973
Type: TV
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Title: Wandering Wolf: Ryu the Branded Cross
Released: April 5, 1972
Type: TV
Based on the novel of the same name by Jiro Ikushima, this drama series aired on NET TV (now TV Asahi) in 1972 for a total of 26 episodes. Starring the talented actor Kennosuke Yorozuya, who had previously shown his skills in various period films such as "Mabuta no Haha," "Seki no Yatappe," and "Kutsukake Tokijiro: Yoyo ichi-hiki," the show follows the tragic hero and is sure to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline. Viewers are sure to be drawn into the drama and root for the protagonist as the story unfolds.
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Miyamoto Musashi VI: Swords of Death
Title: Miyamoto Musashi VI: Swords of Death
Character: Musashi Miyamoto
Released: February 20, 1971
Type: Movie
In the sixth and final episode Rentaro Mikuni steals the show as Baiken Shishido, Musashi's nemesis. Mikuni is the nominal villain of the film, but he is a devoted husband and father as well. He tries to kill Musashi only to avenge the death of his brother-in-law. While Baiken (who wields a chain and sickle against Musashi's sword) is a very human character and the emotions that Mikuni displays in his performance are quite believable and engaging
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Title: Haru no Sakamichi
Character: Yagyū Munenori
Released: January 3, 1971
Type: TV
The story chronicles the life of Yagyū Munenori.
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Will to Conquer
Title: Will to Conquer
Released: October 17, 1970
Type: Movie
The struggles of a low-ranking samurai (Nakamura) coming to terms with the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the end of Japan's feudal age with the 1868 Restoration.
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Incident at Blood Pass
Title: Incident at Blood Pass
Character: Heima Ibuki
Released: April 21, 1970
Type: Movie
In the Edo period, a nameless ronin accepts an assignment to go to a mountain pass and wait. Near the pass he stops at an inn where a collection of characters gather, including a gang set on stealing shogunate gold that's soon to come over the pass. When the Ronin's assignment becomes clear, to help the gang, he's ordered to kill the inn's residents, including a woman he's rescued from an abusive husband. He's reluctant to murder innocent people; then he learns that the gold shipment is a trap and he's part of a double cross. How he sorts through these divided loyalties tests of his samurai honor, and perhaps of his love for a woman.
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The Ambitious
Title: The Ambitious
Character: Ryoma Sakamoto
Released: February 14, 1970
Type: Movie
The story of Ryoma Sakamoto, considered to be the architect behind the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was considered an outlaw by his own clan, hunted by his government, and was despised by supporters of the Shogun as well as the Loyalists for desiring the opening of Japan to the West in order to learn its technology, in the hopes of one day defeating the West with a modern army and navy.
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Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
Title: Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
Character: Fujita Arima
Released: December 5, 1969
Type: Movie
Near the end of the nineteenth century, as the balance of power shifts from Shogunate towards the Emperor, Japan restlessly awaits the dawning of a new age. But not all are content...The Shinsengumi, a small army of samurai, farmers and peasants, band together to do battle against the tide of history. Their leader, Isami Kondo is a man who rises from farmer to fighter to head the fierce Shinsengumi brigade. Using a stern hand and a heart of gold, he rallies his men in defense of the tottering Shogunate. But bloodshed and treachery lurk around every corner.
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Portrait of Hell
Title: Portrait of Hell
Character: Lord Hosokawa
Released: November 18, 1969
Type: Movie
The story, set in the Heian era, depicts the conflict between Korean painter Yoshihide (Nakadai) and his Japanese patron, the cruel and egotistical daimyo Horikawa (Nakamura). It is based on the 1918 short story Hell Screen by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa.
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The Magoichi Saga
Title: The Magoichi Saga
Character: Saika Magoichi
Released: September 13, 1969
Type: Movie
Lord Oda Nobunaga gains control of nearly all of Japan and tries to enlist the aid of Magoichi and his 3.000 gunners.
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Goyokin
Title: Goyokin
Character: Samon Fujimaki
Released: May 1, 1969
Type: Movie
A guilt-haunted samurai warrior attempts to stop a massacre taking place.
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Samurai Banners
Title: Samurai Banners
Character: Shingen Takeda
Released: March 1, 1969
Type: Movie
Kansuke Yamamoto is a samurai who dreams of a country united, peaceful from sea to sea. He enters the service of Takeda, the lord of Kai domain. He convinces Takeda to kill the lord of neighboring Suwa and take his wife as a concubine. He then convinces the widow, Princess Yu, to accept this arrangement and to bear Takeda a son. He pledges them his life. He then spends years using treachery, poetic sensibility, military and political strategy to expand Takeda's realm, advance the claim of Yu's son as the heir, and prepare for an ultimate battle with the forces of Echigo. Has Kansuke overreached? Are his dreams, blinded by love, too big?
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The Day the Sun Rose
Title: The Day the Sun Rose
Character: Shinkichi
Released: November 23, 1968
Type: Movie
Shinkichi, a peasant employed as a cloth-dyer, has a dream: in the midst of the civil war which ravages Japan, he hopes to revive the long-banned custom of the Kyoto Gion Festival, and by doing so, bring together the warring clans and rampaging brigands in peaceful celebration.
