Fan CastingThe Sword of Legacy: The Ryūtarō Ōtomo Story

The Sword of Legacy tells the fascinating true story of Ryūtarō Ōtomo, a towering figure in Japanese cinema who became synonymous with the samurai hero. Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Japan’s changing cultural and political landscapes, this miniseries delves into the life of a man whose on-screen strength masked personal struggles, passionate ambition, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. In 1936, a young Ryūtarō Ōtomo, a newcomer to Japan's burgeoning film industry, made his debut with Aozura Roshi. From there, he would rise to become one of the country's most beloved stars in jidaigeki films—period dramas featuring samurai. Throughout the series, we explore his transition from an unknown actor to the lead of countless iconic roles, defining the samurai genre for generations. However, the series also highlights the personal battles Ōtomo faced off-camera. His rise to fame in the post-war era coincided with Japan's cultural renaissance, but behind the heroic characters he portrayed, he was deeply affected by the pressures of stardom, his complicated relationships, and the evolution of the film industry. The series brings to light his fierce determination to stay true to his art, navigating a landscape where public image and personal identity often collide.