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.
as Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
as Kojiro Sasaki
as Otsu
as Akemi
as Takuan
as Omitsu
as Court official
as Sasuke the boatman
as Omitsu's father
as Kumagoro the horse thief
as Priest Ogon
as Innkeeper (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as Yoshino (uncredited)
as Seijuro Yoshioka (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as Jotaro (uncredited)
as Oko (uncredited)
as Matahachi Honiden (uncredited)
as Baiken Shishido (uncredited)
as Old Priest Nikkan (uncredited)
as (uncredited)
as (uncredited)