Shinobu Chihara

The Christ of Nanjing (1995)

Ryuichi Okagawa, a Japanese writer who worked as a reporter in China has been sick ever since his return home. While in China, Okagawa had met a devoutly religious girl named Jin-hua. Okagawa was born with a predisposition to agonizing recurrent migraines, ...

Moving (1993)

Physically separated from her father and at odds with her distraught mother, a girl must negotiate her own passage to maturity. ...

Japan's Top Gangster (1973)

A boy born in a poor village in Tokushima spends his days idly until a chance meeting sets him on the road to becoming boss of Japan's largest gang. This epic film is the first part of greatest true-life series based on autobiography of the Yamaguchi-gumi ...

Eighteen Years in Prison (1967)

A former soldier is caught working the black market and sent to prison while his partner escapes and goes on to become a gangster, but their paths cross again as they both fall in love with the same woman. ...

Hoodlum Match (1965)

A good set-in-per-WW2 ninkyô type film with outstanding performances. ...

Black Thief (1964)

Organized thieves battle against the Shogun's ruthless ruling in attempt to get back their land. ...

Blind Monk Swordsman (1964)

This is the story of a bad man who re-discovering humanity via woman and child while clashing with the yakuza and being hunted by a man called "Death" who has his own dark past. The prototype for the later two yakuza priest series with Shintaro Katsu and T ...

Main Street in the Underworld (1964)

Vanquished Foes (1964)

A skilled assassin's services are called upon to put an end to the ugly turf battle between two yakuza families, Mitsuwa and Aikawa. Forced by the code of the yakuza to put one's life on the line for a Boss who offered a meal and lodging, each side manages ...

Ukyunosuke on Patrol (1963)

This is one of the most powerfully effective ninja films that dispenses with the silly magic of earlier efforts, and concentrates on an excellent story with expert fighting. Sena Denemon is the rarest of government officials, a man of integrity, sent on a ...

Love And Order (1963)

Uragirimono wa jigoku daze (1962)

1962 Japanese movie ...

Skull Coins (1962)

The mysterious story behind the Skull Coins, which are said to reveal the location of treasure, and the battle for them will make your heart beat faster. ...

The Warrior from Kishu (1962)

This is a story of a young heir to a powerful house, sent away to be raised by his nanny, so the young lord Genrokuro grew up bitter about his parents, hating his legacy and embracing everyone else from simple background. Only love can help him mature, hop ...

Keepers of Order (1962)

Chuji and his family become the primary target of gangs in Nikko headed by Hasshu marshal Nakayama and boss Sukegoro Iioka. Chuji is then aided by boss Shigezo Sasagawa, Ishimatsu, and a few young yakuza. ...

Ghostly Tales: The Shamisen (1962)

A popular dance master in Edo meets a yakuza man, and the maddened master is killed in the end of their tremendous love affair. The master becomes a vengeful spirit that haunts the man. A thrilling ghost story. ...

Shimmering Sword (1962)

Kyoto Assassin (1962)

A dark tale of murder and revenge set in old Kyoto. ...

Lady Sen and Hideyori (1962)

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 Toyoto ...

Good Rascals (1962)

A group of men living a low life in Edo help each other to make the best out of their lives. ...

Jirocho’s Days of Youth: The Youngest Boss in the Tokai Region (1961)

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 ...

Ninjutsu-tsukai to sennin masume (1961)

A two-part series of ninjutsu films directed by Masahiko Izawa, director of Yagyu Bugeichou (1961), based on an original scenario by Yasuo Yokoyama. ...

Cases of An Actor in Disguise: Bloodskull Mansion (1961)

The second work in the series "Cases of An Actor in Disguise" starring Kokichi Takada, based on the original work of Tatsuro Jinde. Popular ronin actor Kasumi Ippei intervenes in a planned robbery of the mint, where gold coins are minted for the Shogunate. ...

The Ako Retainers (1961)

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. ...

Edo Purebreed (1961)

Action and adventure abound in this story of friendship between two rival firefighters, Kichigoro and Jirokichi in old Japan. When Mukai Sadayu, the vassal of Kaga Clan's accounting officer, Shinagawa Daihachi demands that Omon serve him tea in his mansion ...

Cases of Hanshichi (1960)

Detective Hanshichi (Kataoka Chiezo) solves 3 mysterious murder cases. Great story and an impressive all-star cast, a must see! ...

Hero of the Red Light District (1960)

A successful textile industrialist from the provinces, who is beloved by his employees for his kindness, cannot find a wife because of a disfiguring birthmark on his face. Even the courtesans in Yoshiwara refuse to entertain him, until an indentured peasan ...

Bloody Account of Jirocho: Duel at Fujimi Pass (1960)

Bloody Account of Jirocho: Duel at Fujimi Pass ...

