Last Samurai Standing (TV series)

Last Samurai Standing
Japanese name
Kanjiイクサガミ
Genre
Based onLast Samurai Standing
by Shogo Imamura
Written by
Directed by
Creative directorJunichi Okada
Starring
Music byKo Omama
Country of originJapan
Original languageJapanese
Production
Executive producerShinichi Takahashi
Producers
  • Kosuke Oshida
  • Junichi Okada
Cinematography
  • Keisuke Imamura
  • Hiroki Yamada
Production companies
  • Office Shirouzu
  • Netflix
Original release
NetworkNetflix

Last Samurai Standing (Japanese: イクサガミ, Hepburn: Ikusagami) is an upcoming Japanese Netflix original live-action television series adapted from a Japanese manga series of the same name, which is also based on the novel of the same name written by Shogo Imamura and illustrated by Katsumi Tatsuzawa. Starring Junichi Okada, Yumia Fujisaki and Kaya Kiyohara, and set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, the series takes place at the Tenryūji Temple in Kyoto.[1][2]

The first two episodes of the series will premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the 'On Screen' section in September 2025.[3] Following its festival release, the series will be available to stream worldwide on Netflix in November 2025.[4]

Synopsis

During the Meiji era (late 19th century), 292 fighters came together at Tenryū-ji Temple in Kyoto after sunset, drawn by the chance to win a grand prize of ¥100 billion. The challenge was clear: take each other's wooden tags and make it all the way to Tokyo. The winner would get the prize. One of the warriors, Shujiro Saga, joined the dangerous contest with a personal mission: to help his sick wife and child.

Cast

Production

Netflix announced the production of a Last Samurai Standing series, starring Junichi Okada, who is also producer and action choreographer Michihito Fujii and Kento Yamaguchi are its writer and director, produced by Office Shirous. About his multi-role in the drama, Okada said:

"When Netflix executive producer Mr. Takahashi reached out to me, I was still acting in historical dramas. 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. That’s when I came across Imamura’s novel. It was written in a way that modern audiences could enjoy, and I was excited about the idea of adapting it".[1][5]

The adaption of the novel into a multi-episode drama series involved significant creative challenges for the directors Michihito Fujii and Junichi Okada, it was like producing three feature-length films. They worked carefully to preserve the original story’s core themes, while enhancing its visual and dramatic appeal. The production featured nearly 300 actors, each requiring his own costume, which demanded consistent coordination and commitment from the entire crew.[1][6]

Release

Last Samurai Standing has been selected for the 'On Screen' section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, where the first two episodes of the series will be screened in September 2025.[7][8]

The series will be available to stream in November 2025 on Netflix.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Netflix Announces Production of 'Last Samurai Standing': An Epic Battle Royale for Survival in Historic Japan". Netflix Newsroom. April 18, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  2. ^ Netflix [@netflix] (April 18, 2024). "Last Samurai Standing, a new series directed by Michihito Fujii and starring Junichi Okada, is coming to Netflix. In post-samurai era Japan, 292 fallen samurais are lured into a survival game where the last competitor standing claims 100 billion yen. Prepare to witness a battle royale like no other. Based on Shogo Imamura's "Ikusagami" (©️Shogo Imamura/kodansha)" (Tweet). Retrieved August 16, 2025 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ Ahn Jin-yong (August 11, 2025). "부산영화제, 올해도 OTT와 손잡았다…6편 소개" [The Busan International Film Festival partners with OTT again this year, introducing six films.]. Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  4. ^ ""Last Samurai Standing" Unveils 14 New Cast Members Ahead of November Debut" (Press release). Netflix. February 3, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025 – via The Futon Critic.
  5. ^ "岡田准一×藤井道人でNetflixシリーズ「イクサガミ」制作、今村翔吾の時代小説を実写化" [Junichi Okada and Michihito Fujii to Produce Netflix Series "Ikusagami," a Live-Action Adaptation of Shogo Imamura's Historical Novel]. Natalie. April 19, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  6. ^ Naman Ramachandran (February 12, 2025). "'Shogun' Meets 'Squid Game': Netflix Unveils Epic Samurai Battle Series in 2025 Japan Slate". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  7. ^ "日本から世界へ！ Netflix日本発2作品「匿名の恋人たち」「イクサガミ」W選出 - 「第30回釜山国際映画祭」 "オンスクリーン部門" 正式招待決定！" [From Japan to the world! Two Japanese Netflix titles, "Anonymous Lovers" and "Ikusagami," have been officially selected for the "Onscreen Section" of the 30th Busan International Film Festival!] (Press release) (in Japanese). Netflix Newsroom. August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  8. ^ Naman Ramachandran (August 11, 2025). "Shu Qi's 'The Resurrected' Among Netflix-Heavy Busan Film Festival Drama Lineup". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  9. ^ "'Last Samurai Standing' Unveils 14 New Cast Members Ahead of November Debut Japan". Netflix Newsroom. February 4, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
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