Cinema

Hakkenden: Fiction and Reality

Wed 25 Feb 2026 20:00

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026: Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema.

Co-presented by the Japan Foundation.

Supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

A retelling of the classic story, revealing the hidden tale behind it.

In early 19th-century Edo, celebrated novelist TAKIZAWA Bakin (YAKUSHO Koji, Under the Open Sky, JFTFP23, Cure, JFTFP11) embarks on an ambitious new story of eight samurai warriors. Each bears a mystical orb that grants them supernatural powers, drawing them together by destiny to break the curse afflicting the Satomi clan. Seeking an illustrator, Bakin turns to his close friend, the legendary ukiyo-e master KATSUSHIKA Hokusai (UCHINO Seiyo).

Though Hokusai declines to collaborate, suggesting his son-in-law instead, he becomes captivated by Bakin’s storytelling and continues to visit, eager to hear each new chapter as it unfolds. Nearly three decades pass, and the tale has become Bakin’s life’s work — now serialised and nearing its climactic battle between good and evil. But Bakin’s private life takes its toll; in addition to family strife, he begins to lose his sight. Just as despair sets in, his devoted daughter-in-law, Omichi (KUROKI Haru, Sensei, Would You Sit Beside Me?, JFTFP23; It Comes, JFTFP23), makes an unexpected offer to help him continue, rekindling his determination to complete the work.

Hakkenden is a story that has been adapted for film numerous times since the 1950s. But this adaptation is different. Masterfully directed by SORI Fumihiko (Pinpon, 2002), Hakkenden: Fiction and Reality blends the intimate true story of some of Japan’s most renowned artistic historical figures with the spectacular battles of eight fictional warriors. It reveals the truth behind the classic household novel, featuring some of Japan’s finest actors alongside breathtaking visual effects.

Contains mild violence and action.

Awards

Award of the Japanese Academy for Newcomer of the Year 2025

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