【Saturday Cinema】The Kitten Samurai – Watch Adorable Cats Tame a Samurai

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported

The story is set in Edo during the final years of the shogunate. The wandering samurai swordsman Banten Kuu-tarou (played by Kazuki Kitamura), known by titles such as “Hundred-Man Slayer” and “Demon Slayer,” who killed whoever crossed his path—left his wife and children in their hometown and came to the city alone several years ago to make a living. However, fate was cruel, and he failed to secure an official position in the government, eventually becoming a wandering swordsman. One day, a group of uninvited guests came to the quiet lodging where he stayed and caused chaos. They were from the dog-faction Mimasaka family. The young master of the Mimasaka family, Saburouta, asked Banten to assassinate the leader of the rival cat-faction Aikawa family—not the man himself, but his most beloved cat? Though it wounded Banten’s pride as a samurai, he agreed to take the job—for the money...

The Kitten Samurai Movie Edition is the latest in a series of heartwarming animal-themed period dramas, following “Nekotaxi” and “Shibainu Patrol.” The sword master with the peculiar nickname “Banken” (Ghost Cat), Banten Kuu-tarou, is naturally played by Kazuki Kitamura. From playing an ancient Roman in “Thermae Romae” to portraying a father figure opposite veteran actor Tatsuya Nakadai in “A Japanese Tragedy,” Kitamura has delivered a variety of distinctly different roles. He is not only a highly skilled superstar but also has a very strong personal charm.

 

The role of Tamanojou was played by three cats: Big Sakura, Little Sakura, and Little Eel. Each cat had its own specialty—for instance, Big Sakura, being more calm, was used for sleeping or static scenes, while lively and active Little Sakura took on running scenes. Little Eel, who had the best chemistry with Kazuki Kitamura, naturally played the scenes interacting directly with him. Kitamura revealed that he is a huge cat fan, and working with the three kittens made him very happy. “We all worked together while being healed by the kittens.” It was truly a blissful experience. The introspective monologues of Banten’s inner thoughts, which were well-received in the TV version, are also featured in the movie. Additionally, there are intense sword fights and action scenes, creating a dynamic storyline that shifts seamlessly between action and calm, resulting in a visually rich period drama.