Zatoichi's Cane Sword
Zatoichi comes upon the town of Tonda, overrun by gangsters. Using one of his favorite techniques, Zatoichi proceeds to win 8 ryo in a rigged gambling game. Of course, the local gangsters attempt to kill him, and the adventure begins. It turns out a blacksmith named Senzo examines Zatoichi's cane sword, and discovers it to be forged by his old mentor. Senzo discovers the sword is at the end of its usefulness and will break when it is used next.
Where to watch Zatoichi's Cane Sword in United States
Criterion Channel
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Zatoichi's Cane Sword there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Zatoichi's Cane Sword streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store |
| Japan | KADOKAWA channel Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store |
About Zatoichi's Cane Sword
Zatoichi's Cane Sword is a 1967 Japanese-language adventure, action and drama film directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda. The cast is led by Shintarō Katsu, Shiho Fujimura, Yoshihiko Aoyama. It has a runtime of 1h 33m. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Zatoichi's Cane Sword was produced by Daiei Film and made in Japan. It was released on January 3, 1967.
- Director
- Kimiyoshi Yasuda
- Writers
- Ryōzō Kasahara
- Release date
- January 3, 1967
- Original language
- Japanese
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan
- Production
- Daiei Film
Zatoichi's Cane Sword cast & crew
Zatoichi's Cane Sword was directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda and written by Ryōzō Kasahara.
The cast features Shintarō Katsu as Zatoichi, Shiho Fujimura as Oshizu, Yoshihiko Aoyama as Seikichi, Makoto Fujita as Umazo, Kiyoko Suizenji as Oharu, and Eijirō Tōno as Senzo.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Ichirō Saitō, cinematography is by Senkichirō Takeda, and it was produced by Ikuo Kubodera and Masaichi Nagata.
Is Zatoichi's Cane Sword worth watching?
At 1h 33m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy adventure, action, and drama, Zatoichi's Cane Sword is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Zatoichi's Cane Sword
In United States, you can stream Zatoichi's Cane Sword on Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Zatoichi's Cane Sword
Shintarō Katsu
Zatoichi
Shiho Fujimura
Oshizu
Yoshihiko Aoyama
Seikichi
Makoto Fujita
Umazo
Kiyoko Suizenji
Oharu
Eijirō Tōno
Senzo
Masumi Harukawa
Oryu
Masako Akeboshi
Omatsu the maid
Junichiro Yamashita
Shinnosuke
Ryūtarō Gomi
Ronin
Fujio Suga
Seisuke Kuwayama
Tatsuo Endō
Iwagoro
More from the Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Collection
Zatoichi's Cane Sword — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Zatoichi's Cane Sword in United States?
Zatoichi's Cane Sword is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Zatoichi's Cane Sword on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Zatoichi's Cane Sword is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Zatoichi's Cane Sword in?
Zatoichi's Cane Sword is originally in Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Zatoichi's Cane Sword?
Zatoichi's Cane Sword runs 1 hours 33 minutes (93 minutes).
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