The Shogun’s Guard: Valor in Turbulence (1960)

The stormy tale of the Shinsengumi is told from its birth by master filmmaker Sasaki Yasushi, with an all-star cast based on the original story by Shirai Kyoji. The battles between the royalists and Shogunate supporters come to a fever pitch during the Gio ...

The Samurai Markets (1960)

The success story of a group of ronin who fights against traffickers during the Edo Tenpo period. ...

Bloody Account of Jirocho: Raid on the Road (1960)

Early film by Eiichi Kudô. ...

Bloody Account of Jirocho: Duel at Akiba (1960)

Early film by Eiichi Kudô. ...

Glorious Firefighter’s Standard (1960)

Firefighter Sanji learns the secret of his birth. ...

Road of Chivalry (1960)

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 we ...

An Actor's Revenge (1959)

Nakamura Yukinojo gains popularity in Edo's kabuki scene as a handsome onnagata (a male actor who plays female roles). But hidden behind the placid expression of his stage face is a deep grudge for the men responsible for dishonoring his parents' names and ...

A Spectacular Showdown (1959)

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, mo ...

Ghost Story: One Eyed Jizo (1959)

A woman abandoned by the man she loved all her life becomes a ghost and takes revenge for her offense! ...

Whirlwind Magistrate (1959)

One of the most popular history-based characters is back when Magistrate Saemonojo Toyama no Kinsan investigates the tragic shipwreck of the 'Sadomaru' near Cape Kasumigaseki. The ship carrying gold bars from Sado Island to Edo for the shogunate disappeare ...

A Young Rabble (1959)

When an altercation with a gangster forces Kikutaro to leave Edo, he is sent by his father to Hamamatsu to find a better direction in life. However, trouble seems to follow Kikutaro on the road leading him eventually to come face to face with his rival, Go ...

The Purple Hood (1958)

Kataoka Chiezo stars as Murasaki Zukin, a mysterious hero of the people who helps those in need. Now under the rule of the evil Tanuma, the people look to Murasaki Zukin more than ever, to confront and punish those who bring misfortune upon the commoners. ...

Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute (1958)

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 ...

The Shogun’s Guard, Shinsengumi (1958)

The Shinsengumi is a special unit of ronin commissioned by the Tokugawa shogunate to counter anti-shogunate activities in Kyoto. A sinister plot to overthrow the shogun is set in motion and Kondo Isami and his fellow samurai must answer the call and expose ...

Seven from Edo (1958)

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 fo ...

Her Son Came Back (1958)

Kind hearted yakuza Hanjiro of Asama risks his life in saving his henchman Genjiro and his family. ...

A Chivalrous Spirit (1958)

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 ...

Falcon Magistrate (1957)

Toyama Kinshiro, a commissioner from northern Edo, goes undercover to unravel the mystery behind a series of murders. Kinshiro, played by Kataoka Chiezo, is most famous for the cherry blossom tattoos on his shoulder which he reveals at the moment of judgem ...

Sasaki Kojiro, Part 2 (1957)

The conclusion of the story of famed swordsman, Sasaki Kojiro. After surviving a series of daring adventures, Kojiro seems to have finally discovered the ultimate happiness in life when he is reunited with Tone, the love of his life. However, his days of h ...

Sasaki Kojiro (1957)

Ronin Sasaki Kojiro pursues his ultimate goal of becoming a master swordsman. Along the way he encounters another great swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. ...

Case of a Young Lord 6: Mermaid Murder Case (1957)

The sixth episode of Hashizo Okawa's "Wakasama Samurai" catch series. ...

Lord Mito (1957)

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. ...

Temple of Revenge (1957)

Revenge breeds revenge. Ikuta Denpachiro, the martial arts instructor of the Honda family in Koriyama, lost a fight to the young samurai Enjo Sozaemon in a martial arts tournament and as a result lost his position and was expelled from home. Wanting to ave ...

The Fighting on The Trial (1957)

Hanjiro of Kusama searches for his little sister Oyuki, who went missing after being desecrated by Hikosaku Tokurai three years ago. The first film in a series about the adventures of the wandering yakuza Hanjiro from Kusama. ...

Kurama Tengu: The Tale of a Government Thief (1957)

The third film in the "Kurama Tengu" series starring Azuma Chiyonosuke, based on the original work by Osaragi Jiro. The staff remains the same as in the previous film, "Kurama Tengu Kakubei Shishi" (1951), and the cast is the same, including the lead actor ...

Tales of Young Genji Kuro (1957)

Genji Kurô is a master swordsman and entrusted with protecting the ancient sword Kaen by the Otsubo family. ...