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Sazen Tange and The Secret of the Urn
Title: Sazen Tange and The Secret of the Urn
Character: Samanosuke / Tange Sazen
Released: May 25, 1966
Type: Movie
Loyal samurai Samanosuke is attacked, mutilated, and left for dead while carrying out a mission for his clan. He recovers but has lost an eye and an arm. Taking a new identity as Tange Sazen, he searches for a stolen urn which has hidden significance to his clan. But Tange Sazen has his own reasons for seeking the urn.
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Kutsukake Tokijiro: The Lonely Yakuza
Title: Kutsukake Tokijiro: The Lonely Yakuza
Character: Kutsukake Tokijiro
Released: April 1, 1966
Type: Movie
Tokijiro has the unfortunate duty according to the code of the gamblers to join in the fighting when afforded a night’s stay and meals at the home of a town boss. Though he dislikes killing, the strength of his swordsmanship will be tested time and time again in the bloody tale.
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Flower and Dragon: Duel of the Sea Caves
Title: Flower and Dragon: Duel of the Sea Caves
Released: January 13, 1966
Type: Movie
The sequel to "Flowers and Dragons". Kingoro Tamai founded a family in the port of Wakamatsu. He unites people with his courage, and revolts against the entrepreneur Oki Nakashi, who is teeming with vices. Kingoro and his family are also forced to fight against the Ezaki-Gumi group, which is opposed by Tomoda Kizo, who is trying to control the port of Wakamatsu.
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The Flower and the Dragon
Title: The Flower and the Dragon
Released: November 20, 1965
Type: Movie
A story of manly life and the beauty of conjugal love. A story about a man and a woman establishing a family of longshoreman, centering on their love and struggle.
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Miyamoto Musashi V: Musashi vs Kojiro
Title: Miyamoto Musashi V: Musashi vs Kojiro
Character: Miyamoto Musashi / Takezo
Released: September 4, 1965
Type: Movie
The fifth and final installment with the build up of the epic battle between Sasaki Kojiro and Miyamoto Musashi. With all the familiar characters making appearances: Otsu (Musashi's great love), Akemi, Matahachi (his former fellow soldier), old lady Osugi (still doggedly trying to defeat Musashi), and even the return of Priest Takuan (the man responsible for his journey towards enlightenment). But most of all, the boastful, long-haired and long-sworded Sasaki Kojiro.
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Three Yakuza
Title: Three Yakuza
Released: May 22, 1965
Type: Movie
A tale of three Yakuza gamblers who traveled Japan during the samurai era living by their wits and sword skills. Told in 3 separate vignettes, each part tells the story of a different drifter’s life. Part 1: A man is on the run after killing two Hasshu Officials to avenge his Boss. He must make a life or death decision as he is asked to protect a gang from attack. Part 2: A pair of gamblers chased out of a crooked game must fight not only their pursuers, but the ghosts of their pasts as well. Part 3: A wanderer who wants to live according to the Yakuza Code, but is not sure that he can do so when asked to save a town from an evil official.
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Cold Rice, Osan, Chan
Title: Cold Rice, Osan, Chan
Released: April 10, 1965
Type: Movie
Three stories revolve around independence, a man searching for his wife, and a poor craftsman trying to make money.
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Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu
Title: Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu
Released: January 3, 1965
Type: Movie
In turbulent 16th-century Japan, the leaders of a minor fief have their child taken from them as a political hostage. His mother and his clan endure years of tribulations until he can return.
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Revenge
Title: Revenge
Character: Shinpachi Ezaki
Released: November 1, 1964
Type: Movie
An innocuous comment during a weapon inspection wounds the pride of low-ranking samurai Shinpachi, leading to an argument with his superior. The situation snowballs out of control, leading to a deadly duel and political fallout which threatens the entire clan. Declared mentally unstable by the corrupt authority, Shinpachi begins his descent into true insanity…
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The Domain
Title: The Domain
Released: August 13, 1964
Type: Movie
The feud between two rival delivery companies, Kibamasa and Okiyama, heats up as the head of Kibamasa falls ill.
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Miyamoto Musashi: The Duel at Ichijo Temple
Title: Miyamoto Musashi: The Duel at Ichijo Temple
Character: Miyamoto Musashi / Takezo
Released: January 1, 1964
Type: Movie
In the fourth installment, Musashi's potentially greatest opponent Kojiro jumps in and out of the story at the oddest and most coincidental moments. As his great love Otsu has succumbed to madness. Musashi then sets off to beat the functionaries of a treacherous clan in an arranged duel. 73 against one. Boastful Kojiro watches, secure in the knowledge that only he is a worthy opponent.
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Sasuke and His Comedians
Title: Sasuke and His Comedians
Character: Sasuke
Released: December 11, 1963
Type: Movie
Osaka in the early 1600s, aftermath of the historical Battle of Sekigahara; a group of orphan children are wandering through the battlefield scavenging for armour when they encounter a young boy named Sasuke with magical powers he says came from a meteor that crashed onto the Earth…
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Yakuza of Seki
Title: Yakuza of Seki
Character: Yataro of Seki
Released: November 20, 1963
Type: Movie
A young yakuza, Yatappe, wanders around the country in search of his long-lost little sister, Oito. While traveling, he rescues a young girl, Osayo, whose father entrusts her to him with his dying wish. To honor his promise to Osayo's deceased father, Yatappe brings her to safety, and from a distance keeps a watchful eye on her well being.
