Stranger: Mukou Hadan  

Kiếm của quái nhân, Nepažįstamojo Kardas, stranger, Stranger -Mukoh Hadan-, Stranja, Stranja: Mukou Hadan, Sword of the stranger

During Japan's Sengoku era, an orphan named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru lived off of stealing from unsuspecting villagers. However, their peaceful existence was disrupted when they were pursued by assassins sent by China's Ming Dynasty for reasons unknown to them. While on the run, Kotarou and Tobimaru encountered Nanashi, a ronin who had taken refuge in a small temple after being attacked. Despite his initial reluctance, Nanashi agreed to help the helpless duo when they were ambushed by their pursuers. However, he felt no obligation to continue helping them and only accepted Kotarou's offer of employment until Tobimaru was healed and they reached their destination. As they embarked on a perilous journey, it became clear that their path was fraught with danger as the Ming Dynasty had now dispatched a terrifying swordsman to capture Kotarou and fulfill a certain prophecy.

Stranger: Mukou Hadan won the award for Best Animated Feature at Brazils International Fantastic Film Festival and was nominated for the same categories at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and 81st Academy Awards. It also won the 2009 "Menzione Speciale" recognition at Italys Future Film Festival.