Everything you need to know about ‘Last Samurai Standing’
This November, Netflix is turning back time with Last Samurai Standing, so if you want to board the streaming ferry for a thrilling throwback, here’s everything to know.
Last Samurai Standing opens in an era where the samurai are facing a steep decline in their numbers. Having been struck with poverty, a pandemic, and a new regime that reduced them to antiquity, 292 fallen samurai are enticed with the prospect of signing up for a deadly game, Kodoku, where the last alive will be rewarded with a life-altering cash prize.
The upcoming series retains the spirit of authentic Japanese culture, similar to the cinemas. According to producer, lead actor, and action choreographer Junichi Okada, and director Michihito Fujii’s conversation with Tudum, Last Samurai Standing is going to be a reimagination of the period rather than a straightforward retelling.
For those interested in knowing more, here’s an overview of everything related to this live-action series.
What is the plot?
Last Samurai Standing begins in 1878 Japan, a decade after the glorious era of the samurai. Robbed of their identity and status, they are no longer allowed to carry swords, resulting in a real struggle to survive in this new regime. To top it off, the class discrepancies are widening, and a cholera outbreak threatens to wipe out the vulnerable populace, but amidst all the chaos, a chance at redemption arrives in the form of an invitation to take part in a tournament for 100billion yen.
The battle starts in Kyoto, with its endpoint being Tokyo, with the major drawback being that only one player can survive. The question is just as much about those who will willingly endure the journey as the ones behind the enigmatic, ruthless game, which will test historical honour in the face of never-before-seen hardships.
Who is in the cast?
Besides serving as the producer and action choreographer, Junichi Okada will star as Last Samurai Standing’s protagonist, the once formidable samurai, Shujiro Saga. More than his life being on the line, he participates in Kodoku to claim the prize money to save his cholera-infected wife and son. Other cast members include Riho Yoshioka as Shino Saga, Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki, Kaya Kiyohara as Iroha Kinugasa, Masahiro Higashide as Kyojin Tsuge, Hideaki Ito as Bukotsu Kanjiya, Hiroshi Tamaki as Ukyo Kikuomi, and Shôta Sometani as Kocha Kamui.
Takayuki Yamada as Jinbe Ando, Wataru Ichinose as Raizo Tachibana, Taichi Saotome as Shikura Adashino, Yûya Endô as Sansuke Gion, Taiiku Okazaki as Jinroku Keage, Jyo Kairi as Shinnosuke Sayama, Kazunari Ninomiya as Enju, Yasushi Fuchikami as Sakura, Gaku Hamada as Toshiyoshi Kawaji, Arata Iura as Toshimichi Okubo, and Tetsushi Tanaka as Hisoka Maejima round out the cast.
Is there a trailer available?
Yes, Netflix has recently released an intense trailer, which you can check out below.
When does Last Samurai Standing release?
Last Samurai Standing is scheduled to premiere on Netflix with all six episodes on November 13th; hence, you can rest assured the wait won’t be long.