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Miyamoto Musashi: Birth of Two Sword Style
Title: Miyamoto Musashi: Birth of Two Sword Style
Character: Miyamoto Musashi / Takezo
Released: August 14, 1963
Type: Movie
In the third installment of Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, things continue from the 2nd film at the end of battle, where Miyamoto continues on a mission of learning; with the introduction of his arch-rival Sasaki Kojiro; and lastly the large cast of characters rendezvouses for a fateful finale.
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Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai
Title: Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai
Character: Jirozaemon / Iikura / Sajiemon / Kyutaro / Shuzo / Shingo / Osamu / Susumu
Released: April 28, 1963
Type: Movie
After a salary-man's fiancée attempts suicide, he recounts his gruesome family history which saw generations of his ancestors suffer and sacrifice themselves for the sake of their cruel lords.
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A Fishmonger's Tour
Title: A Fishmonger's Tour
Released: January 15, 1963
Type: Movie
The supply of sea bream to the fish market has decreased, and the price has increased to a whopping 1 ryo, and unable to face his customers openly anymore, Tasuke closes the shop and goes on a trip to celebrate the first wedding anniversary with his wife Onaka. Staying at the inn, Tasuke sees that dishes from magnificent sea bream are served here, which is very cheap. Tasuke goes to a fishing village and finds out here that a rich merchant is stopping the shipment of fish...
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Tokaido Fullhouse
Title: Tokaido Fullhouse
Released: January 3, 1963
Type: Movie
When Kanbe Nagakichi has his turf taken over by Ano-Toku, the father-in-law of his sworn brother Kira Nikichi sets in motion one of the most violent gang battles in Japanese history. Forced by the situation to choose between family and yakuza honor, Nikichi faces off against the vile combination of Ano-Toku and Kurokoma Katsuzo, villains so low as to ambush their foes using snipers. Nikichi, who owes allegiance to Boss Jirocho of Shimizu asks Jirocho to spare Ano-Toku’s life until events force a showdown between the 30 member Shimizu gang and a force of over 200 men fighting on Ano-Toku’s behalf. Meanwhile, a mysterious samurai may hold the key to deciding the outcome of this battle!
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Miyamoto Musashi: Showdown at Hannyazaka Heights
Title: Miyamoto Musashi: Showdown at Hannyazaka Heights
Character: Miyamoto Musashi / Takezo
Released: November 17, 1962
Type: Movie
The remake of Yoshikawa's novel continues with the second installment in which Takezo, soon to be Miyamoto Musashi, emerges from the Himeji Castle after three years of intense contemplation and philosophical study and starting on his epic quest to complete his skill in the Way.
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A Revengeful Raid
Title: A Revengeful Raid
Released: September 22, 1962
Type: Movie
In this tale of bravery and honor among the roving gamblers of old Japan, the heroic Jirocho, Boss of the Tokaido is called upon to help a young yakuza named Eijiro after he runs afoul of the new samurai officials who have taken over his hometown. Expertly portrayed by Kitaoji Kinya (son of the all-time great star Ichikawa Utaemon), this young man stands up for the townspeople and puts his life on the line. Jirocho, played by superstar Nakamura Kinnosuke, a boss known for his honor and valor soon finds himself involved in the feud which will only end in a brutal showdown.
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A Carpenter and Children
Title: A Carpenter and Children
Released: June 10, 1962
Type: Movie
A carpenter, Shigetsugu, learns a lesson of love and humanity from five orphaned children and an affectionate woman named Oritsu. It's a winning combination of drama and humor. The warm friendship that grows between the carpenter, the woman and the children making this into a true masterpiece.
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Lady Sen and Hideyori
Title: Lady Sen and Hideyori
Character: Toyotomi Hideyori
Released: March 25, 1962
Type: Movie
From the late 1500's through the founding of the Tokugawa Shogunate many battles were fought as the great warlords vied for power over the nation. Princess Sen, a daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, is caught amidst the family feud between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi families. When her father Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu attacks her husband Toyotomi Hideyori's castle, her life takes a sudden turn for the worse. Will she ever find peace in her life again? One of Hibari Misora's most memorable performances, a movie you will never forget!
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Tales of Young Genji Kuro 3
Title: Tales of Young Genji Kuro 3
Released: March 7, 1962
Type: Movie
In the third, and final chapter of this epic tale, handsome swordsman Genji helps a vulnerable princess who is in search of a missing scroll that belongs to the Shogun. This is one of the most highly regarded trilogies featuring a youthful Nakamura Kinnosuke in one of his best roles. This was Kinnosuke at the height of his career, with charm, honor and a vicious sword. If you enjoyed the first two films in the series, you can't miss the exciting conclusion. Even without know-ledge of the first two films, this movie stands on its own with great action throughout!
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In Search of Mother
Title: In Search of Mother
Character: Banba no Chutaro
Released: January 14, 1962
Type: Movie
Period piece about a young man who, because of his hard life alone in the world, has become a yakuza. When he hears that his mother may be living in Edo (Tokyo), he travels there, intent on finding her and leaving the swordsman's life behind. But a team of rival gangsters is hot on his heels.
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Jirocho' s Days of Youth: Whirlwind on the Tokaido
Title: Jirocho' s Days of Youth: Whirlwind on the Tokaido
Released: January 3, 1962
Type: Movie
Adventures of famous yakuza boss Jirocho and his disciples who settle in Kofu.
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The Conspirator
Title: The Conspirator
Released: November 8, 1961
Type: Movie
Young lord Saburo Nobuyasu struggles to find comfort in life. His arranged marriage to Tokuhime, daughter of one-time family enemy Oda Nobunaga, provides little happiness. His manipulative mother adds further complications through her constant interference and attempts at defeating the Nobunaga family.
