Hidehiko Ishikura

When her crime boss husband is sent to prison, a woman assumes control of one of the most powerful gangs in Japan.

The eruption of Mt. Fuji in 1707 released hordes of demons from deep inside the earth. Sakuya, the young daughter of a samurai killed fighting these demons, accepts a mission to travel to Mt. Fuji and defeat the evil spirits. Accompanying her on her journey are two veteran warriors who served her father, and Tarō, a young kappa, or river spirit, whom she has adopted as her little brother. Along the way, the two warriors have doubts about Tarō’s loyalties, and the young kappa himself must decide if he will stand with his own species or with the humans who have cared for him.

1968 film

Set during the last days of the Tokugawa (Edo) Period, Moeyo-ken tells the story of Hijikata Toshizo and the Shinsengumi. Hijikata Toshizo is a samurai eager to test his skills and sword and make his first kill. The dojo he belongs to practices the Tennen Rishin style and teaches this to farmers. Not considered real samurai by other dojo's, they receive a request for a duel by a rival dojo practicing the Kogen Itto style. Sohaku Rokusha, a teacher there, challenges them and fights with Hijikata Toshizo. The outcome of the fight creates a deadly animosity between them that lasts through the ages.

Determined to forge a new legend, the Liangshan Gang have taken their campaign against ‘CR Monster House’ nationwide. Having completed their preliminary research, they set out for a new town, but with the Liangshan Gang’s name now known across the country thanks to media coverage, every pachinko parlour had tightened its security against them. To make matters worse, in that town there was a rogue establishment with links to the police and organised crime… and the Gang were prevented from playing. However, Liangshanbo are not the sort to back down quietly. The enraged members used their own network to gather information on that parlour, quietly—yet fiercely—biding their time for the chance to crush their enemies!!

The Liangshanbo Pachinko Gang—who had conquered one new machine after another. Their exploits had been reported nationwide by the media, and recently, with security tightened at every hall, their activities had been restricted and their winning record had declined significantly. Aiming for a comeback in a new town, Liangshanbo were devoting themselves to mastering ‘CR Monster House’. Just then, whilst scouting out a parlour, the gang spotted ‘Tetsu of Naniwa’, who had once been Liangshanbo’s strike force captain. Tetsu had disappeared from the scene due to a falling-out with Ohno. The current Liangshanbo needed Tetsu’s strength. … The leader persuaded both Ohno and Tetsu to reconcile. With Tetsu’s return, Liangshanbo regained its vigour and launched a full-scale assault on the hall. However, a trap set by the hall—which had been on high alert for Liangshanbo—awaited them there!