

Saburo Kitajima, one of Japan’s most famous Enka singers, returns in the fifth of the Kyodai Jingi series. During the early 20th century, Ryuji from Asakusa, a wandering yakuza, joins the Narumi Family in Yokohama. However, when he confronts Shiotaro, the head of the rival family, Ryuji takes a liking to him. He ends up leaving his current family, and becomes close to Shiotaro like brothers swearing to become a full-fledged yakuza.
Acting
Kitajima's brooding charisma carries every scene.
Direction
Yamashita's confident, economical storytelling.

Director
Kōsaku Yamashita
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Kyodai Jingi series helped define ninkyo eiga, the chivalrous yakuza genre that dominated Japanese cinema before Kinji Fukasaku's grittier reboot.
Saburo Kitajima was already a massive Enka star—casting him as a wandering tough guy was like if Elvis kept playing rebels, but with more kimono.