You might be right. However, EVERYONE knows he is a bad dude when they hear his name. Which was why he simply went by Ichi to fly under the radar. Because he was more interested in working an honest job, than being a gambler killing people when they found out his identity.It is amazing how many fools would rush to their deaths, for a few coins, in this movie.Of course, in the beginning, I often wondered why he did not relieve the dead of their money. At one time he even pays some thugs, and then kills them shortly afterwards. Then walks away.Two thoughts occurred to me. First, it was dishonorable to rob the dead, and he wanted to make sure the family had money for a headstone (and not leave them destitute too.)   See 4 other replies

Yes, it is interesting. Guess they did not like to be bland.Besides, red is the color of good luck, and anything to lure the gamblers money out would be part of the strategy. After all, the house always wins!   See 1 other reply

C E, well yes, wikipedia would be one place to look it up (faster to ask here). Their explanation is more involved than you relate:"The character's name is actually Ichi. Zatō is a title, the lowest of the four official ranks within the Tōdōza, the historical guild for blind men. (Thus zato is also Japanese slang for a blind person.) Ichi is therefore properly called Zatō-no-Ichi ('Low-Ranking Blind Person Ichi', approximately), or Zatōichi for short. It is also a play on words: 'Sa' or 'za' is a combinative word for 'master'; 'to' is likewise for 'sword'; and 'ichi' means 'one'; therefore, an alternate translation might read 'First Sword Master', or perhaps 'Master of the Unique Sword Style'."But here is how they discuss this in the movie, "Zatoichi and the Chess Expert":
"Chess Expert: So tell me, what name do you go by?
Zatoichi: My name is Ichi.
CE: Isn't Ichi what they call any blind masseur of a certain rank?"I don't know if this translation is accurate, but I don't know where the mistake would be.And in "Zatoichi's Revenge" I thought I heard them say "ichi" when the subtitle read "cane". I was hoping a Japanese speaker could comment. It may just be that they used Ichi's name when talking about swiping his cane.(But why are you exasperated with me asking the question here instead of looking it up?)   See 4 other replies

Dude just look on Wikipedia. Ichi is his name.. and Zato is a type of blind person in ancient Japan. There was a special organization just for blind people and it had several ranks. Zato is bottom one. Zato and Ichi can also mean Master First in exact translation or the First Master.. of swordsmanship maybe?   See 4 other replies

Ah they mention in one of the episodes (Zatoichi and the Chess Expert) that "ichi" is the name of the lowest rank of masseur (ichi means the number "1", I think).He says it's just what he's always been called.   See 4 other replies