Kagerou no Tsuji (2007)
A gripping Japanese period drama about a ronin haunted by duty, betrayal, and the quest for justice in Edo-era Japan.
Kagerou no Tsuji - Series Information
- Original Title: 陽炎の辻〜居眠り磐音 江戸双紙〜
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 37
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Kagerou no Tsuji (JP)
Kagerou no Tsuji - Plot
Sakazaki Iwane is a ronin who spends idle days in Edo. Until a few months ago, he was a promising son and successor to a powerful family in Bungo. He has came back to Edo, where he lived for a while for swordplay training with his two best friends, after a tragedy in the three's home domain—both of the two friends died, one of them killed by Iwane by command of the domain lord's chief retainer. Iwane left his home for Edo, leaving behind his fiancée, a sister of the friend he killed. Eventually, Iwane detects the conspiracy behind the deaths of the two friends and struggles to reform his domain.
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Kagerou no Tsuji - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Koji Yamamoto
- Noriko Nakagoshi
- Ikkei Watanabe
- Masaomi Kondo
- Hiromi Kitagawa
- Rei Dan
- Takashi Kobayashi
- Uryu Misaki
- B-saku Satoh
- Nomo Gakuji
Kagerou no Tsuji - FAQs
What is the story behind Kagerou no Tsuji?
Kagerou no Tsuji follows Sakazaki Iwane, a skilled swordsman turned ronin who drifts through Edo carrying a devastating secret: he was ordered to kill one of his two closest friends. As he pieces together the conspiracy that destroyed his world, he fights to reclaim his honor and reform his home domain.
Why did Iwane kill his own friend in Kagerou no Tsuji?
Iwane was acting under direct orders from the domain lord's chief retainer, making it a command he could not refuse as a samurai bound by duty. The act haunts him deeply, especially since the friend he killed was the brother of his own fiancée, whom he left behind when he fled to Edo.
Who plays the lead role in Kagerou no Tsuji?
Koji Yamamoto portrays Sakazaki Iwane, the brooding ronin at the heart of the series. He is joined by Noriko Nakagoshi as Okon, Ikkei Watanabe as Imazuya Kichiemon, and Rei Dan as Oen, among a strong ensemble cast that brings Edo-period Japan vividly to life.
Where can I watch Kagerou no Tsuji online?
Streaming availability for Kagerou no Tsuji varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch or rent the series in your country, JustWatch is a reliable resource that aggregates current platform availability across multiple streaming services.
Is Kagerou no Tsuji based on a book or manga?
The series is adapted from the long-running novel series Kagerou no Tsuji — also known as Inemuri Banne Edo Soshi — written by Japanese author Shotaro Ikenami. The novels are beloved in Japan for their richly drawn Edo-period setting and the quietly compelling character of Sakazaki Iwane.
How many seasons and episodes does Kagerou no Tsuji have?
The series ran for three main seasons plus a collection of specials, totalling 37 episodes. Season 1 contains 11 episodes, Season 2 has 12, and Season 3 wraps the story across 14 episodes, with 3 additional special episodes rounding out the complete run.
What genre is Kagerou no Tsuji and who is it for?
Kagerou no Tsuji is a jidaigeki — a Japanese period drama — blending action, swordplay, and character-driven storytelling set in the Edo era. It appeals to fans of samurai fiction, historical drama, and anyone drawn to stories of honor, betrayal, and quiet resilience in feudal Japan.
What are some shows similar to Kagerou no Tsuji?
If Kagerou no Tsuji appeals to you, consider exploring Rurouni Kenshin, Dororo, or The Elusive Samurai for more samurai-driven storytelling. For a broader taste of period action, Last Samurai Standing and Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf offer compelling alternatives with similar themes of lone warriors and moral conflict.
More About Kagerou no Tsuji
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