

Zatoichi's Flashing Sword
Blind masseur Zatoichi is nursed back to health by a young woman after he is shot by a gang member. Zatoichi, who had come to the village to repay a debt, now feels further indebted. He commits himself to use his amazing sword skills to help the young woman's father, whose river-crossing service is under attack by the same gang responsible for Zatoichi's wounds.
Where to watch Zatoichi's Flashing Sword in United States
Click a service to open Zatoichi's Flashing Sword there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Zatoichi's Flashing 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, Google Play Movies |
About Zatoichi's Flashing Sword
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is a 1964 Japanese-language action, drama and adventure film directed by Kazuo Ikehiro. The cast is led by Shintarō Katsu, Tatsuo Endō, Bokuzen Hidari. It has a runtime of 1h 22m. Viewers rate it 6.9/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword was produced by Daiei Film and made in Japan. It was released on July 11, 1964.
- Director
- Kazuo Ikehiro
- Writers
- Shozaburo Asai, Minoru Inuzuka
- Release date
- July 11, 1964
- Original language
- Japanese
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan
- Production
- Daiei Film
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword cast & crew
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword was directed by Kazuo Ikehiro and written by Shozaburo Asai and Minoru Inuzuka.
The cast features Shintarō Katsu as Zatoichi, Tatsuo Endō as Boss Yasugoro of Takeya, Bokuzen Hidari as Kyubei, Ryōsuke Kagawa as Boss Bunkichi, Naoko Kubo as Okuni, and Mayumi Nagisa as Oshizu.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Sei Ikeno, cinematography is by Yasukazu Takemura, and it was produced by Masaichi Nagata.
Is Zatoichi's Flashing Sword worth watching?
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword holds an audience score of 6.9/10 from 56 ratings, a solidly received action films.
At 1h 22m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy action, drama, and adventure, Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Zatoichi's Flashing Sword
In United States, you can stream Zatoichi's Flashing 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 Flashing Sword

Shintarō Katsu
Zatoichi

Tatsuo Endō
Boss Yasugoro of Takeya

Bokuzen Hidari
Kyubei

Ryōsuke Kagawa
Boss Bunkichi

Naoko Kubo
Okuni

Mayumi Nagisa
Oshizu
Takashi Etajima
Seiroku

Ryūtarō Gomi

Jun Katsumura
Yasugoro yakuza

Ikuko Mōri
Yasugoro's sister

Yutaka Nakamura
Mekichi
Kô Sugita
More from the Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Collection
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Zatoichi's Flashing Sword in United States?
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Zatoichi's Flashing Sword on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Zatoichi's Flashing Sword in?
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is originally in Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Zatoichi's Flashing Sword?
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword runs 1 hours 22 minutes (82 minutes).
▸What is Zatoichi's Flashing Sword rated?
It holds a 6.9/10 audience score from 56 ratings.
















