Sword of Desperation

A talented but troubled Edo Period swordsman, Kanemi Sanzaemon. Three years earlier, Kanemi killed a woman, Renko, the corrupt mistress of the powerful daimyo Tabu Ukyou. Unexpectedly, Kanemi received a lenient sentence for his crime and is allowed to return to his clan after only one year of imprisonment. Following his return, Kanemi is faced with the death of his wife, Mutsue. Thereafter, Kanemi lives with and cares for his wife's niece, Satoo, who has secret affections for Kanemi and expresses them by helping change his bleak outlook on life. Meanwhile, Kanemi's develops his unique "bird-catching" sword technique which he will soon put to test in battle for the first time against the fearsome swordsman, Hayatonosho Obiya.

• 
  Etsushi Toyokawa

  Kanemi Sanzaemon
• 
  Chizuru Ikewaki

  Rio
• 
  Koji Kikkawa

  Obiya
• 
  Tsumami Edamame

  Fukui
• 
  Tenkyû Fukuda

  Hyoue Makihuzi
• 
  Yudai Ishiyama

  Mokichi
• 
  Hana Kino

  Hana
• 
  Ittoku Kishibe

  Deputy Chief Retainer Tsuda
• 
  Tôru Kizu

  Tsunekichi
• 
  Fumiyo Kohinata

  Tsunai Hashina