A new series is set to bring the intensity of a battle royale to the world of samurai. Last Samurai Standing, a Netflix original production, will tell the story of nearly 300 warriors fighting for survival in a game where only one can make it out alive. The series will be available to a global audience this November.
The Story Behind the Battle
Set in 1878, Last Samurai Standing takes place during Japan’s Meiji period, a time when the samurai class had been stripped of their status, swords, and purpose. The story follows Shujiro Saga, a once-feared warrior who enters a deadly tournament called Kodoku. He is driven by a personal mission: to win the massive cash prize and save his wife and child, who are suffering from a cholera outbreak.
The contest draws 292 fallen samurai to Kyoto’s historic Tenryu-ji Temple. Each participant is given a wooden tag. The goal is simple yet brutal: collect the tags from other competitors, travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, and be the last one standing to claim the prize of 100 billion yen. The game has been described as a large-scale survival event with deep emotional stakes.
“I wrote Ikusagami with the intention of making a historical novel that could be enjoyed worldwide,” said Shogo Imamura, author of the source material. “When Netflix approached me, I was overjoyed.”
The Creative Vision and Global Appeal
The series is an adaptation of the best-selling historical fiction novel Ikusagami by Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura. The creative team aimed to create a period drama that would feel fresh and engaging for modern, global audiences, moving beyond the traditional conventions of the genre.
Lead actor Junichi Okada, who also serves as a producer and action choreographer on the series, explained his motivation for joining the project.
“When Netflix executive producer Mr. Takahashi reached out to me, I was still acting in historical dramas,” Okada said. “Back then, I was already thinking of ways to make this genre a hit, not just in Japan, but all over the world. I saw their potential for action, drama, social commentary, and entertainment, but I knew they could be taken further.”
Director Michihito Fujii found that the story’s themes resonated with contemporary experiences. He noted that the samurais’ struggle in a time of societal collapse and pandemic felt unexpectedly close to modern life, making the story both entertaining and deeply relevant.
A Look at the Cast of Characters
The series features a massive ensemble cast of Japan’s renowned actors. Junichi Okada leads as the protagonist, Shujiro Saga. The cast also includes Riho Yoshioka as Shino, Shujiro’s ailing wife, and a wide array of talented actors portraying the other samurai competitors and key figures behind the game.
The expansive lineup includes Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Masahiro Higashide, and Hiroshi Abe. Other notable cast members are Hideaki Ito, Kazunari Ninomiya, Takayuki Yamada, and Hiroshi Tamaki. With nearly 300 roles to fill, the production required an unprecedented number of actors, each with custom-made costumes.
Key Historical Context for Viewers
To fully appreciate the setting of Last Samurai Standing, it helps to understand a few key historical terms. The series is set in the Meiji Restoration period, which began in 1868. This was when imperial rule was restored in Japan, ending the Tokugawa shogunate’s 265-year reign. The new government rapidly modernized the country, abolishing the feudal system and the privileged status of the samurai class.
The concept of Kodoku itself is drawn from Japanese folklore, referring to a ritual where insects are sealed in a jar to fight until only one remains. This dark metaphor is the basis for the deadly game at the center of the show. The journey the samurai undertake follows the historic Tokaido route, the main road connecting Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period.
Release Schedule and Early Screenings
All six episodes of Last Samurai Standing will be released on Netflix on November 13, 2025. The series will be available to stream globally. Ahead of its Netflix debut, the first two episodes premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September 2025, giving an international audience its first look at the epic samurai showdown.
The production scale was massive, with the filmmakers describing the effort as akin to making three feature-length films. The battle scene at Tenryu-ji Temple was filmed with practical effects, using a cast and action team of hundreds to create the realistic, large-scale melee without relying on digital enhancement.
“Every person on that battlefield was a cast member or part of the action team,” Okada revealed. “We filmed through the night for days — it was exhausting but unforgettable.”
Also Read: Last Samurai Standing Trailer Out: A Deadly Game for 100 Billion Yen
Credits: Netflix Tudum, Variety, Polygon
