A hidden gem has arrived in the form of a stage play performed in tribute to a pair of Japan’s greatest stars. On the 35th anniversary of his becoming an entertainer Matsudaira Ken chose to honor his mentor, the legendary superstar Katsu Shintaro by portraying Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman in a play based on the original film on the same stage that Katsu had played the role 40 years before in a stage presentation. Not pleased with the direction that Zatoichi’s image had been taken in some productions, he has breathed new life into the character by following the image that Katsu Shintaro had created for his signature role.