LAST SAMURAI STANDING Reteams ‘Hard Days’ Star And Director For New Netflix Japan Samurai Drama
![wp-17138782216148289278731728237057 - Film Combat Syndicate](https://filmcombatsyndicate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wp-17138782216148289278731728237057.png)
Production is underway on new Netflix series Last Samurai Standing. The film reteams actor Junichi Okada and director Michihito Fujii for their latest pairing since Hard Days, last year’s Japan revamp of hit Korean crime thriller, A Hard Day.
Last Samurai Standing is adapted from Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura’s ongoing manga, “Ikusagami.” Set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, the series centers on Shujiro Saga (Okada), who sets out to save his ailing wife and child as one of 292 skilled warriors gathered at Tenryuji Temple to compete in a deadly game to win a grand prize of 100 billion yen.
Okada, whose select credits include films like manga adaptations The Fable and The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill, as well as Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai, Sekigahara and Hell Dogs, will also serve as producer on Last Samurai Standing, as well as action choreographer.
“When Netflix executive producer Mr. Takahashi reached out to me, I was still acting in historical dramas. Back then, I was already thinking of ways to make this genre a hit, not just in Japan, but all over the world. I saw their potential for action, drama, social commentary, and entertainment, but I knew they could be taken further. That’s when I came across Imamura’s manga. It was written in a way that modern audiences could enjoy, and I was excited about the idea of adapting it,” said Okada. “I was also adamant about having Michihito Fujii as the director — if he hadn’t agreed, I was ready to step back from the project.”
Imamura says, “I wrote ‘Ikusagami’ with the intention of making a historical novel that could be enjoyed worldwide. When Netflix approached me, I was overjoyed. And having Junichi Okada in the lead role was a dream come true, as I had envisioned him as Shujiro while writing”.
As the streamer notes: The adaptation process was not without its own set of challenges, particularly in transitioning the novel into a multi-episode drama series, which was likened to producing three films. Fujii and Okada worked meticulously on the script, ensuring it stayed true to the essence of the original work while also adding cinematic elements. With nearly 300 actors, each requiring their own costume, production demanded unwavering dedication from the entire team.
“We’re creating a unique world with an ensemble cast. We feel a responsibility to deliver something unprecedented. I’m glad for this opportunity to take an amazing story, cast and visuals, and create a work for Japan and the world to see,” Fujii shared.
Native New Yorker. Been writing for a long time now, and I enjoy what I do. Be nice to me!