Naruto Hichō (1977 TV series)

Naruto Hichō (鳴門秘帖) is a Japanese historical drama (jidaigeki) television series broadcast in 1977. It is based on the novel of the same name by Futaro Yamada. The series follows the adventures of Gennosuke, a swordsman, as he becomes entangled in political intrigue surrounding a hidden treasure and a secret scroll related to the Tokugawa shogunate. He travels across the country, notably to the Naruto Strait, known for its powerful whirlpools, where much of the action takes place. The series is known for its action sequences, suspenseful plot, and exploration of themes related to loyalty, betrayal, and honor in the Edo period. The show aired on NHK General TV. Subsequent adaptations of Naruto Hichō have been made in various forms, including film and other television series, each offering its own interpretation of Yamada's original story. The 1977 TV series is often considered a classic example of the jidaigeki genre.