is a 2025 Japanese Netflix original live-action television series adapted from the novel of the same name written by Shogo Imamura. Starring Junichi Okada, Yumia Fujisaki and Kaya Kiyohara, and set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, the series takes place at the Tenryà «ji monastery in Kyoto.
The first two episodes of the series premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the On Screen section on September 18, 2025. Following its festival release, the six episodes series became available to stream worldwide on Netflix from November 13, 2025. A second season was confirmed by Netflix Japan.
During the Meiji era (late 19th century), 292 fighters come together at Tenryà «-ji Temple in Kyoto, drawn by the chance to win a grand prize of ÃÂ¥100,000. The challenge is clear: take each other's wooden tags and make it all the way to Tokyo. The winner takes the prize. One of the warriors, Shujiro Saga, joins the dangerous contest with a personal mission: to help his sick wife and child.
Netflix announced the production of a "Last Samurai Standing" series, starring Junichi Okada, who is also producer and action choreographer. Michihito Fujii and Kento Yamaguchi are its writer and director, produced by Office Shirous. About his multi-role in the drama, Okada said:
The adaption of the novel into a multi-episode drama series involved significant creative challenges for the directors Michihito Fujii and Junichi Okada, it was like producing three feature-length films. They worked carefully to preserve the original storyâÂÂs core themes, while enhancing its visual and dramatic appeal. The production featured nearly 300 actors, each requiring his own costume, which demanded consistent coordination and commitment from the entire crew.
A second season was confirmed by Netflix, the series' director and lead actor, after Netflix France leaked the news.
Last Samurai Standing was selected for the 'On Screen' section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, where the first two episodes of the series were screened on September 18, 2025. The series started streaming from November 13, 2025 on Netflix.
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 12 critics' reviews are positive.