A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Toshirō Mifune | Musashi Miyamoto |
Koji Tsuruta | Kojiro Sasaki |
Kaoru Yachigusa | Otsu |
Mariko Okada | Akemi |
Michiko Saga | Omitsu |
Kurôemon Onoe | Takuan |
Takashi Shimura | Court official |
Minoru Chiaki | Sasuke the boatman |
Takamaru Sasaki | Omitsu's father |
Haruo Tanaka | Kumagoro the horse thief |
Kichijirō Ueda | Priest Ogon |
Kokuten Kōdō | Old Priest Nikkan |