Netflix’s Japanese language offering, Last Samurai Standing, is a standout piece of live-action television, blending the best elements of historical samurai fiction with high-stakes survival. Talks of a second season of the show are underway. While there has been no news from Netflix yet, the show’s director wishes for there to be at least a couple more seasons so he can do complete justice to the story.
Based on the Ikusagami (also the Japanese title of the show) novel series written by Shogo Imamura, it tells the story of a samurai who joins a ruthless contest to save his family from the jaws of death.
Main lead, Director, and Discussions Of Last Samurai Standing’s Season 2
Wrapped up in the span of six episodes, Last Samurai Standing (LSS) follows Shujiro (Junichi Okada), who, along with other former warriors of various specialties, must make his way from Kyoto to Tokyo, while killing others or be killed himself.
Okada was personally hired by Netflix to produce (and star in) Last Samurai, which is set in the Meiji period of Japanese history, characterised by the growing number of samurai deemed redundant due to modern technology.
Michihito Fujii, the director of the Japanese show (recommended by Okada), said in an interview with Screen Rant that he would like LSS to have at least “two or three seasons,” but would be satisfied if the creators were able to “conclude the whole story with another season.” The manga is still ongoing, and there are numerous directions the story can take following Season 1.
Cast Members, Reception, & Why Last Samurai Standing Works
As mentioned above, Junichi Okada leads Last Samurai as Shujiro Saga, but he was also involved in choreographing the fight sequences. His vast catalog includes Kisarazu’s Cat Eye (a show and two movies), The Fable, SP, and Gunshi Kanbei.
17-year-old Yumia Fujisaki stars as Futaba Katsuki, her second big role since starring in The Greatest Teacher, while Kaya Kiyohara of In The Wake fame plays Iroha Kinugasa.
Hideaki Itō as Bukotsu Kanjiya is a revelation, bringing a striking quality to the main ‘villain’ of the series, serving as the perfect foil to Okada’s Shujiro and his principles while participating in the ‘Kodoku’.
Other well-known figures include Kazunari Ninomiya (aka Nino) of J-pop Group Arashi, well-known actress Riho Yoshioka, and The Prince of Tennis’ Yuya Endo.
Critical Acclaim & What We Liked About Last Samurai
With a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.5/10 on IMDb, Last Samurai Standing is the critics’ darling, while receiving attention from global viewers. It touched the Top 3 on Netflix within days of its release and continues to make it in the top 10 most viewed shows in several countries, including India.
The Squid Game-like quality of the killer game may draw in audiences at first glance, but it is the superior action sequences (with one critic comparing them to the video game Mortal Kombat), picturesque cinematography, and intriguing storyline that will make viewers stay.
While a second season of Last Samurai Standing is yet to receive Netflix’s stamp of approval, you can binge all episodes of the show on the streaming platform and enjoy what many consider one of the best action shows of the year.
Last Samurai Standing is a 10/10 for me.
If it doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll refund your data. pic.twitter.com/1gD9LmKurh— Damilare (@Realdamilaree) November 16, 2025
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