* Image is for illustrative purposes only.The Hidden Blade
隠し剣 鬼の爪
A period drama film by Yoji Yamada exploring the inner conflict of a lower-ranking samurai and the essence of swordsmanship.
Description
A 2004 period drama film by director Yoji Yamada. It follows Munezo Katagiri, a lower-ranking samurai of a small northeastern domain, who is ordered to kill his lifelong friend and fellow swordsman. At the heart of the story lies a secret sword technique passed down by their master, making the blade itself a symbol of samurai pride and sorrow. A masterpiece that portrays the beauty and terror of the Japanese sword through quiet, refined cinematography.
Real Swords Featured
See authentic Japanese swords
See authentic Japanese swordsRelated Content
Nobunaga's Ambition
Game信長の野望
Japan's longest-running historical simulation game series by Koei Tecmo (1983–). Players control Sengoku warlords including Oda Nobunaga in a quest for national unification. The series systematically parameterizes warriors' swords and equipment, providing one of the most comprehensive frameworks for learning about Japanese sword history, distribution, and connections to historical figures.
Seven Samurai
Film七人の侍
Akira Kurosawa's timeless masterpiece that introduced the world to Sengoku-era warriors and swords, influencing all subsequent action cinema.
Legend & Butterfly (Film, 2023)
Filmレジェンド＆バタフライ（映画・2023年）
Toei 70th Anniversary commemorative work (directed by Otomo Keishi, screenplay Furusawa Yoshita, released January 2023). Kimura Takuya portrays Oda Nobunaga and Ayase Haruka portrays his primary consort Nōhime (Kicho), depicting the unknown bond between Nobunaga and Nōhime. A large-scale historical film with a total production cost of 2 billion yen and cumulative attendance exceeding 1.8 million. Rooted in the historically documented famous swords of Nobunaga — Sozan Samonji (Yoshimoto Samonji) and Heshikiri Hasebe — this is an important work from the perspective of sword culture, in which Nobunaga's sword aesthetics under the banner of 'Tenka Fubu' (Rule the Realm Through Arms) intersect with Nōhime's strength.
Blue Exorcist
Anime and Manga青の祓魔師
A shonen manga where exorcists who banish demons battle with swords. The protagonist's holy sword is central to the story.
This page is intended to introduce Japanese sword culture and is not affiliated with any of the works mentioned.