Netflixhas released the first look atLast Samurai Standing, a new Japanese series.The historical survival thriller takes place at the end of the Edo period, following 300 samurai warriors who have amassed at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, tempted by the allure of a 100 billion yen prize. The upcomingNetflix showis set to debut in November 2025, and its ensemble cast features Junichi Okada, Masahiro Higashide, Shota Sometani, Hiroshi Tamaki, Takayuki Yamada, Jyo Kairi, Wataru Ichinose, Hideaki Ito, and Yasushi Fuchigami.
Speaking withVariety, Netflix’s Japan content head Kaata Sakamotoexplains thatLast Samurai Standingexplores a lesser-known period of samurai history, where these warriors had lost much of their power. Sakamoto goes on to explain that the show is set to show these warriors when they suddenly become ordinary people. He also compares the series toShōgunandSquid Game, with the series being similar to the latter in its exploration of ordinary people fighting for their lives in extreme conditions. Check out Sakamoto’s comments below:
When most people think about samurai, they think about this very glamorous period in Japanese history. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that, towards the end of the Edo period, the samurai lost a lot of their glamour and their power. “Last Samurai Standing” is about what would happen if these warriors — the toughest and best in Japan — all of a sudden became common people and had to fight for their lives. Think “Shōgun” meets “Squid Game.”
What This Means For Netflix and Last Samurai Standing
Netflix Continues To Expand Its Slate Of Japanse Language Shows
Netflix has been actively investing in Japanese-language series, withLast Samurai Standingbeing the latest addition to their growing catalog. Historical, action-filled dramas have proven successful among television audiences in the past, with shows likeShogungaining critical acclaim and also performing well internationally. Moreover,Last Samurai Standing’spromised survival aspect aligns with Netflix’s previous successes, particularly Netflix’sSquid Game, which became a global phenomenon shortly after its release in 2021.
10 Long-Awaited Netflix Movies & Shows Finally Coming In 2025
Netflix has an extensive lineup of new releases coming in 2025, but these 10 upcoming movies and TV shows are the most long-awaited of them all.
Furthermore, Netflix’s strategy aroundLast Samurai Standingreflects a current direction in the film and television industry. Streaming platformscontinue to invest in international productions to expand their global reach and viewership.With the announcement ofLast Samurai Standing,Netflix continues expanding itsJapanese movies and series, following titles likeAlice in BorderlandandHouse of Ninjas.
Our Take On Netflix’s New Samurai Survival Series
The Series Could Prove To Be A Standout In Netflix’s International Lineup
Per Sakamoto’s comments,Last Samurai Standingtaking place during the Edo Period and focusing on the samurai’s historical accuracy proves to be a compelling premise so far, especially with Netflix’s backing. Combining historical drama and life-or-death competition creates an intense dynamic that could draw in audiences beyond those typically interested in period pieces. If executed well,Last Samurai Standinghas the potential to stand out as both a gripping historical series and a high-stakes thrillerin Netflix’s current portfolio.
The"Shōgun meets Squid Game"description provides tremendous appeal as well, especially withSquid Gameseason 3 being the end of the hit series.
The"Shōgun meets Squid Game"description provides tremendous appeal as well, especially withSquid Gameseason 3being the end of the hit series. Adesperate fight for survival with samurai warriorscan make it Netflix’s perfectSquid Gamesuccessor, along with easing the wait forShōgunseasons 2 and 3 on FX and Hulu. This makesLast Samurai Standingone of Netflix’s most promising shows to come in 2025.
