Hattori Hanzo is a minor but notable character in Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino. His name in the film is apparently based on a real historical figure from Japan, though in this version, he’s portrayed in a more lighthearted, almost goofy way. He’s played by Sonny Chiba, who sadly passed away in 2021 from COVID-19.

I found it interesting that Beatrix Kiddo tries to pass herself off as just a regular American tourist, yet she clearly knows this man is more than just a bad sushi chef.

He’s actually the greatest swordsmith of the modern era, with many of his priceless swords displayed on the wall behind him.

It’s understandable why he wouldn’t want to give them up. Apparently, he once taught Bill how to make swords—although Bill himself can’t actually forge them, as far as I can tell. Still, Hanzo feels some guilt about that, which drives him to break his vow and make a new sword for The Bride.

It’s a little tragic, since he had made a blood oath to never craft another sword again. I initially assumed he had committed seppuku or something dramatic like that. But from what I’ve been able to find, it seems he just made an exception in this one case.