
Back to All News
Netflix Announces Production of Last Samurai Standing': An Epic Battle Royale for Survival in Historic Japan
Entertainment
18 April 2024
GlobalJapan
Link copied to clipboard
Delving into the rich history of the samurai era, the upcoming Netflix series Last Samurai Standing presents an intriguing tale of survival and honor. Based on the novel Ikusagami by Shogo Imamura, winner of the 166th Naoki Prize in 2021, the series features the multi-talented Junichi Okada in the lead role. He is also serving as producer and action choreographer, with Michito Fujii (The Journalist) in the director's chair.
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.
Okada, taking on multiple roles in this project, shares his enthusiasm for the show. 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 manga. It was written in a way that modern audiences could enjoy, and I was excited about the idea of adapting it he shares. I was also adamant about having Michihito Fujii as the director - if he hadnt agreed, I was ready to step back from the project.
Imamura echoes the excitement for the adaptation. 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, he reveals.
The adaptation process was not without its own set of challenges, particularly in transitioning the novel into a multi-episode drama series, which was likened to producing three films. Fujii and Okada worked meticulously on the script, ensuring it stayed true to the essence of the original work while also adding cinematic elements. With nearly 300 actors, each requiring their own costume, production demanded unwavering dedication from the entire team.
Despite the scope of the project, the team remains undeterred. 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, Fujii shares.
Last Samurai Standing reflects the timeless allure of samurai tales and the enduring spirit of those who lived through those times. Prepare to witness a battle royale like no other, only on Netflix.
Netflix Series Last Samurai Standing https://www.netflix.com/lastsamuraistanding
More from Netflix
28/01/2026
Back to All News
The Wait Is Over: Teaser Trailer Drops for Jo Nesbo's Dete...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Announces a Fictional Miniseries Inspired by the Marta del Castillo Case
Entertainment
28 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to ...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Announces Santiago Mitres New Film Starring Ver nica L...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the Teaser Trailer for Berlin and the Lady wit...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
That Night Premiering on Netflix March 13
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE KEY ART
DOWNLO...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Kicks Off 15-Year Anniversary Celebrations in Brazil W...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
When It Feels Real, Is It Still a Lie? The Art of Sarah' ...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
That Night premiering on Netflix March 13
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE KEY ART
DOWNLO...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Revealed the Future of Mexican Stories Coming in 2026
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalMexico
Link copied to clipboard
Among t...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Four New Japan Titles Announced for 2026: Viral Hit', On...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
What's Next on Netflix from Japan: Expanding the Possibili...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils Official Trailer for Salvador
Entertainment
26 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DISCOVER THE TRAILER
DO...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Presents Our 2026 Series and Films and Announces New Projects
Entertainment
26 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Made in Louisiana: People We Meet on Vacation' Lights Up New Orleans
Emily Bader and Tom Blyth film on Royal Street in New Orleans' ...
25/01/2026
Back to All News
Sins of Kujo' Premieres April 2: Teaser Trailer, Art and ...
23/01/2026
Back to All News
Pavane' Drops Teaser Ahead of February 20 Debut - A Tende...
21/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Presents Our Italian 2026 Slate: The Year of the Stars
(Photo credit: Virginia Bettoja / Netflix)
Entertainment
21 January 2026
Gl...
21/01/2026
Back to All News
What's Next on Netflix Korea: Every Emotion, One Bold 2026 Slate
Entertainment
21 January 2026
GlobalSouth Korea
Link copied to clipbo...
21/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Presents Its Italian 2026 Slate: The Year of the Stars
(Photo credit: Virginia Bettoja / Netflix)
Entertainment
21 January 2026
Gl...
20/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix and MAPPA Strengthens Strategic Partnership, Aiming to...
20/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix and MAPPA Strengthens Strategic Partnership, Aiming to...
20/01/2026
Back to All News
What We Watched the Second Half of 2025
Entertainment
20 January 2026
Global
Link copied to clipboard
Download all assets
Today, we rele...
20/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery Amend Agreement to All-Cash Transaction
Business
20 January 2026
Global
Link copied to clipboard
All-C...
20/01/2026
Back to All News
Now You Can Play a Role in Our Live Events With Real-Time Voting
Elmar Nubbemeyer
VP, Member Product
Product
20 January 2026
Global
Link...
19/01/2026
Back to All News
What Next: Netflix MENA Announces a Packed 2026 Lineup Filled ...
19/01/2026
Back to All News
A New Case, Darker Secrets: Garundi Answers to a Different Bos...
19/01/2026
Back to All News
Straight to Hell' Sets April 27 Premiere: Teaser Trailer,...
19/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Announces the Series Nights & Days, Directed by Kamila...
16/01/2026
Back to All News
Culinary Class Wars' Returns for Season 3, Raising the St...
15/01/2026
Back to All News
Nah Yung-suk Presents Take a Hike!' - A Snowy Reality Adv...
15/01/2026
Back to All News
Firebreak Premieres on Netflix February 20
Entertainment
15 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE FIRST LOOK IMA...
15/01/2026
Back to All News
The Variety, Voices, and Vision Shaping What's Next on Net...
15/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment Enter New Pay-1 Deal W...
14/01/2026
Back to All News
State of Fear, The First Spin-Off of a Netflix Brazil Producti...
13/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Confirms Production of The Dealer,' a High-Stakes...
13/01/2026
Back to All News
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis to Compose Original Score for Jo Nesb...
12/01/2026
Back to All News
Kento Nakajima To Star in Netflix Manga Adaptation S&X', ...
12/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Celebrates Partnership and Progress at Fort Monmouth Closing Ceremony
Governor Phil Murphy, Netflix co-CEO, and Governor-elect Mikie ...
12/01/2026
Back to All News
WWE By the Numbers: Celebrating One Year on Netflix
From left to right: Rey Mysterio, Intercontinental Champion John Cena and Sheamus celebr...
10/01/2026
Back to All News
Connection and Youth Defined: The Ramparts of Ice Brings a Hea...
08/01/2026
Back to All News
New Korean Series Beauty in the Beast' (WT) in Production...
07/01/2026
Back to All News
The Trailer of Paparazzi King: The 5-Episode Docuseries Coming...
07/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Supports Warner Bros. Discovery Board's Commitment...
07/01/2026
Back to All News
What Next? Netflix Reveals Series, Films and Games Coming in 2026
Entertainment
07 January 2026
Global
Link copied to clipboard
Download ...
06/01/2026
Back to All News
A Task Force of Honest Officers Takes on a Global Smuggling Em...
06/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils Its New Year Rom-Com of 2026, No Tail To Tell,...
06/01/2026
Back to All News
The Wait is Finally Over... Museum of Innocence Premiering on ...
05/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Released the Trailer of To Love, to Lose Set to Premie...