Kazuo Koike (Writing)

A Beautiful Demon: Kazuo Koike on 'Lady Snowblood'

In this interview, conducted in 2015, prolific author Kazuo Koike talks about his original LADY SNOWBLOOD manga.

Release Date:2016-01-05

Character:Self

Archive: Lone Wolf and Cub

This series of interviews with the filmmakers who worked on the 6 Baby Cart movies tells the stories behind the story, as they recount what led up to, and how they created the greatest film series in movie history. From the first interview with original author Koike Kazuo through the behind the scenes journey told by half a dozen noted staff members this specially produced DVD is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in samurai movies at their zenith. Starting with the first meeting that original manga author Koike Kazuo had with Wakayama Tomisaburo and never letting up as other notables including director Saito Buichi, producer Sanada Masanori, stunt choreographer Shishido Daizen, cinematographer Morita Fujio, sound recordist Hayashi Tsuchitaro, screenwriter Nakamura Tsutomu, and the real life son of Lone Wolf, Wakayama Kiichiro share their wealth of knowledge.

Release Date:2008-07-10

Blade of a Father, Soul of a Sword

A documentary about the making of the Lone Wolf and Cub film series.

Release Date:2005-01-01

Character:Self

The Princess Blade

Raised by assassins, Yuki is the last of the Takemikazuchi royal bloodline. A deadly weapon in her own right, she learns the gruesome truth about the death of her beloved mother and joins forces with a mysterious rebel leader.

Release Date:2001-12-15

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:32

Master Dochu, Grudge and Love

Who are “Dochu-shi?” They are street thieves. Ankuro’s blissful holiday with his parents is shattered when a group of thieves frame his father for theft and violently take his mother’s life. Fueled by grief and a thirst for justice, Ankuro vows to become a thief himself and challenge his parents’ killers to a match of thievery skills someday. 15 years later, having mastered his skills under the training of Oshin, his adoptive mother, he prepares to face his enemies in a series of matches adhering to the Dochu-shi’s code.

Release Date:1995-10-25

Department:Writing

Job:Novel

Crying Freeman

A lethal assassin for a secret Chinese organisation, who sheds tears of regret each time he kills, is seen swiftly and mercilessly executing three Yakuza gangsters by a beautiful artist. She is captivated by the grace of his kill and later falls in love with him. An intense power struggle for the leadership of the Yakuza Clans ensues as they seek vengeance for the death of their leader.

Release Date:1995-04-23

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:328

Crying Freeman 6: The Guiding Light of Memory

CRYING FREEMAN: FINAL CHAPTER -- THE GUIDING LIGHT OF MEMORY (1993) is the sixth and last volume in the OAV series of Japanese anime adaptations of the "Crying Freeman" manga. A hard-hitting tale of violent criminals engaged in a brutal turf war, it is easily the best-written and most stylishly directed since the first in the series (PORTRAIT OF A KILLER). This one tells the story of a young Japanese Yakuza who takes over the Russian supply of drugs and weapons to Japan and cuts out the involvement of the Hong Kong-based 108 Dragons. Freeman, the hitman of the title and the 108 Dragons' star player, goes to Japan to investigate and gets framed for a succession of assassinations of top Yakuza bosses. The chief enemy here, Tsunaike, is aided by an icily sexy Arctic hit lady, Tanya (described as "Eskimo" in the subtitles, although she looks more Siberian), who is frequently seen in the nude in regular trysts with Tsunaike.

Release Date:1994-02-25

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:2

A Samurai's Sorrow

A rare grouping of the three Tamura brothers, Masakazu, Takahiro, and Ryu highlight this exciting tale of a series of attempts on the life of Shogun Yoshimune. The Owari have longed for the post of shogun, and are willing to do anything, including murder, in order to achieve their goal. Directed by master filmmaker Inoue Akira, this action packed movie, based on a manga by Koike Kazuo who created the Baby Cart (Lone Wolf) series, is loaded with splendid swordplay and an intelligent story line. It all starts when poison is discovered in the shogun’s food. Can the brilliant swordsman Mondo (Tamura Masakazu) manage to save Japan’s leader from certain death?!

