Yasushi Sasaki

An extremely lovely tribute to Ozu, on the 20th anniversary of his death. It uses a combination of footage from vintage films and new material (both interviews and Ozu-related locations) shot by Ozu's long-time camera-man (who came out of retirement to work on this). Surprisingly (or perhaps not), it focuses less on Ozu's accomplishments as a film-maker than on his impact on the lives of the people he worked with..

A shooting incident occurs at the Asahina family gambling hall in Tokyo's Joto district. It is the work of Gaijin boss Brown and his henchman Yamaoka, whose territory is in the Jonan district, in response to Kikuya, the head of the Asahina family, refusing to join the Syndicate. Yamaoka relentlessly pursues the Asahina family and uses his brother Komatsu to kill Shibaki, Kikuya's brother, who owns Nagoya territory. When Kikuya receives information that a general meeting of the Brown and Yamaoka Syndicate is to be held in Nagoya, he is determined to root out the syndicate and rushes to Nagoya, ready to die...

When a group of men from the Hanya clan search his town for a missing geisha, a brave ronin decides to help her and a drunken calligrapher. In doing so, he uncovers a wider scheme.

Ryujin Misaki, located at the edge of the Genkai Sea, is known as an isolation ward for leprosy patients. When Saotome, a sword master and guard of the Shogun, hears news of a doctor gone missing, he begins to suspect that things are not what they seem at Ryujin Misaki. Intent on discovering the truth, Saotome launches a private investigation.

The story concerns the efforts of seven master swordsman who join together to protect the new inexperienced Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune from the evil plans of the Owari Clan's corrupt Lord. It's a colorful bunch, a drunk samurai, a master thief, a sword instructor and a Lord who is disguised as a ronin since it is an executable offense for a lord to wander outside of their domain without permission. As the Chief Magistrate becomes suspicious of the Owari plot to send men to Kodenmacho Prison to start a riot he begins to investigate the rumors. He soon calls upon the Lord of Mikazuki Castle and the Shogun's best friend to help thwart the evil ambitions and battle the rouge swordsman hired by the Owari Clan.

Kichizaburo, a samurai keeping peace in Edo, helps a young geisha Kozome avenge her father’s death.

Chuji and his family become the primary target of gangs in Nikko headed by Hasshu marshal Nakayama and boss Sukegoro Iioka. Chuji is then aided by boss Shigezo Sasagawa, Ishimatsu, and a few young yakuza.

A boss of underworld helps the police crush an evil gang.

Under a decree by the Shogun, people of all classes are forced to lead a frugal lifestyle. However, Omitsu, a woman who is thought to have gone insane after the sudden death of her father, openly disobeys this order and goes around town fancifully dressed. Unknown to all around her, Omitsu is merely acting, using her perceived madness to roam around town conducting her own secret investigation into her father's death. Will her skillful ruse help her to reveal the truth?

入り乱れる善玉・悪玉！竜神島に炸裂する物欲と愛欲と恐怖の大銃撃戦！豪華スター大競演で描く奇想天外の娯楽時代劇。竜神島に上陸した八木半蔵は中国人娘や正義感に満ちた若者と協力して、密輸をめぐり島を二分する悪党団を一掃する。

A maiden is murdered by a mysterious ninja, unfortunately two young ladies witness this, good thing the bored Lord is walking by, he saved the girls but was too late to save the maiden, quickly he finds himself mixed up in a mystery of murdered maidens, an unknown ninja clan, attempted assassinations towards himself and a cursed vampire bat cave, can the bored Lord solve this puzzle before maidens lose their lives?

When a former artisan is tricked into putting his sister up as collateral for a loan by a gangster boss in a crooked gambling casino it sets in motion the story of Ooka Echizen, the famed magistrate of Edo during the reign of Shogun Tsuneyoshi. In a world where humans bow down to dogs and are beheaded for harming them, it's a wonder people can survive at all. Nakamura Kinnosuke is a former samurai who has left the fold to live freely and must put his life on the line to save the girl he loves, and rescue her from the yakuza who duped her brother. When the truth comes out about his background, he is forced to take on the role of Edo Magistrate, a decision that brings him unimaginable heartache and danger!

A family is brutally murdered in their own home and the official government's sake dealer is framed as a rebel by a corrupt member of the Shogun's Council of Elders. Young Lord decides to take on the Shogun's vile chief attendant.

When master swordsman Mikogami Genshiro of the Ono fencing school returns to find that his ailing sensei has been murdered in the dead of night, he must find the culprit and exact revenge. His return sets off a series of violent incidents and incites a high ranked female skilled in sword to test his mettle after he unwittingly offends her. The ever delightful Misora Hibari co-stars with the great Tsuruta Koji in this exciting tale set in the earliest days of the Tokugawa shogunate. Lots of exciting swordfights highlight this entertaining motion picture!