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Works of the Fish Man
Title: Works of the Fish Man
Released: August 26, 1961
Type: Movie
Katsujiro the fisherman overcomes his laziness when he learns of his younger sister Okiku’s unfortunate fate. Nakamura Kinnosuke stars in two roles (Katsugoro and Aoyama Harima) in this film about the tragic nature of society in the late Edo period.
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Jirocho’s Days of Youth: The Youngest Boss in the Tokai Region
Title: Jirocho’s Days of Youth: The Youngest Boss in the Tokai Region
Released: June 21, 1961
Type: Movie
He was married to his lover's butterfly and started a new residence. But good things do not last. In his uncle, Uzaemon in Kawashima, Yoshiji Akaji, Yoshimoto's lender, and Kanehira Akagi, the older brother of the former loan of Mishima, played a challenge. It is said to open the ladies' room to the settlement of Wada island. Although Jiro headed to Shigetsugu for arbitration, he was forced to surrender. In such a case, Jiro became chased by Kinpei and others.
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Miyamoto Musashi
Title: Miyamoto Musashi
Character: Miyamoto Musashi (Takezo)
Released: May 27, 1961
Type: Movie
In this first episode, we are introduced to Takezo, what Musashi used to be before he became the man of legend. His beginning are not exactly auspicious. He sides with the Toyotomi at Sekigahara, and as a result finds himself on the losing side of the historic battle. He and his friend Matahachi manage to escape the slaughter although the latter is wounded in his leg. They stumble across the young Akemi who makes her living with her mother Oko by robbing corpses of their armor and anything else they can sell. Oko takes it into her head to seduce Matahachi, which she does first by skillfully sucking the gangrene from his blood, and then just by sucking.
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The Ako Retainers
Title: The Ako Retainers
Character: Wakisaka Awajinomori
Released: March 28, 1961
Type: Movie
Toei’s 10th anniversary film, featuring an all-star cast from the golden movie era of the 1960s. A famous story of the 47 loyal samurai. When Lord Asano is unjustly executed, his loyal retainers strike back for revenge.
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An Edo Magistrate
Title: An Edo Magistrate
Character: Chu/Tadasuke
Released: March 12, 1961
Type: Movie
When a former artisan is tricked into putting his sister up as collateral for a loan by a gangster boss in a crooked gambling casino it sets in motion the story of Ooka Echizen, the famed magistrate of Edo during the reign of Shogun Tsuneyoshi. In a world where humans bow down to dogs and are beheaded for harming them, it's a wonder people can survive at all. Nakamura Kinnosuke is a former samurai who has left the fold to live freely and must put his life on the line to save the girl he loves, and rescue her from the yakuza who duped her brother. When the truth comes out about his background, he is forced to take on the role of Edo Magistrate, a decision that brings him unimaginable heartache and danger!
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The Shogun and the Fishmonger
Title: The Shogun and the Fishmonger
Released: January 3, 1961
Type: Movie
Fishmonger Tasuke and Shogun Iemitsu swap their identities in pretence for the protection of Iemitsu.
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Jirocho’s Days of Youth: Boss of the Tokai Region
Title: Jirocho’s Days of Youth: Boss of the Tokai Region
Released: December 27, 1960
Type: Movie
His skill and courage were the best in Japan! The life story of Jirocho, a man who protected people on the Tokaido Road. The fearless Kinnosuke Nakamura enthusiastically plays the young Jirocho from Shimizu in this chivalrous story.
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Scarier than the Devil
Title: Scarier than the Devil
Released: November 22, 1960
Type: Movie
A stage director who directs a “Mori no Ishimatsu” play time travels and becomes “Mori no Ishimatsu” himself.
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Shinran, Part II
Title: Shinran, Part II
Released: September 27, 1960
Type: Movie
Continuation of the biographical film about the monk Shinran, based on the novel by Eiji Yoshikawa. Shinran, born of the fading aristocratic class, was placed in a monastary on Mount Hiei when still a child. He did not come down for twenty years, when his wanderings begin as he spreads his ideas for achieving enlightenment through the Pure Land sutra. Because his teachings contradict the powerful Tendai sect, he comes to grief with the government, his followers persecuted, himself exiled to far coastal Echigo where he married & began raising a family but soonafter was wandering & teaching again. He lived to be ninety.
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Lord Mito: All Star Version
Title: Lord Mito: All Star Version
Released: August 7, 1960
Type: Movie
In 1691 a terrible fire broke out in Denmacho, Yotsuya, burning down the towns around it, up to the shores of Shibaura. A month and a half later, another fire broke out, this time in Komagome, burning down the two gates of Asakusa and Sujikai, and continuing on into the night. As the government Elders consider evidence that these fires were arson, a fire breaks out in Hirakawa-cho, outside of Hanzo Gate. Nishonmaru catches on fire and burns down completely. When this rash of fires even strikes Kyoto, the task of finding who’s behind the arson, and stopping them falls to the Shogun’s uncle, the Elder Lord of Mito. Together with his trusted bodyguards, Kaku and Suke, the trio set of to save Japan from this scourge of evil. Featuring virtually all of their most famous stars, this is the best film in the Toei series about Mito Komon, one of Japan’s most popular historical figures who traveled through the country incognito to check on the people and fight injustice.
