A former boxing champ on the skids finds an opportunity for redemption by training a young fighter

A former boxing champ on the skids (Bunta Sugawara, Japanese Godfather) finds an opportunity for redemption by training a young fighter everyone judges beyond hope (Kentaro Shimizu, Mermaid Legend). Legendary director and playwright Shuji Terayama (Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets) made The Boxer for major studio Toei, at the request of lead actor Sugawara. While the story has the studio's trademark gritty 1970s setting, Terayama imbues the film with his characteristic carnivalesque atmosphere and his unparalleled passion for sports, resulting in a boxing movie like no other and a unique entry in his own filmography.

Bonus Materials

• High definition digital transfer
• Original uncompressed mono audio
• Interview with composer J.A. Seaver (2026)
• New visual essay on Toei studio in the year 1977 by Tom Mes (2026)
• New and improved English subtitle translation
• Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
• Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Roberta Novielli

Cast & Crew

•       Bunta Sugawara
•       Kentaro Shimizu
•       Masumi Harukawa

Director: Shuji Terayama

Additional Details

Label: Radiance

Genre: Sports/Games

Language: Japanese

Run Time: 94 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 07/21/26

UPC: 760137214939