The character was played by Yōko Matsuyama, future wife of the original manga author Teruo Tanashita, who had starred as swordswomen in a number of popular TV series including Kotohime Shichi Henge (The Seven Faces of Princess Koto) from 1960 to 1962, Tsukihime Toge (Princess Tsuki Pass) in 1963, and Tabigarasu Kurenai Osen (Crimson Osen The Wanderer) from 1968 to 1969.

Others have claimed the title came from a much earlier non-related film entitled Crimson Bat (紅蝙蝠, Kurenai Kawahori) (1958) which featured Yōko Matsuyama in a supporting role.

The character appeared in 4 films released by Shochiku studios, before moving on to television just as the Zatoichi series did.

An official Zatoichi-based film about a blind swordswoman was released decades later entitled Ichi, which featured the title character searching for her mentor Zatoichi (seen in flashbacks).

[4] This series was produced by Union Motion Picture Co, Ltd. (ユニオン映画) and ran for 25 episodes from April 12, 1971, to September 27, 1971.