Sanshiro Sugata

Plot Summary

A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.

Top Cast

Denjirō Ōkōchi Shogoro Yano

Susumu Fujita Sanshiro Sugata

Yukiko Todoroki Sayo Murai

Ryūnosuke Tsukigata Gennosuke Higaki

Takashi Shimura Hansuke Murai, Sayo's father