Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing just got its first trailer, and it promises an action extravaganza. The historical action drama is based on the novel Ikusugami by Shogo Imamura, which also inspired an anime series of the same name. The live-action adaptation stars Junichi Okada, who is also the creative director and action choreographer of the series.
The trailer of the series shows Okada’s character, Shujiro Saga, getting into a deadly competition filled with other samurai. It is a fight to the death, at the end of which a huge bounty is promised. The series is directed by Michihito Fujii and is set to premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. It will stream on Netflix from November 13, 2025.
Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing Blends Squid Game and Shogun
Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing follows Junichi Okada’s character Shujiro Saga. He is a samurai who has entered a deadly compet ition during the Heiji period, which promises the winner ¥1 billion. The catch is that it is a fight to the death, with each samurai tasked with taking the amulet from the rest of the competitors. Saga enters it to save his wife and child.
The premise seems to be on the same lines as Netflix’s Korean sensation, Squid Game, which also features a deadly competition that promises monetary redemption to its participants, at the cost of their lives. However, the difference is the setting, with Last Samurai Standing set in 19th-century Japan.
The series is based on the novel Ikusugami, which Okada lauded as a story that had global appeal. Shogo Imamura, the author of the novel, agreed with this and was excited by the prospect of Okada adapting it with Netflix.
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.
The series comes on the heels of other popular Japanese historical dramas like FX/Hulu’s Shogun, which swept the Emmys last year and is set to have a second season.
New Trailer for Last Samurai Standing Reveals the Show’s 1000-Member Action Set Piece
The upcoming Netflix series Last Samurai Standing is all set to premiere its first two episodes at the Busan International Film Festival. The trailer for the series was released recently, and teased the incredible action setpieces of the series, choreographed by the lead star Junichi Okada.
One of the highlights of the series, shown in the trailer, is the battle at the Tenryuji Temple. The melee sequence, which is shown in glimpses in the trailer, reportedly required a 1000-member cast and crew to pull off, making it one of the biggest battle sequences put on TV. For reference, Game of Thrones’ Battle of the Bastards used a 600-member team (via wikia).
The action series reportedly had 300 cast members wih each requiring uniquely made costumes and props, making it a huge logistical challenge. However, the talents of Okada and the director Michihito Fujii made it happen. Fujii said (via Netflix),
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
What do you think about Netflix’s answer to Shogun? Will you watch Last Samurai Standing? Comment below.
Last Samurai Standing will be available to stream on Netflix from November 13, 2025.