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Shinran
Title: Shinran
Released: June 21, 1960
Type: Movie
A biographical movie about Shinran
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Unwieldy Brothers
Title: Unwieldy Brothers
Released: June 5, 1960
Type: Movie
Taisuke is kind-hearted but overall lacks ambition. Taizo is smarter, but given to fits of emotion and impulsive violence. The samurai brothers fight against corruption in a castle.
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Yakuza of Ina
Title: Yakuza of Ina
Character: Yataro
Released: February 23, 1960
Type: Movie
Tossing his hat in the air to pick a direction, Yataro the wanderer sets out on a journey of adventure, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. The son of a Hatamoto, he has left the samurai life and become a yakuza, gambling on life's fortune and ready to risk his life at a moment's notice. Featuring an all-star cast that includes the debonair Azuma Chiyonosuke, this is a tale of excitement and action that brings the best of black and white to the silver screen. An adventure like no other, this is one of Kinnosuke's lost gems. A series of mishaps leads Yataro to watching over the beloved daughter of his close friend.
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Samurai Vagabonds
Title: Samurai Vagabonds
Released: January 15, 1960
Type: Movie
On New Year's Day 1716, Munenaga of Owari and Yoshinao of Kii were both named as candidates for the title of 8th Shogun. The wise and just Munenaga is plunged into a dispute with Tokugawa Yoshinao that will lead to one of them ascending the throne. This is an exciting and informative film that brings the brilliant history of Japan to the surface in a new light.
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Road of Chivalry
Title: Road of Chivalry
Released: January 3, 1960
Type: Movie
While on the road, famed Yakuza Boss Jirocho is falsely accused of starting a peasant's uprising and chased by the law. Meanwhile, one of his henchmen in an attempt to raise money for the Boss gambles away not only all their funds, but their clothing as well. Jirocho, famed for his honesty and integrity must take on the challenge of rival gangs while trying to elude the government's officials at the same time. Things really heat up when the most famous of all Yakuza Bosses, Chuji of Kunisada gets involved. Will he team up with his old friend or is gang warfare about to erupt?
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Isshin Tasuke: A Man Among Men
Title: Isshin Tasuke: A Man Among Men
Released: November 29, 1959
Type: Movie
In the third entry into this mega-hit series, Isshin Tasuke, a spirited fishmonger in Edo who looks just like Shogun Iemitsu undergoes a series of unforeseen troubles in his newly wedded life.
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Lucky Adventurer Nobunaga Oda
Title: Lucky Adventurer Nobunaga Oda
Character: Oda Nobunaga
Released: October 25, 1959
Type: Movie
Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582) was a major daimyo during the Warring State period of Japanese history. He was the second son of Oda Nobuhide, a deputy military governor with land holdings in Owari province. Nobunaga lived a life of continuous military conquest, eventually conquering a third of Japanese daimyo before his death in 1582. Telling the story of his rise to prominence as he leads an army of 4,000 men against the 40,000 troops of Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto to prevent the arrogant daimyo from crushing the Oda clan and taking control of the entire nation. From a newly restored anamorpic widescreen print, this is the ultimate warlord movie.
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Chikamatsu's Love in Osaka
Title: Chikamatsu's Love in Osaka
Character: Chubei Kameya
Released: September 13, 1959
Type: Movie
The adopted son of an Osaka courier falls in love with a prostitute and, discovering that she is about to be purchased by a client, steals money from his employer to redeem her. Hunted criminals, the two young lovers take flight to Yamato, but, as in Chikamatsu's other domestic tragedies of love and duty (known as sewamono), they must be pursued and their passion destroyed by death. Favourite Uchida themes, such as the indenturing of a prostitute , and his characteristic emphasis on performance and theatrical artifice re-emerge here; but the daring device of having Chikamatsu appear as a character - not unlike having Shakespeare interpolated into a film adaptation of one of his plays - is just one of many surprises this remarkable film holds. “Extraordinary” (Donald Richie).
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A Spectacular Showdown
Title: A Spectacular Showdown
Character: Sunosaki no Masakichi
Released: August 9, 1959
Type: Movie
One of the great stories from Japan’s rich history comes to life in this true tale of the bloody showdown between two rival yakuza gangs in the 1840’s. The battle between Boss Sukegoro of Iioka and Boss Shigezo of Sasagawa has been portrayed many times, most notably in the first Zatoichi film, where the blind man befriends the tubercular ronin Hirate Miki, before cutting him down in one of the great duels in cinema history. This all-star extravaganza pulls out all the stops, with appearances by virtually all of the great actors and actresses from Toei’s studio at the time. Ichikawa Utaemon’s portrayal of the kind-hearted, noble yakuza boss Shigezo of Sasagawa contrasts sharply with the devious Sukegoro of Iioka. Corrupt as he may have been, his men were all willing to give up their lives for him.
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Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun
Title: Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun
Released: July 12, 1959
Type: Movie
After settling the matter of shogunal succession, the retired Old Lord of Mito finds himself in a sea of trouble when he gets involved in the succession of the Takamatsu clan. The usurpers try by every means to effect their takeover, even if it leads to blood being spilled. Along with Kaku and Suke, the elder must face the most dangerous time of his life, in a battle against those corrupt individuals who would use any means to further their dastardly conspiracy, regardless of how many lives might be destroyed. The great Misora Hibari gives a bravura performance, as does the rest of this all-star cast. This is another outstanding effort on the part of the Toei Films, blending fact and fiction to bright back Japan’s golden era of the Genroku period.