The Horse Boy (1957)

A humble page fathers a child by the daughter of a clan official and is banished. Years later, the child, now a stable boy, is reunited with his father, but feudal codes threaten their happiness. Uchida's poignant masterpiece condemns the inflexible class ...

The Seven Vows, Part 3 (1957)

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. ...

Shimizu Port of Chivalry (1957)

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 o ...

The Seven Vows, Part 2 (1957)

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 Seven Vows (1956)

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. ...

Red-Lacquered Sword (1956)

Travels of Lord Mito Pt.9 (1956)

9th film in the series about Lord Mito ...

Travels of Lord Mito: The Phantom Cat (1956)

In Numada, Jyoshu, Seijun's mistress dies a horrible death at the hands of a gang of vicious vassals plotting to embezzle the Kuroda family, and her beloved cat takes revenge by becoming an incarnation of the cat. ...

The Swamp (1956)

A man's wife dies in a swamp. Her ghost returns to haunt him. ...

Case of a Young Lord 3 (1956)

Okawa Hashizo as 'Young Lord', the unlikely sleuth sets out to untangle the riddle of what went on at the Inner Palace, where a young woman who had served the Shogun came home in fear for her life. Will the Young Lord uncover the truth of what went on at t ...

Short Sword Magistrate (1956)

Travels of Lord Mito Pt.7 (1956)

A series of grisly murders with strange claw marks lead Mito Komon into discovering a deadly plan that involves a strange gorilla creature. ...

Swordsman of the Two Sword Style (1956)

The story of Japan's greatest warrior, Miyamoto Musashi, after his historic duel with Sasaki Kojiro on Ganryu Island. ...

Warriors of Ako: Scroll of Heaven, Scroll of Earth (1956)

Chronichles the story of the Forty-seven Ronin. ...

Bored Hatamoto: The Mysterious Demon Palace (1955)

In Kyoto, a samurai named Boredom Otoko, Saotome Mondonosuke , appears and helps a woman being chased by a spy named Genshichi. Unfortunately, the woman is shot and killed. Later, Genshichi explains that the woman was a member of a band of thieves, and bec ...

Mito Komon Travelogue: The Hunchback Man of the Ghost Castle (1955)

Japanese horror movie from 1955. ...

The Roar of The Lion (1955)

The Black Hooded Man 2 (1955)

The mysterious black hooded man, Kurozukin, helps transport funds raised to fight against the government. ...

Travels of Lord Mito: The Demon of Kagyuzaka (1955)

Sixth film in the 'Travels of Lord Mito' franchise. ...

Goblin Warrior (1955)

A Gang of Five (1955)

A group of five law enforcers search Edo for a missing sword. ...

Fall of the Shogun's Militia (1954)

Kondo Isami, the "Devil" commander of the Shinsengumi was one of Japan's greatest national heroes and a peerless swordsman who devoted his life to protecting the shogun and fighting on the side of the Tokugawa. This tells the story of the Shinsengumi start ...

Inugami-ke no nazo: Akuma wa odoru (1954)

Early adaptation of the book "The Inugami Clan", featuring the detective Kōsuke Kindaichi. ...

Sorcerer's Orb: Part 5 (1954)

The 5th and final part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin ...

Sorcerer's Orb: Part 3 (1954)

The third part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin. ...

Sorcerer's Orb: Part 2 (1954)

The first part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin ...

Sorcerer's Orb: Part 1 (1954)

The first part of the series of films based on the Japanese epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden by Kyokutei Bakin ...

The Devil comes and plays the Flute (1954)

The film depicts the exploits of Kindaichi Kosuke, who pursues a series of serial murders that occur one after another along with the terrifying melody of a flute. It is the fourth film in the series, starring Chiezo Kataoka as Kindaichi Kosuke. ...

Travels of Lord Mito Pt.5 (1954)

Fifth film in the 'Travels of Lord Mito' franchise. ...

The Bloody Cherry Blossom Magistrate (1954)

Travels of Lord Mito Pt.4 (1954)

Fourth film in the 'Travels of Lord Mito' franchise. ...

Zoku nangoku taiheiki: Satsunan no arashi (1954)

Nangoku Taiheiki (1954)

Sanada Ten Braves (1954)

1954 Japanese movie ...

One-Eyed Detective (1953)

Fifth delivery in the Tarao Bannai series, following the "master detective with seven faces" who uses his signature disguise to solve crimes with a double-barreled pistol. ...

Merciless Blade Part 3 (1953)

The final film in the 1953 trilogy based on the long novel series The Great Bodhisattva Pass. ...

Merciless Blade Part 2 (1953)

The second film in the 1953 trilogy based on the long novel series The Great Bodhisattva Pass. ...

Merciless Blade (1953)

The first film in the 1953 trilogy based on the long novel series The Great Bodhisattva Pass. ...