JFTFP25: Bushido

Now-unemployed samurai Kakunoshin’s life was destroyed by a false accusation. Having learned the truth, he sets out to restore his honour through revenge, but this comes at a cost… 

YANAGIDA Kakunoshin (KUSANAGI Tsuyoshi) was accused of a crime he did not commit. Having lost his wife and been chased out of his hometown of Hikone, he now lives with his daughter Okinu (KIYOHARA Kaya) as a ronin (unemployed samurai) in a basic tenement house in Edo (now Tokyo). Despite this, Kakunoshin, who is also a highly skilled go player, remains a respectable man, his sincerity reflected not only in his daily life but also in his games of go.

One day, Kakunoshin’s colleagues alert him to the truth behind the false accusation that destroyed his former life and forced his current tragic circumstances upon him. Together, he and his daughter resolve to restore their honour by taking revenge, however many miles and sacrifices it may take.

Directed by JFTFP regular SHIRAISHI Kazuya (Lesson in Murder, JFTFP23; Birds Without Names, JFTFP18), known for his powerful, heavy-hitting approaches to his work, this period drama shines a contemporary light on the genre’s very traditional subject matters. With viciously emotional conflicts of honour and revenge presented both on and off the go board, Bushido is an unmissable new twist on a time-tested genre.

This film is presented as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2025: Am I Right? Justice, Justification and Judgement in Japanese Cinema. 

In collaboration with the Japan Foundation

Major Supporters: Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation 

Sponsors in Kind: Athletia, Calbee, Clearspring, Pentel and SUQQU