LAST SAMURAI STANDING Fights On With Season Two Announcement
Lee B. Golden III
Netflix
I don’t talk enough about dramas that catch my interest. Netflix series Last Samurai Standing is certainly one of them, and with a story that undoubtely grabs the attention with Junichi Okada front and center as a ronin on a quest to save his family by winning a death game by competing against hundreds of other killers for a grand yen prize, only to unravel a bigger conspiracy that brings him full circle with the ghosts of his wartorn past.
Episodes were directed by Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, and Toru Yamamoto, and adapted for the screen by Kosuke Oshida from Shogo Imamura’s hit manga, “Ikusagami” which is currently in print since 2022. The show is now a streaming hit after premiering last month and the word now is that a second season is in the works with Okada reprising his role, as well as action-directing as he did for the first season.
Below is the official language from the streamer along with a video announcement. Check it out below, and do check out the show as well as soon as you can if you haven’t already done so.
Netflix has officially renewed the worldwide breakout hit Last Samurai Standing for a second season. The battle royale that captivated Japan and international audiences now turns the page to its next chapter.
Since its debut, Last Samurai Standing has sparked an explosive response both locally and internationally, climbing to No. 1 on the Netflix Weekly Global Top 10 for Non-English Series and ranking in the Top 10 in 88 countries. In Japan, it held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks, solidifying its place as one of the country’s most talked-about hits.
Audiences have been glued to their screens by the series’ intense battles and unforgettable characters, driving marathon viewing and a flood of requests for a sequel across social media. In response to this passionate support, Season 2 is now officially on the way.
In another milestone, Last Samurai Standing became the first all-Japanese production ever nominated in the Best Foreign Language Series category at the Critics’ Choice Awards — further expanding its reach as a Japanese original embraced by viewers, media, and critics around the globe.
Led by Junichi Okada — serving as lead actor, producer, and action choreographer — and director Michihito Fujii, the series unites an all-star ensemble of Japan’s most respected talent. Their bold vision proved that a period-action epic made in Japan can resonate on a global scale, paving the way for the next bold challenge: Season 2.
“I’m pleased to see that Last Samurai Standing has reached global audiences and has been confirmed for a second season. I’m excited to get back into this wild world and once again charge into battle with the production team. We hope to make the next season even more energetic and action-packed. We’d love to have you along for the ride, and please stay tuned for Season 2,” Junichi Okada says, expressing their joy at the series’ global reception and their excitement for what’s ahead in Season 2.
“I’m very pleased and relieved that Last Samurai Standing has been such a big hit outside Japan. Thank you so much. I’m also honored to say that the series has officially been greenlit for a second season. It gives me chills just thinking about all the exciting days that lie ahead with this amazing production team led by Junichi Okada. There’s no doubt that Season 2 will be even bigger and better than the first, so I’m going to hold on to my seat and give it my best. I hope everyone will keep their eyes peeled for what we have in store!” Director Fujii adds.
Stay tuned for more updates on Last Samurai Standing Season 2, only on Netflix.