Last Samurai Standing
Created by: John Lee Hancock
Based on: Last Samurai Standing by Shogo Imamura
Stars: Junichi Okada, Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Hiroshi Tamaki, Hideaki Itō, Gaku Hamada, Hiroshi Abe
Original release date: November 13, 2025 (Netflix)
Premise: During the Meiji era (late 19th century), 292 fighters came together at Tenryū-ji Temple in Kyoto after sunset, drawn by the chance to win a grand prize of ¥100,000. The challenge was clear: take each other’s wooden tags and make it all the way to Tokyo. The winner would get the prize. One of the warriors, Shujiro Saga, joined the dangerous contest with a personal mission: to help his sick wife and child.
Season 1 – Episode 5
Episode title: Specters
Episode plot: Kyojin escapes the Kodoku officers. Shujiro fights Hanjiro to a stalemate, which is broken up by Iroha, who helps him escape. The group regather and conclude that the central Police Bureau are involved with the game. Kawaji meets up with the four zaibatsu but reports to Okubo that he hasn’t found anything. Shujiro sends a message to Hisoka Maejime, an old contact who works closely with Okubo, asking for protection. At the Chiryu-juku checkpoint, Futaba successfully convinces the others to give Shinnosuke their spare tags so he can pass. Kyojin decides they should split up for safety, and goes with Shinnosuke while Shujiro travels with the others. Shinpei, Okubo’s secretary, deciphers the zaibatsu’s telegrams but is intercepted by Enju and killed before he can report his findings. Kyojin makes contact with Sansuke and Shikura, Shujiro and Iroha’s sword siblings.
* * *
Last Samurai Standing – S01E05 – Specters | Transcript
[ominous music playing]
[Kawaji] Ghosts of the past.
[men shouting]
[Kawaji] They cling to their rotting power… and their rusting swords.
Too proud to accept defeat.
[Saga] Forward!
[Kawaji] Too stubborn to evolve.
They steal from the powerless, yet bemoan the loss of their socalled honor.
Victory is ours!
[Kawaji] And like fools, they dare to rebel.
[flare bursts]
[man] Yeah!
Sir, I see the smoke signal.
It’s a victory for our allies.
[clamoring]
Open fire.
Sir?
[men shouting in distance] Fire.
But, sir, our troops are still inside enemy lines.
I said fire!
All soldiers, open fire!
[cannonball whistles]
[gasping]
[soldier] Aim!
Fire!
[groaning, screaming]
[melancholy music playing]
Stand down! Stop it! It’s over!
Stand down!
[breathing shakily]
[Kawaji] A new era has begun.
[groans] And the samurai have no place in it.
[dramatic music playing]
These ghosts of the past… must be eradicated.
Gentlemen. Sorry to keep you waiting.
[dramatic music continues]
[dramatic music fades]
Honestly, we’re the ones who should be thanking you.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us.
[man 1] Indeed. [laughs]
Have you heard our family motto, perchance?
No, I’m afraid I haven’t.
“You should never lend your money to the shizoku.”
We’ve paid the biggest price for their lawlessness and pride.
Loan after loan, betrayal after betrayal.
It’s a miracle we’re still here.
Number 159, Ikeuchi Tekkan, has been confirmed dead at Kuwana.
Reportedly, he was killed by number 66, Kanjiya Bukotsu.
[men laughing]
[man 2] Bukotsu the Savage Slasher again?
He’s a beast, through and through.
[man 1] Sure is.
Yet he’s all about killing and barely moves forward.
[clicks tongue] Hardly worth betting on.
At this rate, he definitely won’t be the first at Chiryu, right?
That’s for certain.
But at least he’s very entertaining, so let’s hope he stays alive.
[man 2] Agreed.
[men laugh] The Kodoku is just beginning, which means the real fun is still ahead.
There’s so much more to see, and we’ve prepared plenty of entertainment all the way to the finish line.
So, gentlemen, may we watch and enjoy the downfall of these ghosts.
[Morosawa chuckles]
MITSUI BANK
[tense music playing]
I know that you hate guns.
They cast us into oblivion.
They’re to blame for our demise.
No one is to blame for that.
The world has changed.
There’s nothing we can do.
Has it?
Lower your guns.
He needs to concentrate.
[breathing heavily]
[swords scraping]
[dramatic music playing]
[grunts]
[groaning]
[panting, grunting]
[officer] You’re in the way!
[straining]
[groans]
[blood gushing]
[yelling, grunting]
[breathing heavily]
[grunting]
What? What happened?
I heard gunshots!
[gun fires]
Stop!
Stop right there!
[groaning] The suspect has been killed!
[grunts] [groans]
[gun fires]
[screams]
[panting]
Stop!
[groans]
[music ends]
[straining]
[dramatic music resumes]
[exhales]
[breathing shakily] Get down there! Don’t let him get away!
[panting] Time to move!
Hey, wait, butHey! Wait, but
Wait!
Your clothes!
[music fades]
[clock ticking]
[brooding music playing]
[breathing heavily]
[grunting]
Your purpose here is pointless.
Even winning this game won’t make anybody happy.
What are you implying?
It’s no use trying to make you understand!
[grunting]
[struggling]
[tense music playing]
This is where your journey ends, Saga Kokushu.
[straining]
[music intensifies]
[music fades]
[Saga groaning]
Shunii!
[grunts] [groaning] Get them!
[whimpering]
[footsteps receding]
[inhales]
[ominous music playing]
So we’ll meet in Tokyo.
[knocking]
[clock ticking]
Come in.
