Hashizô Ôkawa

Starving Christian peasants, oppressed by landowners and samurai alike, rise up, led by a teenage boy called Shiro, against the Shogunate. (American Cinematheque)

The setting is an imaginary first century A.D. in Japan where Yasuna (Hashizo Okawa), an astronomer's assistant, and his love Sakaki (Michiko Saga) are subjected to cruel torture. Yasuna has been accused of stealing a precious manuscript and by the time the torture has ended, he has lost his sanity and Sakaki dies. Wandering in the forest, Yasuna befriends a pack of white foxes who have temporarily taken on human form, and he falls in love with one of them. (Rotten Tomatoes)

One of Japan's most popular folklore characters, Tange Sazen, the One-eyed and One-armed swordsman, must rescue the Yagyu Clan from the treachery of a Master plotting to take over their postion as the Shogun's sword instructors. This is generally considered the definitive version of the story, with some unusual twists and turns along the way. (japanesesamuraidvd.com)

When Katsukawa, a low ranking vassal, learns that his greedy superior, Tatewaki, has hatched a plan to expand his territory, he and his comrades decide to take matters into their own hands. Lots of action in this all-star production from Toei Films, the foremost studio during that era. As with so many of their films, this is highly entertaining, with lots of plot twists and exciting swordplay. (The Movie Database)

In 1701, the ruling shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi placed Asano Takumi-no-kami Naganori, the lord of Ako, in charge of a reception of envoys from the Imperial Court in Kyoto. He also appointed the protocol official Kira Kozuke-no-suke Yoshinaka to instruct Asano in the ceremonies. On the day of the reception, at Edo Castle, Asano drew his short sword and attempted to kill Kira after he had insulted Asano. For this, he was sentenced to commit seppuku, but Kira went without punishment. (The Movie Database)

The story of the 47 Ronin. (The Movie Database)

In 1732 the restoration of Nikko Tokugawa Shrine began. The financial burden which fell upon the daimyo lord who was appointed 'Restoration Minister' was a method the shogunate used to weaken the lords. Usually the most powerful clans that the shogun feared the most were chosen, but this time the financially strapped Yagyu clan was appointed to the task. (kurotokagi)

After Aoi Shingo, the illegitimate son of Shogun Yoshimune has gained prominence as the finest swordsman in the land, he tries to lead a peaceful life with his mother far away from the seat of government in Edo. Not wanting to inconvenience his father anymore his plan is to stay away from the city and enjoy life like a normal man. Unfortunately for him, his past comes back to haunt him in the person of his mortal enemy, the one swordsman that is skillful enough to defeat him.

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. (themoviedb)

The great Okawa Hashizo plays a double role in this thrilling tale of intrigue and corruption within the capital city of Edo. When Moriya Shuma, an injured Edo officer is rescued by a vassal whose appears to be his exact double, he swears to sweep out all the criminals from the city. Directed by one of Japan's most revered filmmakers, Nakagawa Nobuo, this story is filled with twists and turns, and loaded with surprises. Plenty of realistic swordplay highlights this exciting motion picture. (imdb)

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...

A new prisoner arrives at a prison where the prisoners have their own obscene culture. There he gets involved in a plot to steal government gold from the Shogun's vault. (imdb)

As a result of illness and unemployment, Yamaoka Tatewaki, a "Hatamoto" (or direct vassal of the Shogun), pawned his family heirloom, a valuable Gosu plate for 100 Ryo. When, of all occasions, Yokogawa Dewa came to visit and asked to see the Gosu plate on May 5th, Boy's Festival. Yamaoka then sent his steward to borrow the plate back, but the pawnbroker coldheartedly refused. He died soon thereafter of an unknown cause. Soon after that, two warehouses were broken into, but nothing was taken...

After getting permission to dig up the pawnbroker's grave, Young lord samurai was surprised to find the body was missing, as was the Gosu plate. He had a suspect in mind and was able to use him to learn of the pawnbroker's hideout and try to piece together the parts of the puzzle. A superb and exciting conclusion to a very clever mystery story set during the Golden Age of Japan. With no easy questions and his life hanging in the balance, can Young lord solve the mystery and regain the ...

A series of home invasions and brutal murders have struck fear into the hearts of the community lead the townspeople to request the help of Young Lord in finding out who is carrying out these terrible crimes. The appearance of a blood-stained wedding Kimono for a samurai woman makes this one of the most puzzling cases that Young Lord has ever had to solve.

A family is brutally murdered in their own home and the official government's sake dealer is framed as a rebel by a corrupt member of the Shogun's Council of Elders. Young Lord decides to take on the Shogun's vile chief attendant.

The murder mystery solving Young Lord has moved on from helping out with minor crimes and infractions, taking up a new hobby of archery which may wind up putting his life at stake when he runs afoul of the shogun’s chief attendant, a man so vile that Young Lord decides to take him on and find out who is really pulling the strings from behind the scenes as a family is brutally murdered in their own home...

A series of home invasions and brutal murders have struck fear into the hearts of the community lead the townspeople to request the help of Young Lord in finding out who is carrying out these terrible crimes. The appearance of a blood-stained wedding Kimono for a samurai woman makes this on of the most puzzling cases that Young Lord has ever had to solve.

All is not well in a small fishing village not far from Edo. Mysterious goings-on is happening at Echigoya’s Red Crane Mansion, and when Young Lord comes to relax he finds no peace until he can unravel the mystery rooted in the past when a beautiful samurai princess prayed for a handsome bridegroom to take her away. When a body turns up on the riverbank it is high time for Young Lord to delve into the case, while avoiding dangerous gangsters who have taken over the town...

Toruhan, a king’s retainer, embarks on a journey to find a royal treasure that can only be revealed through secret codes hidden in seven crosses carried by his fellow samurai.

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?

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.

With plenty of action, and a strong story about the growth and development of an expert swordsman, who just happens to be from an extremely privileged background.

The second film in the 20 Duels of Young Shingo trilogy directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda.

The final film in the 20 Duels of Young Shingo trilogy directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda.

Gonza wants to be a samurai, but not for the reasons we usually see. He is in love with the daughter of an impoverished samurai who has nothing left but his pride and refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a samurai.

A traditional impersonator of females in a kabuki troupe (a yukinojo) he courts and takes revenge from the three nobles who twenty years ago forced his parents to commit suicide.

Shimoda, Izu, the venerable Amimoto Onabe family is repeatedly harassed by the upstart Hotate family, who targeted their fishing grounds. Ginpei, the head of the Onabe family, is in love with Oichi, the only daughter of Gohei, the adviser. Ginpei is told that he plans to have her marry Unokichi. Finally, the Onabe family and the Hotate family get into a fight, and Ginpei kills Tajiro, the hotate family’s proxy. Ginpei leaves Oichi in Unokichi’s care and sets off on a treacherous journey.

Staying true to the Bard's original vision, this is highlighted by one of the finest swordfights that Toei ever put on film. This amazing motion picture proves that sometimes even the greatest classics, such as Hamlet can be improved upon with the right combination of talented scriptwriters and actors. Okawa Hashizo shines as the young lord in the grips of tragedy beyond compare. (KG)

Hired on a mission by the government, Shinzo soon finds himself in the center of a conspiracy looking to unearth a mythical clan and their hidden gold. (imdb)