Ryûtarô Ôtomo

A truck driver stops at a small family-run noodle shop and decides to help its fledgling business. The story is intertwined with various vignettes about the relationship of love and food.

It is the early 19th century in Japan. Nariatsu, a high ranking official and son of the former Shogun, is engaged in an animal hunt. In his reckless pursuit of the game, he crosses borders to a neighboring fief and kills a peasant who happens to be in his way. The lord of that fief also happens to be nearby, and witnessing the incident, calls him out on his ruthlessness.

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

Yakuza's Law is one of the most extreme and toughest Japanese gangster films ever made. In three stories you will get to know the laws of these Asian mobsters, and the ways of punishment that are inflicted upon those who break them. The basic premise of the film is that each of the three stories - one set in the feudal period, one around the time of the first world war, and one in the late sixties - teaches you what happens to those who break the specific and strictly enforced code of the Yakuza

Based on Edogawa Rampo's novel. A mystery writer vows to protect the woman he secretly loves, but disaster strikes when he turns detective himself.

In ancient Japan, a good lord is killed and his throne is taken by the trecherous Yuki Daijo and his wizard friend Oroki-maru. The young prince Ikazuki-maru is rescued from the jaws of death by a magic bird sent by a wizard. Ten years later, Ikazuki-maru embarks on an adventure to avenge his parents and the wizard's death with his magic powers he learned from the wizard. He kills Yuki Daijo but then must battle Oroki-maru in a battle to the death. (imdb)

In a time where highly skilled ninja organizations carry out secret missions, Iga Jigoza's group of seventeen ninja must find a way to infiltrate the enemy's stronghold and steal the pact from Negoro ninja Saiga Magokuro. A classic. (imdb)

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)

This is a classic early Japanese Ninja movie. The Iga ninjas are a dying breed as Toyotomis rule allows Japan to experience some peace. Juzo, an Iga ninja who had vowed revenge for the death of his family, is hired by a rich weapons merchant to assassinate Toyotomi, restarting his quest for blood. In his way are rival ninja, and his once best friend who has decided to become a government vassal. The main plot centers around the conflicts that confront Juzo... (imdb)

During the middle of the Kanei Period (1624-1644) Japan was in the early stages of its most peaceful era. This left a large number of unemployed samurai with nothing to do, and their morale suffered. In order to raise their spirits, the Shogun's Chief Advisor suggests that they hold a "Festival of Swordsmen" in the Shogun's presence. Problems arise when some of the martial artists bring their personal grudges to the competition. (imdb)

In the year 1867 Japan was undergoing a period of upheaval that pitted clan against clan and man against man in battles that would event-ually bring about the dawn of a new nation. While these factions fought each other for supremacy corruption was running rampant. Lord Matsukawa Katsutoshi was sentenced by order of the Shogunate to confinement and forced to vacate his post as Nagasaki Magistrate due to his conspiring with merchants to line his own pockets.

It's a battle for supremacy in this rousing action spectacular set during the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. As the rebel forces try to raise a war-chest to fund their war effort, the Shogun's militia (Shinsengumi) attempts to keep the money from reaching Kyoto where it would be used to topple the government.

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)

A clumsy young Japanese aristocrat proves his worth by rescuing kidnapped heiresses. None of the fickle women want to marry the man until they are kidnapped a second time. (google)

The life of three beautiful princesses in feudal Japan. (The Movie Database)

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

The Yagyu Family have been teaching the Shinkage fencing style for generations. However, the master of a new fencing school in Edo claims to be the true successor of Shinkage and tries to take over the Yagyu's political power.

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)

Umon goes on an investigation to unveil the murderer known as Red Lizard. (themoviedb)

Detective Umon's services are called upon when ronin Yaichiro is killed with a peculiar weapon, a stone wrapped in a towel. (themoviedb)

In the year 1651 the Kishu clan is about to rise against the Tokugawa shogunate using a stash of muskets being guarded by Jinza the leader of the Koga ninja. The Iga ninja are called upon to stop the revolt under the leadership of Hattori Hanzo setting off a spy versus spy battle of silent ninja stealth. Through all the turmoil, Shizaburo and Yuka have broken the taboo of ninja falling in love and strive to achieve the forbidden life of happiness that is denied to all members of the ninja class.

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.

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.

Umon’s services are called upon when innocent bystanders, Kayo and Minokichi, along with the Ronin, Gontaro are mistakenly identified as suspects in several recent murder cases. To prove their innocence and uncover the truth, Umon launches his own investigation.

This is the only surviving "Mito Komon Manyu-ki" film. This release also known as Adrift Tour Memoir is an 80-minute compilation of the first and second parts (147 minutes), which were re-edited and screened at a time when presentable films were dried up immediately after the defeat of the war. (Cinema Japan Retrospective)

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.

The Purple-Hooded Man, Japan's version of Robin Hood, tries to uncover a corruption scandal in Edo-era Japan.

The seventh film in the long-running series Daiei Studio's Woman Gambler with Kyoko Enami starring where she plays the woman gambler Ogin.

Eight villains, former pirates and one daughter of same, gather to attack the magistrate's office. They develop a plan and begin their actions in secret, making full use of their special abilities. In the end, their plan goes beyond what was intended and turns into a good deed for many people. A masterpiece of historical drama, full of breathtaking thrills and action. (KG & me)