The traditional Japanese sandals which Zatoichi wears in the film are known as geta. The two large 'teeth' on the soles are called ha, while the sole which the foot rests upon is called dai (stand).
This is the thirteenth of 26 films to star Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi.
While Zatoichi is repeatedly referred to as a masseur in the English subtitles, the Japanese term Anma would be more correct. Anma was both the term used for the practice and the generally nomadic practitioner of Japanese massage. In fact, edicts were passed so that massage was solely a vocation for the blind, forbidden to be learned by any with sight.
Genpachiro Kuroda (portrayed by Shigeru Amachi) can be seen carrying two matching swords throughout the film. This was a samurai practice known as daisho. Translated this means 'big-little'. The big sword was the longer and curved katana, traditionally used for combat and dueling. The short sword was the tanto, most commonly associated with seppuku.
Zatoichi's katana is a shikomizue. This is a sword which is concealed within a wooden cane, thus the cane itself is both handle and scabbard.
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