is a Japanese historical anthology film directed by Takashi Miike. Released on DVD on July 20, 2002, it contains three short films produced between 1998 and 2002 presenting legends about the history of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Tsuiketsu Fantasy: The Dream Legend of Tonkararin
Runtime: 33 minutes. Produced in 1998 by the Government of Kikusui-machi and the Government of Kumamoto-ken. Filming took place in Kikusui, Kumamoto.
Plot
1500 years ago, samurai invaders attack a village along the Kikuchi River near a cave in the east side of the country named Tsuiketsu where the people gather in the tenth month to receive the god Tsui. The invaders kill everyone except a little girl hiding in the cave who uses her mother's magic necklace to summon the dragon god to defeat them.
Twenty years later, more samurai invaders from the Mikado invade the country. The girl's husband gives his life fighting the samurai to protect her while standing before the cave. Facing this new threat, she sacrifices herself and save the country by stabbing herself while wearing the necklace. The dragon god Tsui arrives and sheds tears of sorrow for the fallen couple, transforming them into balls of light living in the hearts of the people to this day.
Cast
Mikijirō Hira
Kikuchi Castle Story: The Song of the Defenders
Runtime: 29 minutes. Produced in 2000 by the Government of Kumamoto-ken and the Kumamoto Prefectural Decorative Tumulus Museum. This segment was filmed partly in 3D. Partway through the story, a Sakimori reminds viewers to remove their 3D glasses.
Plot
In the year 663, Prince Nakano-Oe, the future Emperor Tenji, sends his army to the Korean Peninsula to support the restoration of Kudara, which had been destroyed by the joint armies of Toh and Shiragi. His army is destroyed in the battle of Hakusukinoe and, fearing retaliation by Toh and Shiragi, the Prince builds castles in strategic defensive locations, particularly on the island of Kyushu. Soldiers from mainland Japan are drafted as Sakimori (frontline defenders) to serve at the castles.
A group of Sakimori are sent to Kikuchi Castle, 60 km south of the capital Dazaifu. Kurota, a watchman, has a dream that the city is invaded by Toh and Shiragi soldiers. Three years later, when their service period is nearly complete, a soldier from Kudara who was at the battle of Hakusukinoe dies saving some Sakimori when a building collapses on them. The short film ends by stating that many citizens of Kudara defected to Japan, bringing their technology and culture with them to help create what Japan is now.
Cast
Tōru Emori as Paekche nobleman (as Tooru Emori) Renji Ishibashi as Nakatomi-no-Kamatari Jinpachi Nezu as Frontier guard Ren Osugi as Naka-no-Ooe-no-ōji
A Woman in the Revolt of the Clans
Runtime: 60 minutes. Produced in 2002 by Brooks (Burukkusu) Inc., the Government of Kumamoto-ken, the Government of Mikawa-machi, and the Japan Lottery Association (which provided a grant). Production services were provided by Kansai Location Service (KLS) Corporation. Filming took place in the Tamana District of Kumamoto, including the grounds of Tanaka Castle in Mikawa-machi. Screenplay by Itaru Era.