Four-Month Marathon Broadcast of 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' Series Starring Ichikawa Raizō, a Hard-Boiled Jidaigeki Gem in Japanese Cinema History!

BS10 Premium (pronounced 'Bee-Ess-Ten Premium'), a comprehensive entertainment broadcasting channel operated by Japanet Broadcasting Corporation, will present a four-month consecutive marathon broadcast of the popular film series based on the sword-fighting novels by Shibata Renzaburo, starring the legendary Ichikawa Raizō.

In July, the final month of the special programming, all 12 films in the series will be broadcast in a grand finale. From the first installment, 'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Doom,' which depicts a conspiracy involving the Kaga Domain's secret trade and a revenge drama entangling Kurando, to the twelfth and final Raizō-starring film, 'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Hunt for Evil Women,' the broadcast will be a whirlwind of cinematic brilliance.

Don't miss the evolution of Raizō's 'noble prince of the silver screen,' from the nihilistic charm established in the first film to the deepening decadent beauty in the later entries. A newly unveiled promotional video showcases Kurando wielding his deadly 'Engetsu Sappo' technique to cut down evil. Experience the solitary allure and existential emptiness etched onto the screen by the once-in-a-generation star who passed away at the young age of 37. Immerse yourself in the essence of hard-boiled jidaigeki that shines brilliantly in Japanese film history.

Complete 12-Film Marathon of Ichikawa Raizō's 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' Series!

The first film in the 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series, based on the sword-fighting novel by Shibata Renzaburo and starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Depicts the exploits of Kurando, master of the 'Engetsu Sappo' technique.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Doom' (c)KADOKAWA 1963

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Doom' Broadcast Date and Time: July 6 (Mon) 3:15 PM / July 24 (Fri) 5:30 AM

The first installment of the 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series, Ichikawa Raizō's once-in-a-lifetime role. Directed by Tanaka Tokuzo, known for 'Zatoichi's Vengeance,' with a screenplay by Hoshihara Seiji, who would go on to write eight of the series' scripts. The story weaves a conspiracy around the Kaga Domain's secret trade with a revenge drama involving Kurando. Highlights include the golden on-screen pairing of Nakamura Tamayo as the tragic heroine and Raizō, and the performance of Shiro Shigematsu (later Wakayama Tomisaburo) as a master of Shaolin boxing.

The second installment of the popular jidaigeki series starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Kurando uses his signature Engetsu Sappo technique to protect an elderly senior accountant striving to reform the shogunate's administration.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Duel' Broadcast Date and Time: July 7 (Tue) 2:15 PM / July 24 (Fri) 7:00 AM

The second film, highly praised for establishing Raizō's nihilistic portrayal of Kurando and defining the series' direction. Screenplay by Hoshihara Seiji, adapting another bestseller by Shibata Renzaburo, directed by the master craftsman Misumi Kenji, known for the 'Zatoichi' series. Highlights include Fujimura Shiho as a mysterious fortune teller who traps Kurando, and a stellar cast of actresses including Takada Miwa as a pure-hearted town girl and Kubo Nahoko as a haughty princess.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Duel' (c)KADOKAWA 1964

The third installment of the jidaigeki series 'Sleepy Eyes of Death,' starring the late great Ichikawa Raizō.

A conflict erupts over Kurando's legendary sword, 'Muso Shodai.'

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Crescent Moon Cut' (c)KADOKAWA 1964

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Crescent Moon Cut' Broadcast Date and Time: July 8 (Wed) 2:50 PM / July 27 (Mon) 5:30 AM

The third film in the 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series, another perfect fit for Ichikawa Raizō. Screenplay by Hoshihara Seiji, continuing from the first two films, directed by Yasuda Kimiyoshi, who also helmed the sixth and eleventh installments. The film weaves in human drama involving a lord obsessed with the legendary sword, a daughter with ambitions for the inner palace, and commoners suffering from famine, all cut down by Kurando's swirling desires and Engetsu Sappo. Must-see spectacle scenes include sensual performances by beautiful actresses and intense sword fights on a burning bridge.

