The classic tale of the shogun's illegitimate son Aoi Shingo is told in three parts as he strives to become the greatest fencer in Japan, while his father Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune seeks to reunite with his lost son. Part 1 sets up the story and introduces the characters. When the secrets of Shingo's birth are revealed to him, it sets off a series of events that bring him to cross swords with members of the shogun's inner circle.
Released: May 15, 1981
Runtime: 90 minutes
Genre: Action, Drama, TV Movie
Stars: Toshirō Mifune, Tomoyuki Kunihiro, Rino Katase, Yoko Isono, Shun Ōide, Tomo'o Nagai
Crew: Kōsei Saitō (Director), Takahito Ishikawa (Screenplay), Yoshio Yoshida (Screenplay), Matsutarō Kawaguchi (Original Story)