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Hawk of the North
Title: Hawk of the North
Character: Date Masamune
Released: May 25, 1959
Type: Movie
During the latter part of the 16th Century, Japan's Warring States era was coming to a close. After crushing almost all of his enemies, Date Masamune aka the "Hawk of the North" sets his eyes on Hatakeyama's lands. The young warlord is about to face his greatest challenge.
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Souls in the Moonlight III
Title: Souls in the Moonlight III
Character: Utsugi Hyoma
Released: April 28, 1959
Type: Movie
Master swordsman, Tsukue Ryunosuke is confronted by the families of his victims. Will justice be served for the lost innocent lives? The conclusion of the famed Jidaigeki series is an amazing film, with a completely different perspective on the story from the later versions. While the international audience is more familiar with the “Sword of Doom” and “Satan’s Sword” versions of Daibosatsu Toge (The Great Bodhisattva Pass), the “Souls in the Moonlight” trilogy casts an entirely different light on Ryunosuke and his motives. Can this brutal killer be brought to justice, or is living his life as a blind wanderer a more terrible fate? His sword skills have not diminished, nor has his desire to kill!
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The Forbidden Castle
Title: The Forbidden Castle
Released: February 24, 1959
Type: Movie
From an original story by Shibata Renzaburo, the novelist who created such classics as: the "Nemuri Kyoshiro" series (Son of the Black Mass), "Destiny’s Son" etc. comes the complex story exploring the mystery behind why Ino Morimasa betrayed his sworn brother Ishida Mitsunari, thus leading to the defeat of the Toyotomi at the Battle of Sekigahara. Starring Nakamura Kinnosuke in one of the strongest performances of his career as Ino's estranged son seeking justice. Originally known as "The Forbidden Castle".
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Diary of a Wandering Lord
Title: Diary of a Wandering Lord
Released: January 3, 1959
Type: Movie
Two thrill seeking young lords sneak out of their castles and travel under the disguise of townsmen.
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Roughneck From Asama
Title: Roughneck From Asama
Character: Itaro of Asama
Released: December 2, 1958
Type: Movie
When Boss Juzo's Shinmachi Yakuza family struck fear into the hearts of his adversaries, Boss Shohei's Okabe Yakuza family with a merciless gang of raiders, Itaro of Asama was missing. With the courage of a lion he had gone off to face the enemy and settle the score all by himself. As a result he had to take the blame in place of Boss Shohei, and went off to adventures on his own.
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Isshin Tasuke: A World in Danger
Title: Isshin Tasuke: A World in Danger
Released: October 22, 1958
Type: Movie
Tasuke stumbles across Kokichi, a distraught man whom having lost his fiancee to Lord Kawakatsu is ready to commit suicide. Tasuke learns that Kokichi's fiancee, Otoyo, was a chambermaid whom Kawakatsu abducted in order to make her his concubine and Tasuke feels compelled to right this wrong. Meanwhile Kawakatsu is dealing in black-market lumber and receiving kick-backs but unbeknownst to him he is under investigation by Lord Izu, one of the Shogun Elders. Will Tasuke be able to rescue Otoyo from the clutches of Lord Kawakatsu and can Lord Izu put an end to his money hungry evildoings.
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The Abandoned Swords
Title: The Abandoned Swords
Released: October 1, 1958
Type: Movie
Best friends Gentaro and Sanpei become fateful enemies when Sanpei steals a secret document revealing the identity of the chosen successor to the Tokugawa Shogun. Gentaro of the Owari clan sets out to retrive the invaluable document.
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The Sword Knows
Title: The Sword Knows
Released: September 3, 1958
Type: Movie
In the midst of the warring age, a young samurai Kyonosuke defies his former lord Hojo Ujikatsu in order to avenge his parents’ deaths.
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Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute
Title: Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute
Released: August 12, 1958
Type: Movie
Master swordsman and loya 'Hatamoto' (direct vassal to the Shogun), Saotome Mondonosuke, is sent to investigate an intrigue centering on the Date Clan. The 300th film in the long and illustrious career of Ichikawa Utaemon, one of the most popular Japanese film stars of the period; it brought out an all-star cast as well.
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Ghost Story on Passage
Title: Ghost Story on Passage
Released: July 13, 1958
Type: Movie
A ghost interrupts the journey of two young noblemen who are disguised as merchants.
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The Traveling Ruffian
Title: The Traveling Ruffian
Released: June 30, 1958
Type: Movie
Adventures of Mori no Ishimatsu, a famous member of Jirocho gang. Ishimatsu is strong in righteousness weak to mercy, who falls in love at first sight to a woman just as fiery as he is. Great all-star cast brings to life the story of a ture yakuza.
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Souls in the Moonlight II
Title: Souls in the Moonlight II
Character: Utsugi Hyoma
Released: April 20, 1958
Type: Movie
This is the second installment of the trilogy based on Japan’s greatest novel “The Great Bodhisattva Pass”, following the life and times of bloodthirsty samurai, Tsukue Ryunosuke. Blinded in an explosion and further injured from a fall, the master swordsman is taken in by Otoyo, a woman who falls in love with him. Under Otoyo’s dedicated care, Ryunosuke’s physical and emotional wounds seem to heal. However, deep inside, the demons that drive him to kill yearn to resurface. Meanwhile he is being pursued by Utsugi Hyoma, a young samurai seeking to avenge his brother’s death at Tsukue’s hands. Hyoma is being aided along the way by the clever thief Shichibei.
