“In 1962 Shintaro Katsu, a handsome, young Japanese matinee idol, shaved his head, closed his eyes, found some scruffy clothes, picked up a sword, and became the star of Japan's most popular action series ever. Zatoichi, The Blind Swordsman, is a sightless samurai with a radar-like sense of hearing. Sometimes a gambler, sometimes a masseur, at times wanted by a misinformed or corrupt law, Zatoichi is an easily identifiable lower-class hero. Always trying to mend wrongs, he frequently lands in trouble for his generosity. Although he is peace-loving, he continually finds himself stalked by straying samurai. Comical tricks with dice and his cane sword enhance his actions. The Life and Opinion of Zatoichi is the very first episode, the one which started it all. It features corrupt gang bosses, tricks, and flashing swordsmanship, which later became keys to the entire series.” Bill Thompson