Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 3
Ahsoka has impressively integrated a classic George Lucas influence for Star Wars into the official canon. As confirmed by Lucas himself, several of his inspirations for the Jedi came from the Japanese Edo period and the way of the samurai, having been influenced by the culture such as the films of Akira Kurosawa. To that end, Ahsoka episode 3 has finally given a name to a key samurai trope that’s been seen throughout the galaxy far, far away.
In Ahsoka episode 3, Sabine Wren trains with the ancient Jedi Order droid Huyang. Going through the basic forms of lightsaber combat, Sabine’s master Ahsoka decides to take a different approach using the “Zatochi” training technique. What follows is a very similar exercise first seen during Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber training in A New Hope with Sabine wearing a masked helmet to block her physical sight. She even directly calls back to Luke when she questions how she’s supposed to fight. Here’s why the official naming of the technique is so important and how it connects to Lucas’ classic influences on the Jedi overall.
Zatoichi In The Real World Explained
In the real world, “Zatoichi” is a fictional blind swordsman created by novelist Kan Shimozawa. A samurai living in the Japanese Edo period, the blind Takoichi traveled the world, often involving himself in the affairs of those who were being terrorized or oppressed. Between 1962 and 1989, 26 Takoichi films were produced as well as a television series that first premiered in 1974.
As such, the “Zatochi” technique in Ahsoka seems to derive directly from this fictional blind swordsman, an apt name for the exercise designed to encourage Padawans to rely on more than sight alone, relying on their other senses and connection to the Force to anticipate their opponent’s next moves. To that end, it does seem as though Sabine was starting to understand Ahsoka’s lesson, trusting in her other senses to block her master’s incoming attacks just as Luke Skywalker did with the practice droid in A New Hope.
Star Wars Has Used Zatochi Since A New Hope
Beyond A New Hope and Luke’s training with Obi-Wan aboard the Millennium Falcon, “Zatochi” as an overall samurai trope can be seen throughout the Star Wars canon (beyond its primary use as a training technique). For example, Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus was blinded by the former Sith Lord Maul as seen in Star Wars Rebels season 2, resulting in his wearing a mask up until Rebels‘ final episodes. Going forward, Kanan had to learn to trust in the Force more than he ever had, eventually becoming so adept that it was like he could still see with his eyes.
Likewise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story introduced Chirrut Îmwe, a former Guardian of the Whills who joined the Rebellion just before the Battle of Scarif. Attuned to the Force while not actually wielding it as a Jedi, the similarly blind Chirrut was able to navigate his way through the galaxy by trusting in his other senses and the Force itself. As such, the Zatochi archetype has been featured in Star Wars just as much as the training exercise used by the Jedi Order.
Now The Name Itself Is Canon – Honoring George Lucas’ Inspiration
The reveal of the canonical name for the Jedi Order’s classic training technique is very exciting. It’s use as an Easter egg is very satisfying, referencing not only Luke Skywalker’s training as the first on-screen Padawan but also the characters who’ve embodied the Zatochi archetype throughout the established Star Wars canon. Most importantly, it’s a clear reference to the original samurai influences that inspired George Lucas himself when he created Star Wars and the philosophies of the Jedi themselves.
As Ahsoka continues, it will be interesting to see if any other reveals are made connected to the Jedi Order and the training of Padawans. After all, it’s been made clear that Sabine’s training is far from complete, meaning that she’ll likely be seen in future episodes continuing to practice and learn new skills from her master. Perhaps Sabine will even learn how to use the Force, something that’s been teased for the Mandalorian warrior and artist more than a few times in the new Star Wars show.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.