Release Date:1993-04-07

Department:Writing

Job:Story

Lone Wolf and Cub: The Final Conflict

A noble samurai serving the Shogun as 'Kogi Kaishaku-nin' (Official Executioner) is the target of a plot by the evil Yagyu Clan to take away his position and replace him with a member of their own family. When his wife is murdered and evidence is produced that he was plotting against the Shogun the Code of Bushido calls for him and his son to commit sepuku. Instead he defies the Shogun's orders and takes up arms against his enemies, becoming an assassin for hire.

Release Date:1993-02-06

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:12

Hanzo, the Razor

During Tenpo period, Bakuhu announced a law regulating expenditures in order to improve the financial situation. However, Doshin of a government office Itami Hanzo, called Kamisori Hanzo, challenged Bakuhu's oppressive way. Because of this, his father Magobei was told to kill himself by the Bakuhu and Hanzo himself was demoted. Five years later, Hanzo came back to the government office and implement a law regulating expenditures. He stands up for revenge Torii Kainokami who desires power as he likes.

Release Date:1993-01-01

Department:Writing

Job:Characters

Crying Freeman 5: Abduction in Chinatown

In L.A.'s Chinatown, the crime cartel known as K.O. hatches a plot to bring down Ron Tayan and the 108 Dragons. Ron joins forces with the computer-savvy daughter of the local boss; she tracks the attacking gang via electronics, Ron goes to their stronghold via plane. They are kidnapers of young children, using ransom money to fuel their other activities. The troops are ex-Green Berets; the leaders are Larry Park, an expatriate Yank, and Nina Heaven, a killer with a soft spot in her heart for Ron. He's her captive, but she wants him to be her partner. Meanwhile, Fu, armed with her Muramasa sword, and Dark Eyes arrive on the island surreptitiously. The battle lines are drawn.

Release Date:1992-10-01

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:2

Hanappe Bazooka

Lecherous high school boy Hanappe is visited by two demons who step from his TV and immediately fall in lust with his mother and sister. The demons turn Hanappe's home into a meeting ground for their demonic friends and grant Hanappe the power of the Hanappe Bazooka. Now his index finger is capable of both a deadly blast and the ability to drive women in a lustful frenzy, but Hanappe isn't very good at controlling it and winds up in serious trouble.

Release Date:1992-09-04

Department:Writing

Job:Author

Vote Count:6

Crying Freeman 4: A Taste of Revenge

Naitai, the evil head of the Great Bear God religion, hatches a plot to destroy the 108 Dragons. His henchman, Oshu Togoku, the world wrestling champion, squeezes Ron Tayan unconscious in a match; the ambulance taking Ron to hospital is actually driven by Kimie, one of Ron's old enemies. She takes him to Naitai's stronghold where he has prepared a clone of Ron whom he intends to send, like a Trojan horse, onto the yacht of the 108 Dragons. Can Ron foil the plot? Will Fu recognize the clone or be fooled? What of Oshu Togoku, can anyone defeat him? And who, or what, can stand up to Naitai's sorcery?

Release Date:1991-09-01

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:2

Mad Bull 34

Rookie Police Officer Daizaburo "Eddie" Ban joins New York's 34th precinct where he is partnered up with John Estes, also known as Sleepy to his friends and Mad Bull to everyone else. Mad Bull usually solves crimes using extreme violence and very unpoliceman-like behaviour which always gets him in trouble with the 34th precinct and his partner Daizaburo. Despite Mad Bulls questionable methods for solving crime he always has a good reason for what he did and together him and Daizaburo try to make New York a safer place for everyone.

Release Date:1990-12-21

Department:Writing

Job:Novel

Episode Count:4

Vote Count:14

The Dragon from Russia

A former member of a band of criminals known as the 'Eight-Hundred Dragons' is living in fear in Manchuria as the clan does not allow people to leave alive. However, he is eventually tracked down, and kidnapped along with a young Manchurian, Yao - whose memory is erased so that he can be trained in martial arts. Yao's work as an assassin becomes more complicated, however, when he sees his old lover again and his real memories come flooding back.

Release Date:1990-08-03

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:20

Killer's Romance

A triad assassin is sent to kill a female witness to a murder only to fall in love with her instead.

