The highly anticipated Japanese action-thriller Last Samurai Standing is shaping up to be one of the most exciting historical dramas of the year. This is because 14 top-tier Japanese actors join the cast. Set to debut this November on Netflix, the series will deliver an intense, high-stakes battle. It features legendary samurai warriors locked in a deadly fight for survival, where the last remaining warrior stands out.
Junichi Okada Leads a Star-Studded Cast
Renowned actor Junichi Okada takes on the lead role of Shujiro Saga. He is a warrior fighting not only for survival, but also for his ailing wife and child. Beyond starring in the series, Okada will serve as the action choreographer and producer for the first time in his career, adding depth to this Last Samurai tale where his stance is crucial amid the standing rivalry.
Alongside him, the newly revealed star-studded lineup includes:
🔹 Riho Yoshioka as Shino Saga, Shujiro’s devoted wife.
🔹 Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki, a young girl caught in the deadly game.
🔹 Kaya Kiyohara, Taichi Saotome, and Yuya Endo as Shujiro’s sworn allies Iroha Kinugasa, Shikura Adashino, and Sansuke Gion.
🔹 Masahiro Higashide as Kyojin Tsuge, a former Iga clan ninja.
🔹 Shota Sometani as Kocha Kamuy, an Ainu archer.
🔹 Hiroshi Tamaki as Ukyo Kikuomi, a noble guardian wielding a longsword.
🔹 Takayuki Yamada as Jinbe Ando, a Kyoto police officer.
🔹 Jyo Kairi as Shinjiro Sayama, a debt-ridden young man.
🔹 Wataru Ichinose as Raizo Tachibana, an imposing warrior.
🔹 Hideaki Ito as Bukotsu Kanjiya, a vicious fighter with a history with Shujiro.
🔹 Yasushi Fuchikami and Kazunari Ninomiya as Sakura and Enju, the masterminds behind the battle royale.
The series promises brutal combat, intricate character dynamics, and a gripping historical narrative, set against the backdrop of the final days of the samurai era, portraying elements where the last samurai prevails in standing tall.
The Battle Royale of the Samurai Era
Based on Shogo Imamura’s award-winning novel “Ikusagami”, the series is set in the late 19th century, as Japan transitions into the Meiji era. At the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, 292 warriors gather under the cover of night, lured by the promise of a life-changing fortune. The rules are simple yet brutal—steal the wooden tags from fellow warriors and make it to Tokyo to claim the grand prize; this setup could make Shujiro the true Last Samurai amidst this deadly competition.
But for Shujiro Saga, this isn’t just a game—it’s a desperate mission to save his family. He is facing deadly enemies, shifting alliances, and betrayals. Also, he must navigate a treacherous battlefield where only the strongest will survive to the end as the Last Samurai.
A first-look teaser has already been released, showing Shujiro poised for battle at Tenryuji Temple, setting the stage for an explosive showdown where one last warrior stands amidst the chaos, embodying the spirit of the Last Samurai.
Meet the Creative Team
🎬 Directors: Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, Toru Yamamoto
📖 Based on: “Ikusagami” by Shogo Imamura (Kodansha)
🎥 Producer: Kosuke Oshida
💥 Lead Cast, Producer, and Action Choreographer: Junichi Okada
A New Era for Japanese Dramas
With its rich historical setting, heart-pounding action, and a high-stakes survival narrative, Last Samurai Standing is expected to set a new standard for Japanese drama on Netflix, leaving a mark as the Last Samurai saga of our time.
Get ready for an epic showdown when the series debuts this November—this battle royale of the samurai era is one you won’t want to miss! The Last Samurai Standing is sure to captivate audiences.
