Netflix first announced in April 2024 a new Japanese battle royale drama, Last Samurai Standing. The show will premiere on Netflix on November 13th, 2025, with actor Junichi Okada producing and choreographing it. Here’s everything we know so far, including the trailer, official details from Netflix, and expanded cast information.
Last Samurai Standing is an upcoming Japanese Netflix Original action-drama series directed by Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, and Toru Yamamoto. It is adapted from Shogo Imamura’s award-winning Ikusagami novels, with Junichi Okada serving as producer, action choreographer, and lead actor.
Author Shogo Imamura shared his delight with Netflix at Junichi Okada’s casting in the lead role of Shujiro:
“I wrote ‘Ikusagami’ with the intention of making a historical novel that could be enjoyed worldwide. When Netflix approached me, I was overjoyed. And having Junichi Okada in the lead role was a dream come true, as I had envisioned him as Shujiro while writing.”
When will Last Samurai Standing be on Netflix?
Netflix has confirmed that Last Samurai Standing will premiere globally on November 13th, 2025.
An official trailer is now available!
What is the plot of Last Samurai Standing?
Netflix’s synopsis sets the stage:
“Set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, Last Samurai Standing takes place at the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. Come nightfall, 292 skilled warriors gather, lured by the promise of a grand prize of 100 billion yen. Among them is our protagonist, Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), who enters this dangerous game with one goal: to save his ailing wife and child.”
The full premise expands on those details: at nightfall, 292 warriors each receive a single wooden tag. To win the prize, they must steal the tags of their rivals and race to Tokyo, sparking a brutal fight for survival where only one can stand victorious. The large-scale melee at Tenryuji Temple was filmed over several days with more than 1,000 cast and crew members, blending cutting-edge CG with practical effects to create visceral, realistic action sequences.
Picture Credit: Chihoko Ishii/Netflix
Picture Credit: Chihoko Ishii/Netflix
Picture Credit: Chihoko Ishii/Netflix
Picture Credit: Chihoko Ishii/Netflix
Picture Credit: Chihoko Ishii/Netflix
Who is in the cast of Last Samurai Standing?
The cast features some of Japan’s most acclaimed actors. Junichi Okada leads as Shujiro Saga, joined by a roster of warriors, allies, and rivals with distinct weapons and fighting styles.
- Junichi Okada as Shujiro Saga – the protagonist, fighting to save his ailing family.
- Riho Yoshioka as Shino – Shujiro’s devoted wife.
- Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki – a young girl caught in the desperate battle.
- Kaya Kiyohara as Iroha Kinugasa – Shujiro’s ally.
- Taichi Saotome as Shikura Adashino – another sworn ally.
- Yuya Endo as Sansuke Gion – ally of Shujiro.
- Masahiro Higashide as Kyojin Tsuge – a former Iga clan ninja.
- Shota Sometani as Kocha Kamuy – an Ainu archer.
- Hiroshi Tamaki as Ukyo Kikuomi – a longsword-wielding noble guardian.
- Takayuki Yamada as Jinbe Ando – a Kyoto police officer.
- Jyo Kairi as Shinjiro Sayama – a young man burdened by debt.
- Wataru Ichinose as Raizo Tachibana – an imposing fighter.
- Hideaki Ito as Bukotsu Kanjiya – a vicious warrior with a history against Shujiro.
- Yasushi Fuchikami as Sakura – one of the battle organizers.
- Kazunari Ninomiya as Enju – co-organizer of the deadly game.
- Additional supporting roles include Gaku Hamada, Arata Iura, Tetsushi Tanaka, Takaaki Enoki, Yuya Matsuura, Satoru Matsuo, Toshihiro Yashiba, Daisuke Kuroda, Mitsuo Yoshihara, Ryudo Uzaki, and more.
Picture: The cast of Last Samurai Standing
What is the production status of Last Samurai Standing?
Filming took place between early February 2024 and mid-May 2024. Director Michihito Fujii spoke about the ambition behind the series:
“We’re creating a unique world with an ensemble cast. We feel a responsibility to deliver something unprecedented. I’m glad for this opportunity to take an amazing story, cast and visuals, and create a work for Japan and the world to see.”
The project also marks Junichi Okada’s first time as a producer and action planner, teaming with producer Kosuke Oshida and executive producer Shinichi Takahashi under Office Shirous.
What is Last Samurai Standing based on?
The series adapts the Ikusagami novels by Shogo Imamura, published by Kodansha Bunko. Imamura, recipient of the prestigious 166th Naoki Prize, crafted a historical saga praised as highly entertaining and globally accessible. Netflix’s adaptation channels the enduring spirit of the samurai in a period of great upheaval.
Key Production Credits
- Directors: Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, Toru Yamamoto
- Based on: The Ikusagami novels by Shogo Imamura
- Producer: Kosuke Oshida
- Executive Producer: Shinichi Takahashi
- Lead Actor / Producer / Action Planner: Junichi Okada
- Production Company: Office Shirous
- Country of Origin: Japan
Are you looking forward to watching Last Samurai Standing on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