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Wind, Woman and Road
Title: Wind, Woman and Road
Character: Ginji
Released: April 14, 1958
Type: Movie
A chance meeting between two traveling gamblers leads to a case of mistaken identity when the farmers transporting gold to the governor think they are about to be robbed as the two gamblers face off against each other swords in hand.
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Tales of Young Genji Kuro 2
Title: Tales of Young Genji Kuro 2
Character: Genji Kurô
Released: March 11, 1958
Type: Movie
Thanks to a secret message hidden on the two sacred swords Kaen and Suien, the samurai Genji Kurô (Nakamura Kinnosuke) found the hidden treasure of Lord Yoshitsune. When he gives a piece of the treasure to a couple of poor but honest people so they can pay their debts, it attracts the unwanted attention of several dishonest people, such as pirates, greedy merchants and rebels. While the government is fighting a battle for power against rebels and royalists, all want the treasure by any means possible.
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Noble Tasuke
Title: Noble Tasuke
Released: February 5, 1958
Type: Movie
The story opens in October of 1624 when the newly appointed Shogun Iemitsu visits the famed Kan-ei temple. On his way the procession is disrupted when a small child runs into the street, a crime punishable by execution. One man steps forward to save her life by putting his on the line. Brave and compassionate Isshin Tasuke has come into the limelight as a hero of legendary proportions. His uncanny resemblance to Shogun Iemitsu will lead to many adventures that formed on of the great series in Japanese cinema. With his intelligence and personality, Tasuke seeks to intervene in the struggle between opposing factions in the Shogun's Ruling Council.
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Bull's Eye of Love
Title: Bull's Eye of Love
Character: Genta / Young Lord Genjiro
Released: January 15, 1958
Type: Movie
Young Lord Genjiro, who abandoned his castle to live as a commoner in Edo, returns home to restore peace amidst disruption over an inheritance dispute. Warned by a fortune-teller that he would die by the sword, the young lord must courageously battle 30 or 40 men who attack without warning. Meanwhile, his love affair with Kocho, a singer who is also a skilled archer.
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A Chivalrous Spirit
Title: A Chivalrous Spirit
Character: Onikichi
Released: January 3, 1958
Type: Movie
An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. Jirocho, an honorable and respected gang boss, uncovers a conspiracy organized by his rivals while on a quest to bring justice to three murders. Some of the most famous actors from Toei studios make this a must-see for everyone! Featuring a very young Nakamura Kinnosuke, who went on to become one of Japan's mosted noteworthy actors under the name Yorosuya Kinnosuke. This is one of the best examples his early work.
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Travel Romances
Title: Travel Romances
Released: November 10, 1957
Type: Movie
Romantic comedy.
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Ghost Ship Part 1
Title: Ghost Ship Part 1
Character: Jiromaru
Released: September 23, 1957
Type: Movie
As Part I opens, Jubei (Denjiro Okochi), the best of sea skippers, is unable to overcome the stormy seas of Luzon. All hands on board the Kannonmaru were lost except for Shinkei, who alone made his way to land & eventually home to inform his grandson Jiromaru (Kinnosuke Nakamura) that his father Jubei met with disaster. Young Jiromaru tells his grandfather that he doesn't want to be a skipper like his father, but wants to go to Kyoto and become a samurai…
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Ghost Ship Part 2
Title: Ghost Ship Part 2
Character: Jiromaru
Released: September 23, 1957
Type: Movie
Jiromaru (Kinnosuke Nakamura) investigates the dark "Ghost Ship" in search of his father. Meanwhile, Princess Yuki (Yumiko Hasegawa) and Chacha (Eiko Maruyama) are kidnapped by pirates, so after dedicating himself to rescuing them for the second time, he decides to accept his grandfather's challenge to become a navigator, just like his deceased father.
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Lord Mito
Title: Lord Mito
Released: August 11, 1957
Type: Movie
This most celebrated all-star movie version of the popular series features Tsukigata Ryunosuke as Mito Komon, the sage who wanders the countryside rectifying government corruption along with his faithful attendants Suke and Kaku.
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Souls in the Moonlight
Title: Souls in the Moonlight
Character: Hyoma Utsugi
Released: July 13, 1957
Type: Movie
First part of the famous Dai-bosatsu toge trilogy, based on Kaizan Nakazato’s unfinished long series of novels (41 books, written from 1913 to 1941). Set in the last period of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Daibosatsu Toge tells the story of Tsuke Ryunosuke, a nihilistic swordmaster who doesnt hesitate to kill anyone, bad or good. Despite the authors explicit refusal, the series were later made into plays and movies several times.
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Rebellion
Title: Rebellion
Character: Chikara
Released: April 30, 1957
Type: Movie
In the mist of the warring age (Sengoku Era), the Kyushu based Hayato Clan is faced with a monumental battle to determine their survival.
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Tales of Young Genji Kuro
Title: Tales of Young Genji Kuro
Character: Genji Kurô
Released: April 15, 1957
Type: Movie
Genji Kurô is a master swordsman and entrusted with protecting the ancient sword Kaen by the Otsubo family.