The fourth installment of the popular jidaigeki series 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Kurando becomes entangled in an opium conspiracy, and the secret of his birth is revealed.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Wicked Women' Broadcast Date and Time: July 9 (Thu) 2:00 PM / July 27 (Mon) 7:00 AM

The fourth film in the series adapting Shibata Renzaburo's sword-fighting novels. In addition to Raizō's nihilistic portrayal, this film introduces strobe photography and afterimage effects in the depiction of the 'Engetsu Sappo' technique for the first time. Director Ikehiro Kazuo, who elevated the series from cancellation risk to popularity, also directed the ninth and twelfth installments, as well as the posthumous Matsukata Hiroki version. Highlights include sensual performances by actresses Fujimura Shiho and Harukawa Masumi.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Wicked Women' (c)KADOKAWA 1964

The fifth installment of the popular 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' jidaigeki series starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Kurando's无情 sword cuts through deep shogunate conspiracies and traps of white flesh!

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Passion [4K Digital Restoration Version]' (c)KADOKAWA 1965

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Passion [4K Digital Restoration Version]' Broadcast Date and Time: July 10 (Fri) 2:30 PM / July 28 (Tue) 5:30 AM

The fifth film in Ichikawa Raizō's definitive 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series. Kurando, helping a woman avenge her family, becomes entangled in a conspiracy over treasure. Screenplay by Hoshihara Seiji, continuing from the previous film, directed by Misumi Kenji, who returned after directing the second film. With Sakagami Michiko forced to withdraw due to illness, Nakamura Tamayo returns after the first film to play a demonic heroine. Highlights include a diverse cast of actresses and standout villain performance by Nishimura Akira.

The sixth installment of the popular 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' jidaigeki series starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Kurando's Engetsu Sappo technique shines as he protects a boy manipulated in a succession struggle.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Demonic Beauty' Broadcast Date and Time: July 13 (Mon) 2:20 PM / July 28 (Tue) 7:00 AM

The sixth film in Ichikawa Raizō's 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series. Adapted from Shibata Renzaburo's swordsman novel by director Yasuda Kimiyoshi, who also directed the third and eleventh films, and screenwriter Hoshihara Seiji, who has written all scripts since the first. Sakagami Michiko, who had to withdraw from the previous film due to illness, fulfills her dream role as a master of shuriken who targets Kurando as her brother's killer. Highlights also include popular actresses such as Hasegawa Machiko as a snake handler and Wakamatsu Kazuko as a nun who seduces Kurando.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Demonic Beauty' (c)KADOKAWA 1965

The seventh installment of the popular 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' jidaigeki series starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Princess Kiku, introduced in the fourth film, sets a trap and attacks Kurando!

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Sentiment' (c)KADOKAWA 1966

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of Sentiment' Broadcast Date and Time: July 14 (Tue) 2:00 PM / July 29 (Wed) 5:30 AM

The seventh film in Ichikawa Raizō's perfect-fit 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series. Screenplay by Hoshihara Seiji, directed by Inoue Akira, who collaborated with Raizō on the 'Army Nakano School' series. Princess Kiku, played by Mouri Ikuko in the fourth film, returns. She manipulates men from behind the scenes and plots to eliminate Kurando, who harbors resentment. Unique visual expressions by director Inoue, such as crane shots and giving the camera to Raizō himself, enhance the dramatic scenes. Music composed by Ifukube Akira.

The eighth installment of the historical drama 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series starring Ichikawa Raizō.

Tenchi Shigeru plays the ultimate rival, and Kurando rises to face the threat of a great fire approaching Edo.

'Sleepy Eyes of Death: Sword of the Rogue' Broadcast Date and Time: July 15 (Wed) 2:20 PM / July 29 (Wed) 7:00 AM

The eighth film in the 'Sleepy Eyes of Death' series adapting Shibata Renzaburo's sword-fighting novels. To date