Release Date:1990-05-17

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:6

Crying Freeman 3: Shades of Death, Part 2

Ron Tayan now leads the 108 Dragons; Fu Ching Ran is his loyal wife. As their body tattoos show, he's the dragon, she's the tiger. The 108 Dragons are attacked by African Tusk, a syndicate intent on world control. Ron goes to Africa, dealing first with Shicaro, African Tusk's assassin, then with Jagone, its leader. Despite his success, he must still face Bugnug, Jagone's muscular and athletic military commander: Ron gives her a new name, Dark Eyes. Back in Hong Kong, Fu faces danger as well. A Muramasa sword with a dark history and, seemingly, its own demon spirit, falls into her hands. She seeks to tame it, and in the process, discovers her inner warrior identity

Release Date:1990-05-01

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:3

Crying Freeman 2: Shades of Death, Part 1

With the blessing of the 108 Dragons, Yo and Emu marry and receive new names, Ron Tayan and Fu Ching Ran. The elders send them to Macau to find out who's behind a new attack. Fu is kidnaped; at the same time, Baya San (the huge granddaughter of the 108 Dragons' aged leaders) demands to be the next head of the gang, not Ron. The childish Baya San has joined forces with the Macau gang, in league with the American mob. A surprise visitor from the US arrives where Fu is being held captive. Can Ron rescue her, find the traitor within the 108 Dragons, defeat his enemies, and bring discipline to Baya San? He must still face the angry and deadly girlfriend of the American visitor.

Release Date:1989-08-01

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:7

Lone Wolf & Child: Assassin on the Road to Hell

The tale of Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro has come full circle with the greatest sword actor of all time, Wakayama Tomisaburo now playing Lone Wolf's mortal enemy, the evil Lord Yagyu Retsudo, who masterminded Ogami's fall from grace. Brilliant sword actor Takahashi Hideki takes over as the former shogunate decapitator, and his stunning swordsmanship is second to none! The story of Lone Wolf and Child has been told many times, but never before like this. With the magnificent sword skills of Takahashi Hideki as Ogami Itto, the Shogun's Decapitator and Wakayama Tomisaburo as the power hungry Lord Yagyu Retsudo the story has come full circle.

Release Date:1989-04-22

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Vote Count:3

Crying Freeman

Yo Hinomura was an ordinary Japanese potter when a run-in with a Chinese mafia changed his life forever. Now an assassin for the 108 Dragons, Yo is the perfect killing machine. As a sign for remorse over his victims, he sheds tears after eliminating his targets. Because of this, he is infamously known by the Dragons and every crime syndicate in the world as the "Crying Freeman."

Release Date:1988-11-25

Department:Creator

Job:Creator

Vote Count:6

Crying Freeman 1: Portrait of a Killer

Emu Hino, a 29-year-old virgin, witnesses a mob hit and fears that the killer will now find her and kill her. Indeed, he sets out to do so; he's Yo Hinomura, a talented potter and artist who's been conscripted against his will to be the prime hitman for the 108 Dragons, a gang within the Chinese Mafia, who are determined to push aside Tokyo's local crime lords. He breaks into her house, and she asks that he make love to her before he kills her; she connects to his inner self, and he becomes her protector. Now he must defend her against the local crime gang, who have connections with corrupt Tokyo police. Will Yo and Emu make it out alive, and will the 108 Dragons triumph?

Release Date:1988-09-01

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:17

Darling Betty - Demon Story

A devil-girl with the face of an angel and a heart of gold, blond Betty falls in love with an earthbound gangster, Danpei Kimogawa, when they meet in a rainstorm. They end up living together in a Tokyo highrise apartment, though Danpei has trouble coping with his new witch and demon in-laws dropping in at inopportune moments. Betty has actually been sent to the human world on a mission to defeat the demon Lutan. While Betty continues her task, her skeletal grandmother sends nubile nymphs to tempt Danpei and see if he is suitable husband material. Based on the manga Mamonogatari itoshi no beti.

Release Date:1986-07-19

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

The Scarred Man

Yuko Kusaka is a Japanese journalist sent to Brazil to do a report on the gold rush phenomenon that seems to be making many people rich from night to day. Rumors say that among the many "garimpeiros" (gold diggers) currently on the Amazon forest, there is a Japanese known as Rio Baraki. Reaching their destination, her crew member is promptly attacked and she is raped as a warning to stop their work and return immediately to their home country. Determined to do her job, she stays and finds out from the attacker that he is none other than Baraki, a white haired muscular man with a large scar on his back. Later she discovers that his real name is Keisuke Ibaraki. Once a promising quarterback, he ended up falsely incriminated by a powerful organization known as GPX.

