

A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Hiroshi Inagaki
Kazuo Takimura

Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo

Kojiro Sasaki

Otsu

Akemi

Takuan

Omitsu

Court official

Sasuke the boatman

Omitsu's father

Kumagoro the horse thief

Priest Ogon

Innkeeper (uncredited)