Detective Hanshichi (Kataoka Chiezo) solves 3 mysterious murder cases. Great story and an impressive all-star cast, a must see!

Jidaigeki film from 1960

The stormy tale of the Shinsengumi is told from its birth by master filmmaker Sasaki Yasushi, with an all-star cast based on the original story by Shirai Kyoji. The battles between the royalists and Shogunate supporters come to a fever pitch during the Gion Festival as the exclusionists plot to burn Kyoto and kidnap the Emperor. From its earliest beginnings as a group of ronin brought from Edo to protect the Shogun when he is in Kyoto to see His Imperial Highness, the group had to face difficulties both from within and without. Commander Serizawa Kamo's corrupt practices threaten the group's very existence, as they try to recover from the bad reputation he left them with. Their redemption comes when they learn of Katsura Kogoro plans to gather men at Kyoto's Ikedaya Inn for his attack on the city. Along with Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Soji, Kondo leads the group in an attempt to save Japan from the rebels.

Young girl Kichiza searches for her missing brother and the person responsible for the death of her parents.

Kinnosuke of Toyama sets out on a private mission to clear his father’s name for a crime he did not commit.

Part of the Bored Hatamoto series. The most popular samurai in Edo, Saotome Mondonosuke, known to most as the "Bored Hatamoto" is the only one who can save the shogunate from the dastardly plot to take over the country.

Orphaned Kiku was raised at a Buddhist temple and learned theatrical arts and martial arts as a child, which were used to put on stage productions to raise money for the temple, but also to display young lads who were essentially for sale to the highest bidder. When Kiku gets fed up with how the temple uses the orphans and wants to leave he gets accused of a double murder and has to flee for his life and liberty.

Orphaned Kiku was raised at a Buddhist temple and learned theatrical arts and martial arts as a child, which were used to put on stage productions to raise money for the temple, but also to display young lads who were essentially for sale to the highest bidder. When Kiku gets fed up with how the temple uses the orphans and wants to leave he gets accused of a double murder and has to flee for his life and liberty.

Edo, 1703. Young Sugino, one of the 47 rōnin seeking revenge against lord Kira, who caused that his master, Asano of Ako, committed seppuku, meets a skillful spear fighter, Genban, who trains him to fight with honor on the day of retribution.

During the reign of 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tsuneyoshi a troupe of Chinese acrobats travel to Japan to help celebrate the building of the Yushima Shrine. At the same time a series of mysterious assassinations take place with a strange and unknown weapon. Master swordsman Saotome Mondonosuke, a 'Hatamoto' (direct retainer of the Shogun) and a man who loves action takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of the mystery and and solve the puzzling crimes.

Magistrate Ooka-Echizen faces a crime over a pillbox.

One of the great stories from Japan’s rich history comes to life in this true tale of the bloody showdown between two rival yakuza gangs in the 1840’s. The battle between Boss Sukegoro of Iioka and Boss Shigezo of Sasagawa has been portrayed many times, most notably in the first Zatoichi film, where the blind man befriends the tubercular ronin Hirate Miki, before cutting him down in one of the great duels in cinema history. This all-star extravaganza pulls out all the stops, with appearances by virtually all of the great actors and actresses from Toei’s studio at the time. Ichikawa Utaemon’s portrayal of the kind-hearted, noble yakuza boss Shigezo of Sasagawa contrasts sharply with the devious Sukegoro of Iioka. Corrupt as he may have been, his men were all willing to give up their lives for him.

Master swordsman and loyal vassal Saotome Mondonosuke goes on a mission to find a missing princess.

With flashing swordwork and a terrific story, wandering gambler Kusama Hanjiro inspires the wrath of Boss Jirotaro who has been terrorizing travelers along the route through his territory. When Hanjiro steps in to gamble with him one-on-one it leads to a deadly vendetta that will show no mercy. Along the way Hanjiro is called upon to help sisters with no one else to depend on. Will the feud end in tragedy, or can the honest wanderer prevail against the bloodlust of an angry yakuza boss whom he had scarred for life?

From an original story by Shibata Renzaburo, the novelist who created such classics as: the "Nemuri Kyoshiro" series (Son of the Black Mass), "Destiny’s Son" etc. comes the complex story exploring the mystery behind why Ino Morimasa betrayed his sworn brother Ishida Mitsunari, thus leading to the defeat of the Toyotomi at the Battle of Sekigahara. Starring Nakamura Kinnosuke in one of the strongest performances of his career as Ino's estranged son seeking justice. Originally known as "The Forbidden Castle".

When an altercation with a gangster forces Kikutaro to leave Edo, he is sent by his father to Hamamatsu to find a better direction in life. However, trouble seems to follow Kikutaro on the road leading him eventually to come face to face with his rival, Gonkuro.

