In Medieval Japan, an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other...and him.
Following World War II, a retired professor approaching his autumn years finds his quality of life drastically reduced in war-torn Tokyo. Denying despair, he pursues writing and celebrates his birthday with his adoring students.
A petty thief with an utter resemblance to a samurai warlord is hired as the lord's double. When the warlord later dies the thief is forced to take up arms in his place.
A crafty samurai helps a young man and his fellow clansmen save his uncle, who has been framed and imprisoned by a corrupt superintendent.
The Russian army sends an explorer on an expedition to the snowy Siberian wilderness where he makes friends with a seasoned local hunter.
A crafty ronin comes to a town divided by two criminal gangs and decides to play them against each other to free the town.
An executive of a shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped and held for ransom.
In 19th century Japan, a rough tempered yet charitable town doctor trains a young intern.
A vengeful young man marries the daughter of a corrupt industrialist in order to seek justice for his father's suicide.
Three generations' responses to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Various tales in the lives of Tokyo slum dwellers, including a mentally deficient young man obsessed with driving his own commuter trolley.