Ichi's friend and fellow villager whose land deeds are seized and ransomed by the yakuza. Ichi's successful gambling to buy them back inadvertently exposes his true identity, triggering the conflict that drives the plot.
Economic and territorial conflict forcing Ryuji into financial desperation.
Long-standing companionship and mutual trust between the two men.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Zatoichi: The Last