The Samurai follows the adventures of a samurai named Shintaro, who travels throughout Japan with his young sidekick Tombei, solving mysteries and fighting injustice. Shintaro is a skilled swordsman and strategist, known for his wise and calm demeanor. Each self-contained story arc has a different plotline and supporting cast, allowing for a variety of settings and themes.
Despite its low budget, The Samurai is noteworthy for its high production values, including elaborate period costumes and sets, as well as impressive fight scenes choreographed by sword-fighting expert Hiroshi Suzuki. The series also features a memorable musical score composed by Toshiro Mayuzumi.
In addition to its success in Japan and Australia, The Samurai has influenced other works of Japanese pop culture, such as the anime series Samurai Champloo and the manga Lone Wolf and Cub. The character of Shintaro has become iconic in Japan, and the series remains a beloved classic of Japanese television.
