Blind swordsman/masseuse Zatoichi befriends a young woman returning home with her baby. When gangsters mistake her for Zatoichi and kill her, Zatoichi determines to escort the baby to its father. He gains the reluctant help of a young pick pocket and together they travel to find the baby's father. But they do not reckon on the father's reaction to their arrival, nor on their own growing feelings for the child.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Shintarō KatsuZatoichi | Zatoichi |
 Nobuo KanekoUnosuke | Unosuke |
 Gen KimuraHyaku | Hyaku |
 Ikuko MōriBabysitting prostitute | Babysitting prostitute |
 Shōsaku SugiyamaHangoro | Hangoro |
 Hizuru TakachihoKo | Ko |
 Yoshi KatōTemple priest | Temple priest |
 Saburo DateNot listed | Not listed |
 Kōji FujiyamaNot listed | Not listed |
 Tatsuya IshiguroWaheiji, leader of the chasers | Waheiji, leader of the chasers |
 Nobu KawaguchiNot listed | Not listed |
| TToranosuke Tennojisumo wrestler from Ekoin Temple | sumo wrestler from Ekoin Temple |
 Teruko ŌmiNot listed | Not listed |