Nishikie Edosugata Hatamoto to Machiyakko plot
Japan, mid 17th century. Saburobei Asahina (Utaemon Ichikawa) comes from an honorable family but abhors the idea of becoming an honorable samurai (a hatamoto). To escape that, he becomes a maciyakko. A machiyakko is a samurai who fights against the hatamotoyakko, evil samurai who often form gangs and commit all kinds of crimes. He is constantly looking for fights and his courage earns him the admiration of the city dwellers, who see in him a hero. Meanwhile, with a daring plan, he tries to help his older brother; a samurai who is in love with his female servant but cannot begin a relationship with her because of their difference in status.