Saotome, a sword master and guard of the Shogunate, pursues the mystery of a deadly aerial weapon that is responsible for the multiple deaths in town.

Four thousand gold coins were stolen from the vault of Nijo Castle in Kyoto, which were collected as a tax to the shogun. The guard of Nijo castle Asaka Keinosuke, disguised as a komuso monk, proceeds to investigate the theft, traces of thieves lead to Edo, where Asaka goes.

Sayuri, a young woman born to a simple life on a farm, moves to Tokyo to pursue a life long dream of becoming a singer. Through dance, music, and songs, this story shows how a girl raised on a farm was able to make her dream a reality, with the love of those around her.

A friendly rivalry turns into romance for Yukiko, an elite female detective, and a handsome private eye named Mitamura while both are investigating the missing person's case from a wealthy family.

片岡千恵蔵演じる近藤勇の豪快で温情的な行動を中心に、新選組の活躍をドラマチックに描いた娯楽時代劇。高岩肇のオリジナル脚本を、「おしどり囃子」の佐々木康が監督。 新選組の隊士・横川たち3人が、見世物小屋の主人をささいなことから斬り殺して逃げた。横川たちは隊長・近藤勇と対立する副長の関兵庫の部下であり、これをきっかけに関一派の分離に発展する…。

Kind hearted yakuza Hanjiro of Asama risks his life in saving his henchman Genjiro and his family.

A swordsman must foil a minister's sinister plan to assassinate the shogun.

A swordsman must foil a minister's sinister plan to assassinate the shogun.

The year is 1805. Napoleon ruled Europe. Ienari is the 11th Tokugawa Shogun. An incident, which was an open official secret, took place on the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Fearing attacks from within and without, the Shogunate planned to build a training castle utilizing the most advanced techniques. Two master castle architects, Sato Kikutaro and Kumai Hakuten, were selected to compete for the honor of building this castle. Lord Mizuno Dewa has even ordered the townspeople to assist both sides with their land surveys and preparations. This leads to fear on the part of farmers that their land will be taken away from them, and sets off a series of events which rock the nation to its very roots. With an all-star cast, this is an important story with relevance to current times. One of Ichikawa Utaemon's finest performances, a true classic!

This most celebrated all-star movie version of the popular series features Tsukigata Ryunosuke as Mito Komon, the sage who wanders the countryside rectifying government corruption along with his faithful attendants Suke and Kaku.

Period drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.

Period drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.

The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai concludes. After their turbulent journey, the seven crosses are finally united to reveal the secret of the royal treasure.

The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai concludes. After their turbulent journey, the seven crosses are finally united to reveal the secret of the royal treasure.

The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai continue in its second installment. While being held captive by the enemy pirate Ongo, Goro discovers the whereabouts of the missing seventh cross. Will he succeed in bringing all seven cross together to reveal the secret code of the royal treasure?

The adventures of Goro and his fellow samurai continue in its second installment. While being held captive by the enemy pirate Ongo, Goro discovers the whereabouts of the missing seventh cross. Will he succeed in bringing all seven cross together to reveal the secret code of the royal treasure?

Toruhan, a king’s retainer, embarks on a journey to find a royal treasure that can only be revealed though secret codes hidden in seven crosses carried by his fellow samurai.

Toruhan, a king’s retainer, embarks on a journey to find a royal treasure that can only be revealed though secret codes hidden in seven crosses carried by his fellow samurai.

時は鎌倉幕府初代将軍・源頼朝治世の頃。河津三郎祐泰は奸臣・工藤祐経の悪謀によって命を落とす。祐経による一家への圧迫と責苦のなか、祐泰の息子たち曾我十郎と五郎の兄弟は仇討の機を狙っていた。そして苦節十八年、二人は富士の嶺に狩りを行なう工藤陣屋に、折からの雷雨を突いて斬りこんでいく。

Tale of tragic love between samurai and princess during Heian period.

片岡千恵蔵十八番の金さんシリーズ。老中・水野忠邦の諸事節約、幕政改革に端を発して、大塩平八郎の残党、謎の密輸団の跳梁。この探索の秘命を受けた金さんが、権力と暴力に敢然と度胸と啖呵で、颯爽と暴れまわる痛快巨篇。

興趣万点、らんまんの春に閃く剣の舞！日本一、江戸鑑み遠山桜！御存じいれずみ奉行、鉄火の意気地！！今回は、名刀あかね丸の紛失事件の謎を解く遠山金四郎の大活躍を描く。

A fellow member of the company named Hanjiro tells Koharu, an actress in a traveling theatrical troupe, about a keepsake folding fan that his lost love Lady Okyo gave him years ago. It turns out this fan is a precious clan heirloom whose possession, for convoluted reasons, will determine the clan's leadership. Sword-slinging bad guys descend to capture the fan, and Koharu embarks on a road trip to Edo to return the MacGuffin to the rightful hands of Lady Okyo.

