Zatoichi's Pilgrimage (1966)

Embarking on a spiritual journey, Ichi sets forth on a pilgrimage to seek redemption at 81 sacred temples, hoping to cleanse his soul of his violent past. His path, however, is interrupted as he inadvertently steps into a village held hostage by a ruthless Yakuza boss and his menacing henchmen. In a shocking turn of events, Ichi slays a young assassin-for-hire and, guided by the young man's unusual horse, finds himself in the heart of his victim's village. The news of the young man's death sparks a fiery reaction in Okichi, his sister, played by Yasuda Michiyo. Seizing a sword in a mixture of grief and fury, Okichi lunges at Ichi, her intentions obscured between a thirst for revenge and a desperate desire to join her brother in death. Surviving Okichi's assault, Ichi finds himself under her care as she nurses him back to health. As his wounds heal, a bond blossoms between the two, with Okichi developing feelings for the wanderer. However, the Yakuza boss, still intent on claiming the village, yearns for Ichi's demise. Ichi finds himself ensnared in a web of challenges: the relentless pursuit of the Yakuza boss and his gang, Okichi's burgeoning emotions, and a village teeming with spineless inhabitants too fearful to defend their homes. Now, Ichi must face these struggles, not just for his own survival, but for the hope of the village as well.

Zatoichi's Pilgrimage is a drama movie featuring Shintarō Katsu and directed by Kazuo Ikehiro.

Zatoichi's Pilgrimage is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Zatoichi's Pilgrimage on Amazon Video and Apple TV.