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Sedge Hat
Title: Sedge Hat
Released: March 20, 1957
Type: Movie
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Lofty Ambitions
Title: Lofty Ambitions
Released: February 12, 1957
Type: Movie
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The Seven Vows, Part 3
Title: The Seven Vows, Part 3
Released: January 9, 1957
Type: Movie
The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai concludes. After their turbulent journey, the seven crosses are finally united to reveal the secret of the royal treasure.
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The Seven Vows, Part 2
Title: The Seven Vows, Part 2
Released: January 3, 1957
Type: Movie
The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai continue in its second installment. While being held captive by the enemy pirate Ongo, Goro discovers the whereabouts of the missing seventh cross. Will he succeed in bringing all seven cross together to reveal the secret code of the royal treasure?
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Shimizu Port of Chivalry
Title: Shimizu Port of Chivalry
Character: Mori no Ishimatsu
Released: January 3, 1957
Type: Movie
An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. In this dramatic portrayal of the real-life gambling boss Jirocho, a good-hearted and honest boss sets out to take revenge for a fellow boss. At the same time, the other local bosses, in a bid to increase their own power, plot to dispose of Jirocho. Starring Kataoka Chiezo in one of his signature roles, this is an excellent portrayal of a figure who is not well known outside of Japan. Co-starring Nakamura Kinnosuke, this exciting tale of period yakuza brings history to life.
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The Seven Vows
Title: The Seven Vows
Character: Goro
Released: December 26, 1956
Type: Movie
Toruhan, a king’s retainer, embarks on a journey to find a royal treasure that can only be revealed though secret codes hidden in seven crosses carried by his fellow samurai.
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Avenging Father
Title: Avenging Father
Character: Soga Goro Tokimune
Released: October 17, 1956
Type: Movie
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The Swamp
Title: The Swamp
Released: July 5, 1956
Type: Movie
A man’s wife dies in a swamp. Her ghost returns to haunt him.
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Goblin of Rashomon
Title: Goblin of Rashomon
Released: January 3, 1956
Type: Movie
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Young Ruddy Warrior: Nobunaga Oda
Title: Young Ruddy Warrior: Nobunaga Oda
Character: Oda Nobunaga
Released: September 20, 1955
Type: Movie
A dynamic story depicting the rise to power of Oda Nobunaga. The story of a young man on the battlefields of the Sengoku era, who possessed character and courage, and who became a great commander and ruler, while some called him a great dictator. A film adaptation of the novel by Sohachi Yamaoka.
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Minamoto Yoshitsune
Title: Minamoto Yoshitsune
Character: Minamoto Yoshitsune
Released: July 30, 1955
Type: Movie
A historical scroll depicting the story of the tragic fate of the young samurai Minamoto Yoshitsune, based on the novel by Genzo Murakami. The action of the first part takes place in the late Heian period, when the Taira clan came to power, and Genji was oppressed. The great dream and ambitions of Genkuro Yoshitsune in his youth are depicted, he joins forces with his older brother Yoritomo to raise an army to defeat the Taira clan, and the second part depicts the fall of the clan, persecution and murder.
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Spring Voyage
Title: Spring Voyage
Released: April 19, 1955
Type: Movie
Japanese youth film.
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A Gang of Five
Title: A Gang of Five
Character: Benten Kozo
Released: January 15, 1955
Type: Movie
A group of five law enforcers search Edo for a missing sword.
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Fall of the Shogun's Militia
Title: Fall of the Shogun's Militia
Character: Okita Soji
Released: November 22, 1954
Type: Movie
The story about the rise and fall of the famed mercenaries, Shinsengumi, who are hired by a crumbling feudal government.
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The Crimson Peacock
Title: The Crimson Peacock
Released: July 2, 1954
Type: Movie
One of the greatest film serials ever to come out of Japan puts together an all-star cast in the search for the key of the Crimson Peacock, a treasure trove that will make whoever discovers it the richest man in the world. The battle lines are drawn between two rival groups, the Swans and the Skulls competing to find the key and the map, while unrequited love for a beautiful woman complicates everything as she is forced to take a potion that gives her an evil heart. It’s edge of the seat excitement from start to finish in this 5 movie serial as parts 1 through 4 each end with a cliffhanger, building suspense to the very end when all is revealed! There is action, romance, and intrigue, with a touch of black magic as the forces of good and evil collide!
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Sorcerer's Orb: Part 4
Title: Sorcerer's Orb: Part 4
Released: June 22, 1954
Type: Movie
The fourth part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin
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Sorcerer's Orb: Part 3
Title: Sorcerer's Orb: Part 3
Released: June 15, 1954
Type: Movie
The third part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin.
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Sorcerer's Orb: Part 2
Title: Sorcerer's Orb: Part 2
Released: June 8, 1954
Type: Movie
The first part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin
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Sorcerer's Orb: Part 1
Title: Sorcerer's Orb: Part 1
Released: May 31, 1954
Type: Movie
The first part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin
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Clan Revival
Title: Clan Revival
Character: Kikumaru
Released: April 27, 1954
Type: Movie
After the Onin War ended in 1477, Kyoto was left in ashes and the nation was in complete disorder. Bands of roving samurai called the "nobushi" terrorized the country under the leadership of Akagaki Genba and overthrew Mangetsu Castle in Tanba Province scattering the few survivors. Lord Niwa's two sons have been studying in China and return to Japan upon hearing of the tragedy in an attempt to restore the clan. On Mt. Oe they meet magician Kiri no Kojiro and try to enlist his aid. With touches of the supernatural and rousing sword-play can they succeed against the evil villains whose symbol is the skull mask?