Netflix has unleashed a high-stakes historical action drama that’s bound to make waves — Last Samurai Standing. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Japan’s Meiji era, this adrenaline-fueled series fuses period storytelling with the savage survival mechanics familiar to fans of Squid Game and Battle Royale. Adapted from Shogo Imamura’s novel and manga, it delivers gripping swordplay, layered characters, and an unflinching portrayal of desperation.
Story
The year is 1878. Japan is transforming under the Meiji oligarchy, ending centuries of samurai dominance. The warrior class has been stripped of status, disarmed, and socially sidelined. In this uneasy atmosphere, a mysterious competition known as the “Kodoku” emerges — a lethal tournament tasking combatants to journey from Kyoto to Tokyo while collecting wooden tags from fallen rivals.
Only a handful can survive, and the prize — a staggering 100 billion yen — tempts warriors from every corner of the country. Among them is Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), a decorated war hero now living in poverty after tragedy strikes his family. Desperate to save his ailing wife, he steps into the blood-soaked arena, facing ruthless fighters, uneasy alliances, and hidden agendas.
Performances
Junichi Okada pulls triple duty as star, producer, and action director, lending the series a gritty authenticity in its combat sequences. Masahiro Higashide shines as the charismatic ninja Kyojin, while Kaya Kiyohara’s Iroha wields her blade with mesmerizing precision. Yumia Fujisaki brings vulnerability to Futaba, a young participant in over her head, and Hideaki Ito’s Bukotsu is a terrifying embodiment of brute force.
Behind the Scenes
Directed and written by Michihito Fujii (18×2 Beyond Youthful Days), Last Samurai Standing successfully balances sweeping historical context with intimate character arcs. Each fight scene feels meticulously choreographed, showcasing distinctive weapons and inventive battlegrounds — from temple courtyards to forest ambushes. The tension rarely lets up, and the show smartly intercuts present-day duels with flashbacks, gradually revealing the personal histories and intersecting fates of its warriors.
Final Verdict
For fans of Squid Game, Battle Royale, The Hunger Games, or even the recent Disney Shogun, Last Samurai Standing offers a fresh yet familiar thrill. It’s a whirlwind of sword fights, treachery, and survival instinct, all wrapped in a richly atmospheric portrayal of a nation in flux. With a cliffhanger ending that sets the stage for an inevitable second season, this series is poised to become Netflix’s next big historical action hit.
Last Samurai Standing premieres on November 13 on Netflix.
