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Historical, Epic, And Even Better Than Disney's 'Shogun'? Netflix Is Releasing This Authentic Miniseries Next Month
In 'Last Samurai Standing,' 292 samurai compete for honor and a cash prize in historical Japan, showcasing incredible martial arts.
Japan in 1878 sets the stage for Last Samurai Standing, the most ambitious historical production Netflix Japan has ever created. In a time when the samurai class has been abolished and swords are banned, 292 former warriors are challenged to a ruthless tournament. The winner receives a significant cash prize and the chance to regain lost honor.
The lead role is played by Okada Junichi, who also produces and choreographs the action scenes. "As an actor you think about emotion, as a producer about money and schedules, it requires two totally different mindsets," he says. Yet he was immediately convinced when he read the script. His character, Shujiro Saga, a notorious hitman, participates in the deadly game of Kodoku to save his sick family. The opening scene, filmed at the Tenryu-ji temple in Kyoto, showcases a nocturnal battle between hundreds of samurai, entirely without digital effects.
The series is based on the award-winning book Ikusagami by Imamura Shogo and is directed by Fujii Michihito, with whom Okada previously collaborated on Hard Days. Fujii aims to reinvent the genre: "Tradition survives through innovation. We wanted to translate the soul and aesthetics of Japan's past into something that can resonate globally." According to Okada, the strength of Last Samurai Standing lies in balancing historical authenticity and modern storytelling.
The production taps into universal themes such as honor, survival, and change. "Why should costume dramas be only for the elderly? Okada wonders. "We wanted to tell a human story that connects the past and present."
The cast includes Ito Hideaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Yoshioka Riho, Kiyohara Kaya, and Fujisaki Yumia. Hiroshi Abe plays the mysterious Gentosai Okabe, a menacing warrior with an unpredictable role in the bloody game.
Last Samurai Standing will be available worldwide on Netflix on November 13.
The lead role is played by Okada Junichi, who also produces and choreographs the action scenes. "As an actor you think about emotion, as a producer about money and schedules, it requires two totally different mindsets," he says. Yet he was immediately convinced when he read the script. His character, Shujiro Saga, a notorious hitman, participates in the deadly game of Kodoku to save his sick family. The opening scene, filmed at the Tenryu-ji temple in Kyoto, showcases a nocturnal battle between hundreds of samurai, entirely without digital effects.
Tradition Through Innovation
The series is based on the award-winning book Ikusagami by Imamura Shogo and is directed by Fujii Michihito, with whom Okada previously collaborated on Hard Days. Fujii aims to reinvent the genre: "Tradition survives through innovation. We wanted to translate the soul and aesthetics of Japan's past into something that can resonate globally." According to Okada, the strength of Last Samurai Standing lies in balancing historical authenticity and modern storytelling.
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The production taps into universal themes such as honor, survival, and change. "Why should costume dramas be only for the elderly? Okada wonders. "We wanted to tell a human story that connects the past and present."
Cast
The cast includes Ito Hideaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Yoshioka Riho, Kiyohara Kaya, and Fujisaki Yumia. Hiroshi Abe plays the mysterious Gentosai Okabe, a menacing warrior with an unpredictable role in the bloody game.
Last Samurai Standing will be available worldwide on Netflix on November 13.
