According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix renews Japanese period action series Last Samurai Standing. The renewal comes after the series became a global breakout hit following its debut. The Meiji-era battle drama has topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart and ranked in the platform’s Top 10 in 88 countries. In Japan, the series held the number one position for four consecutive weeks, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about domestic releases of the year.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Last Samurai Standing also became the first all-Japanese production to receive a Critics’ Choice Awards nomination in the best foreign language series category. Directed by Michihito Fujii (The Journalist, A Family), the series is co-led by Junichi Okada (The Fable, Hell Dogs), who serves as lead actor, producer and action choreographer. The series is based on Shogo Imamura’s (Comedy Island Japan) Ikusagami best-selling period novel which won Japan’s Naoki Prize in 2021.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Okada heavily hinted a second season was in the offing, and how it could, perhaps, include more supernatural elements.  “We would have to see how this will go, but at the moment I’m more focused on the survival game element. Ikusagami… has this connection with God. In the first season, we introduced the kagura dance, which is like a spiritual ritual, so there is this element of the superhuman power, so we may be able to introduce this divine power.”

In a statement regarding the renewal of Last Samurai Standing, Okada said via The Hollywood Reporter, “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.”

“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,” the director said via The Hollywood Reporter. “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!”