Release Date:1986-07-05

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Midnight Demon

Japanese horror movie from 1984.

Release Date:1984-08-16

Department:Writing

Job:Story

Hanzo: The Razor

A pair of black-robed thieves who robbed many wealthy merchants in Edo one after another. One of them is a young woman who is called "Aoi no Kozo" because she always takes off her skin to show the tattoo on her back. The target of the robbers was the Kogi, and in particular, the big stores that were under the control of Hotta Bizen. Itami Hanzo, a Doshin known as "Kamisori Hanzo" discovers when he tracks down the Aoi no Kozo! What is the truth?!

Release Date:1984-02-16

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

A Samurai's Sorrow: The Deadly Sword

The second installment of the special drama "Kawaiteshimau" features Masakazu Tamura playing the role of "Udege Shujo," the official taster for the shogunate. Tamura's unmatched charm in portraying cynical characters is fully showcased in this exhilarating period drama. Audiences can thoroughly enjoy the familiar "Ten'ichibō Incident" in this lively historical play.

Release Date:1984-01-26

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

The Fugitive Samurai

Itto Ogami- High Executioner to the Shogun- has been betrayed by his political enemies and sentenced to a dishonorable death. Seeking to restore the honor of his name, Ogami- The Wolf- must flee the Shogun's grasp and live long enough to prove his innocence. Taking only his sword and his son, Ogami embarks on a bloody journey of righteousness and revenge as he seeks to destroy those who would disgrace his family's name. Hunted mercilessly by the Shogun's troops, by his enemies, and by those who seek the reward put on his head, Ogami must fight his way through feudal Japan, challenging and defeating all who stand in the way of his quest for honor. Can Ogami- a true Samurai Warrior- endure the ceaseless violence which surrounds him?

Release Date:1984-01-03

Department:Writing

Job:Writer

Odokumiyaku Shushou Kawaite sōrō

Release Date:1983-06-17

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Kasajiro: Truncheon versus Sword

A series of murders at Fukagawa lumberyard is tied to a grudge letter from the deceased Kansuke Tsukunamiya. Officer Kasajiro Sakane investigates the baffling case.

Release Date:1982-06-04

Department:Writing

Job:Novel

Shogun Assassin

A Shogun who grew paranoid as he became senile sent his ninjas to kill his samurai. They failed but did kill the samurai’s wife. The samurai swore to avenge the death of his wife and roams the countryside with his toddler son in search of vengeance.

Release Date:1980-11-11

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:166

Hanjiro, A Great Philanderer

Based on the comic by Kazuo Koike and Satomi Kôe.

Release Date:1975-01-29

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance

Lady Snowblood is caught by the police and sentenced to death for her crimes. As she is sent to the gallows she is rescued by the secret police who offer her a deal to assassinate some revolutionaries.

Release Date:1974-06-15

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Vote Count:119

Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell

In the sixth and final film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, the final conflict between Ogami Itto and the Yagyu clan is carried out.

Release Date:1974-04-24

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Vote Count:118

Electroid Zaborger 7

Denjin Zaborger, translated as Electroid Zaborger 7, was a Japanese tokusatsu television series that aired in 1974, produced by P Productions, it was their last Tokusatsu series of the 1970s. Denjin Zaborger stars Akira Yamaguchi as secret agent Yutaka Daimon. The robot Denjin Zaborger has no personality at all, its Akira Yamaguchi as the wild warrior Yutaka Daimon who gives the series its heart. A movie remake titled Karate-Robo Zaborgar was released in 2011.

Release Date:1974-04-06

Department:Writing

Job:Original Concept

Episode Count:65

Vote Count:2

Demon Spies

Deep in the mountains of feudal Japan, a group of children endure cruel and unorthodox training in order to become the Shogunate's most secret and deadly weapons - the Demon Spies! Their true identities are hidden - even from each other. Behind their demon masks, they are educated in the deadly arts of infiltration, espionage, assassination - and seduction! If they survive to become strong enough to kill their teachers, they will become - the Demon Spies! Sent on a suicide mission to uncover a deadly conspiracy, five inexperienced Demon Spies must infiltrate a powerful fief, discover the location of its secret arsenal, and destroy it. But Lord Shogen, the Demon Hunter, plans to brutally interrogate, ingeniously torture, and cruelly execute - the Demon Spies!

