‘Shogun’ Meets ‘Squid Game’: Netflix Unveils Epic Samurai Battle Royale in 2025 Japan Slate

by

Netflix has revealed its lineup for Japanese content in 2025, with “Last Samurai Standing” as the main attraction. This period drama is set at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, where 300 samurai warriors have been summoned by the offer of a 100 billion yen reward. The series’ lead is Junichi Okada, who not only plays the main role but also produces and choreographs the action scenes.

Kaata Sakamoto, head of content at Netflix Japan, notes that when people imagine samurai, they often think of an extravagant era in Japanese history. However, he points out that towards the end of the Edo period, samurai lost much of their glamour and power. ‘Last Samurai Standing’ explores a scenario where these warriors, once the cream of Japan, are suddenly ordinary citizens forced to battle for survival. Think of it as a blend of ‘Shōgun’ and ‘Squid Game.’

The lineup for the streaming service includes “Alice in Borderland” set to return for its third season in September, extending the survival thriller beyond its manga roots with actors Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya. The film “Bullet Train Explosion,” slated for release on April 23, offers a fresh take on the 1975 movie that inspired “Speed,” utilizing unique access to real bullet train facilities and featuring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi in the cast.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that in July, I’ll be immersed in “Glass Heart,” where Takeru Satoh and Yu Miyazaki star in a music drama filled with breathtaking concert sequences featuring thousands of extras. If you’re looking for something heartwarming, check out the Japanese adaptation of “Romantics Anonymous,” where Shun Oguri and Han Hyo-joo bring to life two uniquely challenged lovers – he’s got a condition that prevents him from touching people, while she struggles with avoiding eye contact. Both films promise an unforgettable cinematic experience!

The graphic novel “Demon City,” set to debut on Feb. 27, is based on Masamichi Kawabe’s manga, with Toma Ikuta portraying a hitman who embarks on a quest for vengeance following the loss of his family. On the other hand, “10Dance,” directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida, will premiere in December. These two actors play rival dancers who form an unexpected alliance.

Currently streaming is “Asura,” a contemporary family drama directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, revolving around four sisters navigating their father’s suspected infidelity. The cast includes Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose. Coming in August is the romantic drama “Soul Mate,” starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon from the Korean boy band 2PM. This film centers around a Japanese man’s chance encounter with a Korean boxer in Berlin.

In unstructured content, “Final Draft” signifies Netflix Japan’s inaugural survival reality show, where 25 ex-professional athletes vie for a JPY30 million reward ($195,000) to support their future careers. “Offline Love” (Feb. 18) transports ten competitors to Nice, France, for a technology-free dating journey, while “Badly in Love” dives into the romantic lives of Japanese “yankees” (delinquents), produced by former yankee Megumi. Laughter enthusiasts can anticipate “Welcome, Now Get Lost,” with Koji Higashino as host, bringing the popular YouTube sensation to streaming platforms.

As a passionate cinephile, I stand before the slate that signifies Netflix Japan’s 10-year milestone. Sakamoto, their spokesperson, underscores their unwavering dedication to breaking creative barriers and enhancing production quality across various genres. In his words, “We are committed to crafting unprecedented tales by joining forces with Japan’s elite creators and budding talents who bring groundbreaking ideas to the table.

Read More

2025-02-12 11:46