Last Samurai Standing is Squid Game Meets Shogun

A game-changing new series hits Netflix this November with the launch of Last Samurai Standing. Featuring an all-star cast of top-tier Japanese actors, this highly anticipated show is set to deliver an intense life-or-death battle that will redefine the samurai genre for modern audiences.

A Star-Studded Cast

Leading the charge is Junichi Okada, who takes on the role of the protagonist, Shujiro Saga, while also serving as the series' action choreographer and making his debut as a producer. Okada is joined by a stellar supporting cast, including Riho Yoshioka as his devoted wife, Shino, and Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki, a young girl caught in the turmoil of the deadly game.

Shujiro’s trusted allies, Iroha Kinugasa, Shikura Adashino, and Sansuke Gion, are played by Kaya Kiyohara, Taichi Saotome, and Yuya Endo, respectively. The show’s character roster is further enriched by Masahiro Higashide as Kyojin Tsuge, a former Iga ninja; Shota Sometani as Kocha Kamuy, a skilled Ainu archer; and Hiroshi Tamaki as Ukyo Kikuomi, a noble guardian wielding a longsword. The cast also includes Takayuki Yamada as Kyoto police officer Jinbe Ando, Jyo Kairi as a debt-ridden young man named Shinjiro Sayama, Wataru Ichinose as the fearsome Raizo Tachibana, and Hideaki Ito as the ruthless Bukotsu Kanjiya, who shares a mysterious past with Shujiro. Organizing the brutal tournament are the enigmatic figures of Sakura and Enju, portrayed by Yasushi Fuchikami and Kazunari Ninomiya.

A Glimpse into the Action

A first look at the series has already been released, showcasing a gripping image of Shujiro Saga standing resolute in the grounds of Kyoto’s historic Tenryuji Temple, where the battle begins. The show’s setting, combined with its dynamic fight choreography, promises to deliver a cinematic experience filled with strategic duels and breathtaking combat sequences.

The Story Behind the Battle

Last Samurai Standing is based on the Ikusagami series by Shogo Imamura, a celebrated historical novelist and winner of the 166th Naoki Prize. The story takes place in the late 19th century, at the end of the samurai era, when the traditions of the past collide with the modernizing world.

At the heart of the series lies an intense competition: 292 warriors gather under the cover of night at Kyoto’s Tenryuji Temple, each hoping to claim an enormous cash prize. The rules are straightforward—each combatant carries a wooden tag, and only those who can steal enough tags and reach Tokyo will claim victory. Among them is Shujiro Saga, a man driven not by greed but by the desperate need to save his ailing wife and child.

This high-stakes historical battle royale captures the resilience, honor, and fierce determination of the samurai spirit. With its gripping narrative, masterful fight choreography, and powerhouse performances, Last Samurai Standing is set to become a landmark addition to the world of samurai cinema.

Prepare for a thrilling ride into Japan’s past when Last Samurai Standing debuts this November, only on Netflix.