Netflix has officially greenlit a second season of its critically adored Japanese period drama, 'Last Samurai Standing', following the conclusion of its debut run. The announcement, made on 19 December 2025, confirms the future of the series that captivated both critics and audiences with its brutal and breathtaking take on a deadly historical game.
A Perfect Debut for the Samurai Saga
The first season of the show achieved a remarkable feat, securing a perfect 100 per cent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were similarly impressed, granting it an 85 per cent score. Described as "breathtaking" and "brutal", the series was also likened by fans to "Hunger Games meets Squid Game in feudal Japan". The six-part drama is based on Shogo Imamura's best-selling novel Ikusagami and is set in 1878 Japan, a post-samurai era.
It centres on a lethal survival contest called Kodoku, where 292 fallen samurai are pitted against each other, starting at Kyoto's Tenryuji Temple and ending in Tokyo. The sole survivor is promised a staggering prize of 100 billion yen. The story follows the once-feared warrior Shujiro Saga, played by Junichi Okada, who enters the deadly game in a desperate bid to save his sick wife and son.
Bigger and Better Promises for Season 2
Writer and director Michihito Fujii has promised that the next chapter will surpass the first. In a statement to Netflix's Tudum, Fujii shared his excitement, saying, "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."
Lead actor Junichi Okada, who also served as producer and action choreographer, echoed this sentiment. He told Tudum, "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."
Audience and Critical Acclaim
The series' success is built on its compelling execution. One reviewer noted, "The fight scenes are quite spectacular. The acting is really, really good..." while another fan celebrated the renewal, writing, "Last Samurai Standing getting Season 2 feels deserved. Quiet grit finally finding its audience, we all know it’s true."
With its unique premise, stellar production, and now-confirmed future, 'Last Samurai Standing' Season 1 remains available to stream globally on Netflix, setting the stage for its highly anticipated return.
