Netflix Unveils Ambitious 2025 Japanese Content Slate
In a bold move to captivate the Japanese audience, Netflix has unveiled its highly anticipated content lineup for 2025. Headlining the slate is "Last Samurai Standing," a riveting period drama showcasing 300 skilled samurai warriors lured to Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto by the allure of a 100 billion yen prize. The series stars renowned actor Junichi Okada, who also serves as lead producer and action choreographer.
"When people envision samurai, they often picture a period of grandeur in Japanese history," says Netflix Japan content head Kaata Sakamoto. "However, towards the end of the Edo era, these warriors faced a significant decline in status and influence. 'Last Samurai Standing' explores what would occur if these elite warriors were forced to navigate life as ordinary citizens, battling for their existence. Imagine a blend of 'Shōgun' and 'Squid Game.'"
The streaming giant's lineup also boasts the return of "Alice in Borderland" for its third season in September. Promising to transcend the boundaries of Haro Aso's manga origins, the survival thriller stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya. Director Shinji Higuchi's "Bullet Train Explosion," premiering April 23, reimagines the classic 1975 film that inspired "Speed," offering viewers unprecedented access to actual bullet train facilities and starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
"Glass Heart," debuting in July, features Takeru Satoh and Yu Miyazaki in a captivating music drama featuring elaborate concert scenes with thousands of extras. "Romantics Anonymous" adapts the French film "Les Émotifs Anonymes" with Shun Oguri and Han Hyo-joo as uniquely challenged lovers—he struggles with physical touch, while she avoids eye contact.
For those who crave revenge, "Demon City," premiering Feb. 27, adapts Masamichi Kawabe's manga with Toma Ikuta portraying a hitman seeking retribution for the loss of his family. December brings "10Dance," directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida as rival dancers forming an unlikely alliance.
Already streaming is "Asura," a contemporary family drama from director Kore-eda Hirokazu exploring four sisters coping with their father's suspected infidelity. The cast includes Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose. "Soul Mate," premiering in August, features Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon in a Berlin-set romantic tale about a Japanese man's fateful encounter with a Korean boxer.
In the realm of unscripted content, "Final Draft" marks Netflix Japan's debut survival reality series, featuring 25 former professional athletes competing for a JPY30 million prize to support their career transitions. "Offline Love" (Feb. 18) brings ten contestants to Nice, France, for a technology-free dating experience, while "Badly in Love" delves into the romantic lives of Japanese "yankees" (delinquents), produced by former yankee Megumi. Comedy enthusiasts will delight in "Welcome, Now Get Lost," hosted by Koji Higashino, which brings the viral YouTube sensation to streaming platforms.
This ambitious slate commemorates Netflix Japan's 10th anniversary, with Sakamoto reiterating their commitment to pushing creative boundaries and elevating production standards across genres. "We strive to produce unprecedented narratives by collaborating with Japan's finest creatives and fostering emerging talent with groundbreaking ideas," he declares.