Sixth film of the Bannai Tarao series starring Chiezo Kataoka.

Fifth delivery in the Tarao Bannai series, following the "master detective with seven faces" who uses his signature disguise to solve crimes with a double-barreled pistol.

The legendary tale of the forty-seven samurai who seek vengeance against the man who caused their master's death.

Drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.

Drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.

美空ひばりの松竹映画初出演作。唄と踊りで綴る奇想天外！ファンタジーオペレッタ！！ ひばりがかわいらしい河童ブギの少女に扮し注目を浴びた。佐々木康監督も「この子は天才だ！」とその才能に驚嘆。夢の不夜城に咲く恋と河童と乙姫様のロマンス。竜宮城を舞台に、松竹の歌姫が総出演して華を競う、歌と踊りと笑いで綴る一大海底グランドショウ。

桑原は銀行でも古参株の一人である。彼のケチなことにおいては既に定評があり、同僚から一本、二本と巧みに煙草を稼いだりして「ポケット騒ぎ」という俗名さへ持たされている。彼には一人娘がいる。女房にも甘いが、ことに娘のことになると極端な愛溺を示して同僚達の反感を買うのが常である。彼は又上役の部長には最も信用があり、一番昵懇になっていると悦に入っている。そこにつけ込んだ同僚が、部長が桑原の娘を息子の嫁にとかねがね思っていると造言してもったいらしく桑原に告げる。部長絶対主義の彼はそれを信じ、娘には許婚者がいることも見捨ててかかるのである。

レビュー劇場の照明係で歌手志望の少女みち（並木路子）が楽団員たちに励まされ、やがて歌手としてデビューする「スター誕生」の物語。

Japanese war movie.

An inept and recently graduated Japanese man begins working in the administration of Manchuria, under the supervision of his uncle. Meanwhile, he becomes acquainted with both a Japanese and Manchurian woman.

Melodrama about a talented singer who finally makes her debut

Jie (Michiko Kuwano) attended a women's university with the financial support of her geisha sister Oha (Hiroko Kawasaki) and became a lawyer. The aim. Michiko (Kuniko Miyake), one of the seven best friends from the same women's college, is getting married. The man she's marrying is her sister's lover.

Naomi Tazawa (Hiroko Kawasaki), who works at Isetan Department Store, was told by an executive at a film company (Ken Uehara), that he was going to make a film about her. She was scouted to become an actress, but she held strong. Around that time, her adoptive father dies, and at the time of his death, she learns that her real father was a man of high rank.

Approaching their graduation ceremony, Saegusa, Sanae, and their classmates go on an overnight trip to Hakone with their teacher Ms. Kawahara, who will soon leave school. They thank her doing so and go on their respective paths, ending soon their student life.

A man and his girlfriend work for a cosmetics company, but would like to open their own store. The company is planning to send someone to Paris for special training and the man tries to get the general manager to send his girlfriend since this training would help them to start their own business. The general manager selects another woman and the trouble begins.

A Japanese wartime film directed by Yasushi Sasaki.

Story of two close friends who long to become pilots in the air corps. Only one succeeds in entering the service, while the other finds a job in civilian aviation through his instructor's good offices.

昭和の名匠・清水宏監督が、川端康成の短編小説「有難う」を上原謙主演で映画化したロードムービー。伊豆地方の美しい自然を背景に、バス運転手と乗客たちが織り成す人間模様をユーモラスに描く。道を譲ってくれた人々に「ありがとう」と声を掛けることから、「ありがとうさん」と呼ばれて親しまれているバス運転手。そんな彼のバスに、貧しさから東京に売られていく娘とその母親、訳ありの女、威張り散らすヒゲの紳士らが乗り込んでくる。（eiga.com）

Set in the port city of Yokohama, two girls, Sunako and Dora who attend a Christian school, pledge to be friends. But when a youth named Henry appears on his motorcycle and offers to take Sunako for a ride, we know that this friendship won't last and that the lives of both girls will change in ways they are barely able to comprehend, and can do little to change.

Graduate Okajima finds his old-fashioned beard makes life difficult in a comedy exploring the tension between tradition and modernity.

The film revolves around a desperate man who commits a crime in order to support his family, and the moral dilemma the policeman who tracks him down finds himself in.

This bittersweet comedy tells the tale of a group of college roommates attempting to cheat their way through their exams. As the title goes, things don't work out for our roguish main character, but his classmates soon find themselves in a similarly sorry state...

Hanjiro of Kusama searches for his little sister Oyuki, who went missing after being desecrated by Hikosaku Tokurai three years ago. The first film in a series about the adventures of the wandering yakuza Hanjiro from Kusama.