The story is based on the last script written by Akira Kurosawa and is directed by his former assistant director of 28 years, Takashi Koizumi.

[2] It was Japan's official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 73rd Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.

A traveling rōnin (masterless samurai), Ihei Misawa, takes it upon himself to cheer everyone up by arranging a splendid feast.

Unfortunately he has no money and in order to pay for the feast he visits the local dojos and challenges the masters there for payment, termed in the film as prize fighting.

[1] It was released in Japan on January 22, 2000 where it was distributed by Toho and placed fourth at the box office for the week.