Good Soil (希望の大地) is a 2007 short film written and directed by Craig Shimahara.

Good Soil
Directed byCraig Shimahara
Written byCraig Shimahara
Produced byShin Koyamada
Craig Shimahara
Ken Nakada
StarringShin Koyamada
CinematographyCory Shiozaki
Edited byKeita Ideno
Distributed byR.A.G.E. Media/Christian-Samurai.com
Release date
  • 3 November 2007 (2007-11-03)
Running time
30 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesEnglish
Japanese

Plot edit

Jinbei Masuda, a Japanese Christian of the samurai class, draws his strength from his faith, family, and fencing. However, he is caught up in the shogun's policy of religious persecution and must choose between his loved ones and his God.

Ships from Europe brought Christianity to the shores of Japan in 1549. For decades the seeds of faith grew under the watchful gaze of the Shogun. But the fear of foreign influence eventually gave rise to persecution. By 1624, Japanese Christians enjoyed only a few more years of peace.

Cast edit

  • Shin Koyamada – Jinbei Masuda 益田甚平
  • Yoshi Ando – Michijiro
  • Atsushi Hirata – Iwanaga
  • Yutaka Takeuchi – Tsunoyasu
  • Craig Reid – Catholic Priest
  • Kazumi Zatkin – Otsu
  • Maxwell Banchi – Shiro
  • Christine Shimahara – Kinu
  • Tex Nakamura – Daimyo
  • Yuji Tone – Attendant
  • Mitsuji Higashimoto – Guard No. 1
  • Agata Toshiya – Guard No. 2

See also edit

External links edit