Zatoichi: The Fugitive (座頭市兇状旅, Zatōichi Kyōjō tabi) is a 1963 Japanese Chambara film directed by Tokuzō Tanaka starring Shintaro Katsu as the blind masseur Zatoichi, originally released by the Daiei Motion Picture Company (now known as Kadokawa Pictures).

Ichi (which is the main character's name, Zato being the lowest rank in the Todoza) travels by foot and enters a local sumo match to earn prize money.

The inn keeper's adopted daughter Nobu is in love with Sakichi but her father Shimazo does not approve of him.

He rushes to the old abandoned inn where Nobu grew up as a child and sees that Tane is safe and well.

Tane goes outside and pleads with her husband not to attack, that she loves him and that she wants him to stay alive which will not happen if he faces Ichi.

However, Tanakura is determined to claim the now 300 Ryō bounty on Ichi's head and to dispatch the rival to his wife's affection.

The news sends Ichi into a rage, he bursts outside, slaughters most of the several dozen yakuza then faces Tanakura in what is one of the most critically revered duels in the Zatoichi series.