KitanoTakeshi.com : a website devoted to Takeshi Kitano, reports exclusively (it seems) that the man is indeed making a second Zatoichi film. The clue : he has dyed his hair blonde again. Don't worry, it's not just speculation, but true.
So, look forward to another superb film from Kitano next year sometime. By my calculations that will be the 28th film to feature the chacter, and having really enjoyed Kitanos first this year, I am looking forward to this already.