---
title: "Festival of Swordsmen"
year: 1961
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/festival-of-swordsmen-1961"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 232464
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 87
community_rating: 6.5
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Festival of Swordsmen (1961) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/festival-of-swordsmen-1961

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Festival of Swordsmen is a 1961 action, history, and romance film set during the Kanei Period between 1624 and 1644. The story focuses on a competition organized by the Shogun's Chief Advisor to boost the morale of unemployed samurai during an era of peace. The narrative follows Busshi Shirogoro and the daughter of the late Lord Sanada Yukimura, who seeks vengeance through the event.

The film's tone is shaped by the tension between the Shogun's desire for a spirited festival and the personal grudges brought by the martial artists. It balances historical context with a romantic spark and a quest for retribution, running for a duration of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Unemployed samurai compete in a festival where personal grudges and vengeance threaten the peace."

### Why Watch
- Explores the morale of unemployed samurai during the peaceful Kanei Period
- Features a conflict between Busshi Shirogoro and the daughter of Lord Sanada Yukimura
- Combines elements of action, history, and romance

### Caveats & Content Note
- The plot centers on personal grudges which may detract from the competition aspect
- Tone & Suitability: This 1961 action film blends historical setting with romantic tension and a revenge-driven plot.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #kanei-period, #samurai-competition, #martial-arts-action, #historical-romance, #revenge-plot

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/festival-of-swordsmen-1961#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Shigehiro Ozawa
- **Networks / Studios**: Toei Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ryutaro Otomo** as *Busshi Shirogoro*
- **Shingo Yamashiro**
- **Tomisaburō Wakayama** as *Iishiro Shurinosuke*
- **Keiko Okawa** as *Satomi*
- **Eiji Okada** as *Kamio Shume*
- **Satomi Oka**
- **Ryōsuke Kagawa**
- **Shunji Sakai**
- **Kunio Kaga**
- **Yoshio Yoshida**

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Festival of Swordsmen?
The provided sources do not list available streaming platforms.

### Q: Is it worth watching?
It may appeal to viewers interested in 1961 Japanese cinema and the dynamics of the Kanei Period.

### Q: What is the total runtime?
The film has a duration of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

### Q: Are there essential episodes to watch?
This is a feature film rather than a series, so it consists of a single narrative.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Festival of Swordsmen — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/232464)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*