Skip to product information
1 of 1

Jonathan Wroot

The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman

The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman

Dispatches within 7 to 10 working days
Regular price £69.86 GBP
Regular price £81.00 GBP Sale price £69.86 GBP
13% OFF Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £11.14

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
Trustpilot 4.5 stars rating  Excellent
We're rated excellent on Trustpilot.
  • More about The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman

The Paths of Zatoichi explores the history and influence of the Japanese film and television franchise about Zatoichi the blind swordsman, featuring 29 films and 100 TV episodes. It demonstrates how the franchise can be used to chart Japanese cinema history, revealing the appeal of long-running characters, franchises, and their constant adaptation and influence in global popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books


The Paths of Zatoichi explores the rich history and profound impact of the Japanese film and television franchise centered around the iconic character Zatoichi, the blind swordsman. Comprising a remarkable 29 feature films and 100 TV episodes, this franchise has been graced by the legendary Shintaro Katsu, who starred in 26 of the 29 feature films. These captivating tales follow the adventures of a blind masseur navigating the medieval landscapes of Japan, as he travels from village to village, frequently finding himself in situations where his exceptional sword skills are put to the test.

The journey of Zatoichi spans several decades, with the first film being released in 1962 and the most recent one in 2010. These dates serve as a valuable tool for charting the evolution of Japanese cinema, highlighting the shifts in production practices and audience preferences that influenced the Zatoichi series and numerous other film and TV texts. By examining the timeline of the franchise, we gain insight into the changing dynamics of the Japanese film industry and the enduring appeal of long-running characters, franchises, and their constant adaptation and influence within global popular culture.

Zatoichi represents a significant yet overlooked aspect of Japanese film history, offering valuable insights into the allure of enduring characters, franchises, and their dynamic adaptation in the ever-evolving world of popular culture. Through its exploration of the life and adventures of Zatoichi, this franchise not only entertains but also sheds light on the enduring power of storytelling and the cultural significance of martial arts in Japanese cinema.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793601216

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details