Release Date:1974-02-09

Department:Writing

Job:Author

Vote Count:9

Bohachi Bushido: The Villain

The Bohachi Clan, the most vile, corrupt organization with ties deep in the Shogunate, have controlled the flesh trade in Japan for generations. When threatened by a competitor, they employ Saburai, a nihilistic ronin on the verge of self destruction. Blood gushes and limbs fly for anyone who stands against Saburai as he instills the Way of the Bohachi.

Release Date:1974-02-02

Department:Writing

Job:Comic Book

Vote Count:4

Lady Snowblood

Yuki's family is nearly wiped out before she is born due to the machinations of a band of criminals. These criminals kidnap and brutalize her mother but leave her alive. Later her mother ends up in prison with only revenge to keep her alive. She creates an instrument for this revenge by purposefully getting pregnant. Yuki never knows the love of a family but only killing and revenge.

Release Date:1973-12-01

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Vote Count:367

Hanzo the Razor: The Snare

Against the backdrop of the Edo treasury devaluing currency and driving many into poverty, Hanzo Itami enforces the law without regard to status. He shows inadequate respect to the treasurer, who wants him dead.

Release Date:1973-08-11

Department:Writing

Job:Story

Vote Count:32

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons

In the fifth film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, Ogami Itto is challenged by five warriors, each has one fifth of Ogami's assassin fee and one fifth of the information he needs to complete his assassination.

Release Date:1973-08-11

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:123

Kōkōsei burai hikae: Kanjirū Muramasa

Based on the comic by Kazuo Koike

Release Date:1973-06-23

Department:Writing

Job:Original Story

Lone Wolf and Cub

Ogami Itto is a master swordsman who holds a position of high power in the Tokugawa Shogunate. Highly trusted by the Shogun, he serves as the official decapitator, assisting lords and samurai who have been ordered by the Shogun to commit seppuku. One day, Itto’s wife and members of his household are brutally murdered by a clan seeking to avenge their lord’s execution, which had been carried out by Itto. In the wake of the attack, two items are left in Itto’s home: his unhurt infant son, Daigoro, and a symbol meant to signify Itto’s betrayal of the Shogun. Disgraced by the false symbol, Itto is labeled a traitor and forced to forfeit his position. He becomes a ronin, wandering the country with his son, searching for the men who killed his wife, seeking to clear his name and avenge her death.

Release Date:1973-04-08

Department:Writing

Job:Writer

Episode Count:78

Vote Count:7

Kôkôsei burai hikae: Tsuki no Muramasa

Based on the comic by Kazuo Koike

Release Date:1973-04-07

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight

A Ronin with a death wish reluctantly joins the Clan of the Forgotten Eight, a nasty crew of ronin who are wrapped up in a clan war over local prostitution.

Release Date:1973-02-03

Department:Writing

Job:Author

Vote Count:28

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril

In the fourth film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, Ogami Itto is hired to kill a tattooed female assassin and battles Retsudo, head of the Yagyu clan, and his son Gunbei.

Release Date:1972-12-30

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:135

Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice

Fearless Edo-period police inspector Hanzo Itami, nicknamed The Razor, has developed his own unique way of extracting information for his inquiries. His first adventure sees him investigating his superior officer's mistress, whom he suspects of having ties with a reputed criminal on the loose.

Release Date:1972-12-30

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:47

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades

In the third film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, Ogami Itto volunteers to be tortured by Yakuza to save a prostitute and is hired by their leader to kill an evil chamberlain.

Release Date:1972-09-02

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:142

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx

In the second film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, Ogami Itto battles a group of female ninja in the employ of the Yagyu clan and must assassinate a traitor who plans to sell his clan's secrets to the Shogunate.

Release Date:1972-04-22

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:174

Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance

In this first film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, adapted from the manga by Kazuo Koike, we are told the story of the Lone Wolf and Cub's origin. Ogami Itto, the official Shogunate executioner, has been framed for disloyalty to the Shogunate by the Yagyu clan, against whom he now is waging a one-man war, along with his infant son, Daigoro.

Release Date:1972-01-15

Department:Writing

Job:Screenplay

Vote Count:223