This is the second Zatoichi movie appearance of Rentaro Mikuni (who portrays Boss Tetsugoro). Mikuni also starred in the sixteenth Zatoichi film, 'Zatoichi the Outlaw' (1967), in which he portrayed Boss Asagoro.
Constable Tobei (portrayed by Hisaya Morishige) carries a hook in the film. This was the Japanese jitte (jitte meaning 'ten hands'). Police in Edo Period Japan carried these to denote their rank of constable.
The twenty-third of 26 films to star Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi.
The traditional rounded hats seen worn by the Yakuza in the film are sandogasa. Translated this means 'travel hat'.
Zatoichi's katana is a shikomizue. This is a sword which is concealed within a wooden cane, thus the cane itself is both handle and scabbard.