Chambara

A popular genre of both Japanese television and film is the jidai-geki (period dramas) sometimes referred to as chambara. Typically set in Japan's feudal Edo period (1603-1867), these fictional stories feature lots of samurai swordplay and simple themes whereby the evil are punished and the good are rewarded. Often jidai-geki characters are based on historical figures, but the plots are rarely accurate accounts. Costumes and even the period language often resemble the feudal era, but writers and directors frequently take liberties with many other historical details.

My favorite is Zenigata Heiji, a television chambara show. Heiji is a goyoukiki, basically a poor non-samurai assistant working for the higher ranked police officials in Edo. He was not a samurai and seemed to resent those who were, especially if they abuse their rank and power. Using information and gossip from his companion, Hachigoro, Heiji solves many of the crimes he faces based on his investigations and the application of intellect rather than by brute force. In fact, Zenigata Heiji was where I first saw a jutte. This sparked my interest in this unusual weapon.

These pages cover some of the more popular chambara movie and television series. I hope you enjoy them. Afterwards, test your knowledge with the chambara quiz.