Production had to be halted briefly during production of the film as Japan surrendered, bringing an end to the hostilities of World War II. Akira Kurosawa recollected breaking during production to listen to the address by Emperor Hirohito on August 15th, 1945.
The set for the film was visited by many American soldiers, including famous American director John Ford, who was now a Navy lieutenant commander.
This film, timing it at just under one hour, was filmed almost all on one set at Toho studios.
British filmmaker Michael Powell visited Toho studio just after the film was finished, and Akira Kurosawa showed him the film, saying that Powell's only repeated comment was "It's wonderful."
The film was initially banned by the occupying SCAP due to its portrayal of feudal values. It was later released after the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco in 1952.