The Shogun's Vault I (1981)
A gripping Edo-era heist tale of vengeance, daring, and one man's mission to breach the Shogun's most guarded treasure.
The Shogun's Vault I - Movie Information
- Original Title: 御金蔵破り1
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Gokinzo Yaburi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Action
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 14, 1981 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Gokinzo yaburi (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
The Shogun's Vault I - Plot
Tomizo, a master storehouse-breaker who has been released from prison in Denmacho after serving five years plans to break into the Edo Castle gold storehouse to avenge the death of his father, who died a violent death at a gold mine on Sado Island. With the help of Hanji, a playboy who took care of him in prison, as his partner, Tomizo decides on the night of fireworks to be held in Edo Castle as the day to carry out his plan. Kanpei, a wise man, is suspicious of the plan.
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The Shogun's Vault I - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gokinzo Yaburi
Main Cast
- Kyôko Kishida
- Masayo Utsunomiya
- Shin Kishida
- Tomisaburō Wakayama
- Yoichi Hayashi
- Tokue Hanazawa
Writers
- Gokinzo Yaburi
The Shogun's Vault I - FAQs
What is The Shogun's Vault I about?
The Shogun's Vault I follows Tomizo, a skilled storehouse-breaker freshly released from prison, who sets his sights on Edo Castle's gold storehouse to avenge his father's brutal death at a Sado Island gold mine. Teaming up with a roguish ally named Hanji, he plans the heist for Edo Castle's fireworks night.
Is The Shogun's Vault I a jidaigeki film?
Yes, The Shogun's Vault I is a classic jidaigeki — a Japanese period drama set in the Edo era. It blends the genre's signature samurai-era atmosphere with a heist narrative, making it a distinctive entry in Toei Company's rich catalog of historical action films from the early 1980s.
Who are the main actors in The Shogun's Vault I?
The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Tomisaburō Wakayama, best known for his iconic Lone Wolf and Cub series. He's joined by Kyôko Kishida, Shin Kishida, Masayo Utsunomiya, Yoichi Hayashi, and Tokue Hanazawa, bringing the Edo-era world vividly to life.
Where can I watch The Shogun's Vault I online?
You can check current streaming and rental availability for The Shogun's Vault I on JustWatch, which tracks all platforms in your region. Options may vary depending on your country, so it's the easiest way to find where the film is currently accessible for viewing.
What makes the heist in The Shogun's Vault I unique?
What sets this heist apart is its deeply personal motivation — Tomizo isn't after wealth for its own sake but seeks justice for his father's violent death. Timing the break-in to coincide with Edo Castle's fireworks celebration adds a layer of daring ingenuity rarely seen in period action films of the era.
When was The Shogun's Vault I released?
The Shogun's Vault I hit Japanese cinemas on July 14, 1981. Produced by Toei Company, it was released during a prolific era for the studio's jidaigeki output, arriving alongside many beloved period action titles that defined Japanese genre cinema through the late 1970s and early 1980s.
What similar films would fans of this movie enjoy?
Fans of The Shogun's Vault I will likely enjoy Seven Samurai (1954), The Hidden Fortress (1958), Samurai Rebellion (1967), and Zatoichi (2003). For more heist-flavored period action, Mumon: The Land of Stealth (2017) and Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005) offer a similar blend of Edo-era intrigue and excitement.
Who directed The Shogun's Vault I?
The Shogun's Vault I was directed by Gokinzo Yaburi, who also contributed to the film's screenplay. The production was handled by Toei Company, one of Japan's most prominent studios and a cornerstone of the jidaigeki genre throughout the postwar decades.
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