Ukyunosuke on Patrol (1963)
A grounded, story-driven Japanese ninja film set in the Edo Period, where integrity clashes with corruption and a son follows his father's legacy into battle.
Ukyunosuke on Patrol - Movie Information
- Original Title: 右京之介巡察記
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Yasuto Hasegawa
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, History
- Runtime: 92 minutes
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 20, 1963 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Ukyonosuke Junsatsu-ki (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Ukyunosuke on Patrol - Plot
This is one of the most powerfully effective ninja films that dispenses with the silly magic of earlier efforts, and concentrates on an excellent story with expert fighting. Sena Denemon is the rarest of government officials, a man of integrity, sent on a mission to uncover the corruption that ran rampant during the Edo Period. Refusing bribes, and willing to put his life on the line to raise his son properly, he infuriates the corrupt Inspectors; thus endangering his own life. Along with his two trusted vassals, he makes a brave effort to alert the Shogun to the plot which is being carried out. After the battle, his son Ichitaro joins the Chichibu ninja group in order to master fighting so he, too, can fight the forces which have brought about so much suffering.
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Ukyunosuke on Patrol - Cast and Crew
Directors
- Yasuto Hasegawa
Main Cast
- Hashizo Ōkawa
- Eijirō Tōno
- Kikuko Hojo
- Shinobu Chihara
- Yuriko Mishima
- Shirō Ōsaka
- Eitarō Ozawa
- Kazuo Kitamura
- Yoshio Inaba
- Kensaku Hara
Writers
- Kōji Takada
Ukyunosuke on Patrol - FAQs
What is Ukyunosuke on Patrol about?
Ukyunosuke on Patrol follows Sena Denemon, a rare honest government official in Edo Period Japan, as he uncovers deep-rooted corruption among powerful inspectors. Refusing bribes and risking his life, he and his two loyal vassals race to warn the Shogun, while his son later trains with the Chichibu ninja to carry on the fight.
Is Ukyunosuke on Patrol a typical ninja film?
Not at all. Ukyunosuke on Patrol deliberately steps away from the fantastical magic tricks common in earlier ninja movies. Instead, it leans into a grounded, compelling story of political corruption and personal integrity, backed by expert fight choreography that feels authentic and viscerally exciting rather than supernatural.
What role does the ninja element play in the story?
Ninja skills enter the story through the younger generation. After the central battle, Sena Denemon's son Ichitaro joins the Chichibu ninja group to master combat, driven by a desire to fight the corrupt forces that caused so much suffering. It is a passing of the torch from political courage to martial resolve.
Who are the main actors in Ukyunosuke on Patrol?
The film features a strong ensemble led by Hashizo Ōkawa alongside Eijirō Tōno, Kikuko Hojo, Shinobu Chihara, Yuriko Mishima, Shirō Ōsaka, Eitarō Ozawa, Kazuo Kitamura, Yoshio Inaba, and Kensaku Hara, all veterans of Japanese period cinema who bring real weight to the story.
Where can I watch Ukyunosuke on Patrol?
You can check current streaming availability and rental options for Ukyunosuke on Patrol on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available across major platforms in your region. Availability can vary depending on your country, so it is worth checking regularly for updates.
Who directed Ukyunosuke on Patrol?
Yasuto Hasegawa directed Ukyunosuke on Patrol, bringing a focused, story-driven approach to the material. Rather than relying on spectacle, Hasegawa crafted a film rooted in character integrity and political intrigue, making it stand out among the ninja and samurai films produced by Toei Company during the early 1960s.
What are some films similar to Ukyunosuke on Patrol?
If you enjoy Ukyunosuke on Patrol, you might also like Gojoe: Spirit War Chronicle (2001), Mumon: The Land of Stealth (2017), Revenge of the Ninja (1983), and Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013). All share that blend of historical setting, martial arts action, and strong storytelling that makes this film so compelling.
When was Ukyunosuke on Patrol released?
Ukyunosuke on Patrol hit Japanese cinemas on November 20, 1963. It was produced by Toei Company, one of Japan's most prolific studios of the era, which was renowned for its high output of samurai and ninja films throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
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