KIZUNA:The Samurai's Legacy
This film showcases the skills of a Japanese actor specializing in tate (samurai stage combat). Set in a time when the tradition of katakiuchi (vendetta) still existed in Japan, it explores the bond between warriors who inherit the souls of their loved ones and the beliefs they stood for. At its heart, it is a story of kizuna (connection) and the unwavering spirit of the samurai.
-
Takeaki AbeKey Cast"Masatoki Abe"Lead – KIZUNA: The Samurai’s Legacy (Official Selection: UK/US/ India) Nominee – Trash Film Festival/Urban Action ShowcaseInternational Action Film Festival/Fighting SpiritAll Action and Martial Arts Film Festival
-
Maho KurakakeKey Cast"Maho Abe"Lead – KIZUNA: The Samurai’s Legacy (Official Selection: UK/US/ India) Nominee – Trash Film Festival/Urban Action ShowcaseInternational Action Film Festival /Fighting SpiritAll Action and Martial Arts Film Festival
-
Takeaki AbeWriterWriter – KIZUNA: The Samurai’s Legacy (Official Selection & Nominee: 6 international festivals)
-
Takeaki AbeProducerProducer – KIZUNA: The Samurai’s Legacy (Official Selection & Nominee: 6 international festivals)
-
Cotatsu IshigakiSupporting Cast
-
Tomoaki FujitaSupporting Cast
-
Ryuta NishidaSupporting Cast
-
Tokimitsu YukiSupporting Cast
-
Misato HarukadoSupporting Cast
-
Naoto YanagiSupporting Cast
-
Tomohiro EriSupporting Cast
-
Takeaki AbeSamurai Fight Choreographer
-
Narimitsu HisamichiDirectorDirector – KIZUNA: The Samurai’s Legacy (Official Selection: UK/US/ India) Nominee – Trash Film Festival/Urban Action ShowcaseInternational Action Film Festival/Fighting SpiritAll Action and Martial Arts Film Festival
-
Project Type:Short, Web / New Media, Other
-
Genres:Drama, Action, Historical, Japaneseculture, Samurai
-
Runtime:15 minutes
-
Completion Date:February 15, 2025
-
Production Budget:1,500 USD
-
Country of Origin:Japan
-
Country of Filming:Japan
-
Language:Japanese
-
Shooting Format:BMPCC4K
-
Aspect Ratio:16:9
-
Film Color:Black & White and Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:No
-
Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
-
5th KERALA SHORT FILM FESTIVALKerala
India
March 29, 2025
Official Selection for the Competition,Project has been selected to be included in festival. -
15th PUNE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2025Pune
June 2, 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION -
20th Trash Film FestivalVarazdin
September 10, 2025
Official Nominee for Golden Chainsaw Award (Best Action movie) -
10th Fighting Spirit All Action and Martial Arts Film FestivalHackney Picturehouse
United Kingdom
September 13, 2025
OFFICIAL NOMINEE 【BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM&BEST INTERNATIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHY】 -
12th Urban Action Showcase International Action Film FestivalNew York
United States
October 25, 2025
Official NOMINEE 【BEST SHORT FILM 】 -
14th Bengaluru International Short Film FestivalBengaluru
India
August 7, 2025
Official Selection
He was deeply inspired to pursue a career as an action film actor and director after watching Project A, directed by and starring Jackie Chan, when I was in my first year of junior high school.
While still in high school, I began performing in action shows and stage productions. In 2017, I joined Gekidan 4 Dollar 50 Cent, an entertainment troupe produced by Yasushi Akimoto, and have been actively working as an actor both within and outside the company ever since.
In October 2019, I screened my short film Himajin no Asobi at United Cinemas Toyosu, which became the catalyst for my deeper involvement in filmmaking. Since then, I have directed a variety of projects, including music videos and short films.
In 2020, I co-founded Tokyo Cinemas with composer Naoki Tani, focusing on the concept of “creating music from screenplays.” As a director, I handle all aspects of production, from writing and filming to editing.