'Last Samurai Standing' Unveils 14 New Cast Members Ahead of November Debut

The pieces are coming together for Last Samurai Standing with the announcement of 14 top actors from Japan joining the cast. Set to premiere this November, this gripping series promises an intense life-and-death game between samurai warriors, heralding a new era for Japanese dramas.

Leading the cast is Junichi Okada, who not only stars as the protagonist Shujiro Saga but also serves as the action choreographer and first-time producer. Joining him is Riho Yoshioka as Shujiro's wife, Shino, and Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki, a young girl caught in the desperate battle. Shujiro's sworn allies, Iroha Kinugasa, Shikura Adashino, and Sansuke Gion, are portrayed by Kaya Kiyohara, Taichi Saotome, and Yuya Endo, respectively.

The series also features Masahiro Higashide as former Iga clan ninja Kyojin Tsuge, Shota Sometani as Ainu archer Kocha Kamuy, and Hiroshi Tamaki as the longsword-wielding noble guardian Ukyo Kikuomi. Takayuki Yamada plays Kyoto police officer Jinbe Ando, while Jyo Kairi takes on the role of Shinjiro Sayama, a young man burdened by debt. Wataru Ichinose portrays the imposing Raizo Tachibana, and Hideaki Ito plays the notoriously vicious Bukotsu Kanjiya, who has a history with Shujiro. The battle royale is organized by Sakura and Enju, played by Yasushi Fuchikami and Kazunari Ninomiya. These distinguished actors bring life to colorful characters, each with unique styles and weapons.

A first look at the series has also been released, featuring Shujiro Saga poised for battle at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, where the story begins.

Last Samurai Standing is based on the "Ikusagami" series by historical novelist Shogo Imamura, a recipient of the 166th Naoki Prize. Praised as a highly entertaining historical novel, the story is set in the late 19th century, as the age of the samurai was coming to an end.

In the Meiji period, at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, 292 skilled warriors gathered at nightfall, lured by the promise of a huge cash prize. The rules are simple: whoever can steal the wooden tags distributed to each of them and reach Tokyo will win the prize money. Among them is Shujiro Saga, who enters the deadly game with one goal: to save his ailing wife and child.

This series reflects the enduring spirit of the brave warriors who lived through an uncertain era. Prepare to witness a battle royale like no other when Last Samurai Standing debuts this November, only on Netflix.

About Last Samurai Standing

LEAD CAST, PRODUCER AND ACTION CHOREOGRAPHER: Junichi Okada

DIRECTORS: Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, Toru Yamamoto

BASED ON THE NOVEL: "Ikusagami" by Shogo Imamura (Kodansha)

PRODUCER: Kosuke Oshida

CAST:

Junichi Okada

Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Masahiro Higashide

Shota Sometani, Taichi Saotome, Yuya Endo, Yasushi Fuchikami, Jyo Kairi

Takayuki Yamada, Wataru Ichinose, Riho Yoshioka, Kazunari Ninomiya

Hiroshi Tamaki, Hideaki Ito

https://www.netflix.com/lastsamuraistanding