Musashi

武蔵

  • Winter 2003
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
NetworkNHK
Broadcast5 Jan 2003 – 7 Dec 2003
Episodes49 Episodes
Viewership—
Fan score 10.0 from 6 reviews

Synopsis

Everyone in Japan knows the legend of Musashi, a warrior hero of the 17th century. Here his vibrant story is brought to life in this stunning epic drama with a star-studded cast. In retaliation to his abandonment by his overbearing father when he was a child, Musashi Miyamoto sets out to become a master swordsman. His real name is Takezo, but after fighting valiantly at the Battle of Sekigahara at the tender age of seventeen, he is bestowed the name "Musashi" and begins his search for the true way of the sword. Battling his way across the country, by the time he is 29 years old, he had fought and emerged undefeated in sixty battles. Although already unbeatable, Musashi continues his journey of combat toward the limits of his own ability. Many women are attracted to such a brash warrior, but truly a man of high standards, he settles only for his beloved Otsu, a childhood friend. They have a mutual understanding and respect for each other, which is the source of inspiration during Musashi's transitory journey. The only problem is that Otsu has been promised in marriage to someone else--Musashi's comrade, Matahachi. Determined to fight for the man she loves, Otsu flees her hometown and tries to follow Musashi across the country. However, several forces are working against them, maliciously conspiring to keep them apart. Can Musashi outwit his enemies, overcome double-crossing allies, and become recognized as the strongest warrior in the country? And will he ever be reunited with his true love, Otsu?

Cast & characters 20 credited

Fan reviews 6 reviews

10.0/ 10
10 6
9 0
8 0
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1–6 0

Best Taiga ever.

10 / 10

MonsterZero65 · 2010

They could not have picked a better cast to play in this drama. I enjoyed every single episode. Musashi is one of the true great swordsmen so it is fitting that in my opinion NHK's best work to date was based on his life.

Superior

10 / 10

jdoramadotcom · 2009

Based on the popular novel, it just doesn't get much better than this. You can quibble about details (e.g., the real Musashi was painfully ugly, not a hunk as shown here), but this drama captures the time and characters vividly. The real Musashi may have been a relatively obscure person, but his tale feels spot-on.

This series patches in the sketchy details on Musashi's life the best it can, making for a drama that captures the main events of the time, and enlarges upon its bigger than life personalities.

Best Taiga ever!

10 / 10

MonsterZero-65 · 2006

I could not have liked it more. My all time favorite Taiga drama. Everything worked acting, directing, story line, cinematography, sound... I can't imagine anything that they could do to improve it other than extending it out longer. The end comes quickly and leaves you wanting to see the later part of the life of Musashi which is not a bad thing. As they say always leave them asking for more. I highly suggest this Taiga drama to anyone that has a chance to see it.

All 6 reviews