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Professional Killers 1972

★ 8.0/10 · 4 votes DramaCrimeAction & Adventure 1 seasons · 33 eps Ended
Where to watch: ABC On Demand Amazon ChannelFOD
Quick answer

What is Professional Killers?

Professional Killers is a 1972 television series set in the Edo period that explores the world of shikakenin, underground operatives who carried out killings for clients. The story centers on Hanemon of Otowa, who operated an agency introducing laborers and maids while also working as one of these professional killers.

Type
TV series
Year
1972
Status
Ended
Episodes
33
Runtime
56 minutes
First aired
Sep 2, 1972
Last aired
Apr 14, 1973
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Networks
NET
Genres
Drama, Crime, Action & Adventure
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

Stream

ABC On Demand Amazon Channel

Rent

FOD
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Overview

Professional Killers is a 1972 television series set in the Edo period that explores the world of shikakenin, underground operatives who carried out killings for clients. The story centers on Hanemon of Otowa, who operated an agency introducing laborers and maids while also working as one of these professional killers. Hanemon adhered to a strict personal code, only accepting contracts to kill individuals he deemed harmful to society. The series follows a particular case involving Katsugoro Iseya, a timber dealer who becomes a client seeking the death of the constructions magistrate Hanno and the corrupt Tatsumiya. The character Baian Fujieda, described as a needle doctor, was tasked with carrying out these killings. The plot involves complications when Baian fails in the attempt to eliminate Tatsumiya, leading to further developments in the story. The series examines themes of justice, morality, and the complex relationships between clients and professional killers in historical Japan.

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Should you watch it?

“An Edo-era employment agency owner manages a secret network of professional assassins with a strict moral code.”

Reasons to watch
  • engaging moral dilemmas
  • historical setting
Keep in mind
  • incomplete plot details
  • limited availability

Watch it if you enjoy period dramas centered on the criminal underworld of Edo-era Japan.

The series contains depictions of violence and themes related to professional assassination.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 33 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →

Frequently asked questions

What is the profession of the main characters?

They operate as shikakenin, which is an under-the-cover trade involving contract killing in Edo.

What is the primary business of Hanemon of Otowa?

The agency functions as a service that introduces laborers and maids.

What is the moral code of Hanemon?

He only accepts requests to kill individuals who provide no benefit to the world.

Who is Baian Fujieda?

He is a needle doctor who works as a professional killer.

What is the setting of the series?

The story takes place in Edo.