Good Soil

is a 2007 short film written and directed by Craig Shimahara. Plot 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 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