We’ve received a report from General Kawaji.
They found nothing at the foot of Mount Fuji.
We chased a false lead, unfortunately.
Thank you, Nagase.
Lord Okubo, regarding what Lord Maejima said earlier…
About Kawaji?
Yes.
Lord Kawaji is admirable, truly.
HoweverThe Bureau was his doing.
Kawaji went overseas to develop a plan for it, went to Europe to learn new ideas for law and order.
But I don’t believe he’ll betray us in the end.
[inhales]
If you’ll allow it, could I take a look at those documents, sir?
Can you decipher it?
[Nagase] I’m not sure.
I’ll do my best.
I’m no expert.
However, I’d like to give it a try.
Hm.
[brooding music playing]
Tend to every detail.
We have no idea what the enemy might be hiding.
[Nagase] Thank you, sir.
[door closes]
[exhales] The man who killed Akayama and attacked me was no impostor.
He was a real police officer.
That means the Police Bureau might actually have a connection to whoever’s in charge of all this.
Or maybeIt’s someone inside the Bureau.
[Kyojin] Exactly.
So the police and Mitsui Bank as well…
I’d wager it’s not just the bank that’s involved.
I don’t follow.
There’s a chance the zaibatsu in charge of the banks are involved.
[gasps]
If that really is the case, that would explain everything, wouldn’t it?
The Police Bureau monitors the participants and sees to the disposal of any bodies left in their wake.
And as for the extensive cost of its operation, it’s all covered by the zaibatsu.
[Saga] Still, one thing remains puzzling.
At Tenryuji, the very first to die was Ando Jinbe, right?
He was an officer of Kyoto’s Fourth Division.
[Shinnosuke] Yes, you’re right!
I don’t think the officers at the station knew either.
So I take it only the core of the Police Bureau is at work here.
But why would the police allow all of this?
[Kyojin] I have no clue.
However, there is something I can speak to with certainty for now.
This Kodoku is not only for 100,000 yen.
It’s obviously about something far deeper than that.
Even if we do reach Tokyo, I doubt that will be the end of it.
I’m sure they’ll have something else in store.
What if they force us to kill each other until there’s only one standing?
[Saga] And even if only one person is left, there’s no guarantee they’ll return home alive.
No way. [breath trembling]
[Saga] Even so, I’ll keep moving forward.
[Kyojin] Will you bring the little miss with you?
Though I suppose there’s a limit to how far she can go.
[music fades]
[Saga exhales]
But I want to go with you. Please.
Futaba… please be quiet.
[footsteps approaching]
And you still have a trump card hidden up your sleeve, don’t you?
Saga Kokushu, sir.
Back during the war, you were connected to some prominent government figures, weren’t you?
How do you know something like that, Kyojin?
The zaibatsu and the police will fail if we utilize that card.
So if you care about this little kiddo here,
[exhales]
you might want to give it some thought.
[breath trembling]
[inhales sharply]
[Saga] I’ll be back by noon tomorrow.
While I’m gone, take care of Futaba.
[Kyojin] Understood.
[breathing shakily]
[breathing heavily]
[Iroha] That kind of strike won’t be effective.
I just want to be strong.
That’s why I’m doing this.
I don’t want to… be such a heavy burden to you all.
[sobbing gently]
Strength doesn’t lie in the sword alone.
At the moment, you’re still weak.
You’re only a child.
And you’re also a girl.
But prepare yourself.
In time, you will find the strength and power you truly carry.
[brooding music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[birds chirping]
NARUMI TELEGRAPH OFFICE Oh.
How may I help you?
I have a telegram to send.
[clerk] Ah. Yes, of course.
Please write the recipient’s name and the message here.
[mysterious music playing]
SPECIAL EXERCISE BY THE POLICE BUREAU
[knocking]
Come in.
If I may…
What is it?
A telegram has arrived.
It’s addressed to the Home Minister and appears quite odd.
WISH TO CONVEY IMPORTANT MATTER TO OKUBO
[Maejima] Saga Kokushu.
I have to send a telegram.
I’ll do it.
Everyone out, all right?
Yes, sir.
[clerk] Yes, sir.
[tense music playing]
All right. They’ve responded.
What did they say?
They said, “Details, please.”
Who sent the reply?
Lord Maejima Hisoka, sir.
How is this possible?
He’s the Home Minister’s righthand!
I’m afraid you need to leave for now.
This matter doesn’t concern you.
[gasps] Uh, sure.
[Saga] Serious incident at Tenryuji.
Has it been confirmed?
[Maejima] Reports received.
Shizoku assembling.
Are you one of them?
[Saga] I am.
Shizoku engaged in combat.
Child among them.
Requesting assistance.
[Maejima] Still investigating.
Requesting full details.
[exhales]
[Enju] Rule four.
Under no circumstances, are you to tell anyone else about this.
[Saga] Provide protection, and details will follow.
[Maejima] Police involvement is suspected.
Any knowledge?
[Saga] Matter of national importance.
Will provide information if protected.
[Maejima] Meet in Okazaki in three days.
Protection to follow there.
[Saga] Understood.
[tense music fades]
Sorry for the scare. I apologize.
Could you send this one too?
[clerk] Oh. Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
TO: SHINO SAGA FROM: SHUJIRO SAGA
[Saga] Remain strong.
I will return no matter what.
[vehicles passing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Maejima] Saga Kokushu seems to be among the participants.
Kokushu, you say?
[Maejima] Yes, sir.
[Okubo] So he’s still alive.
[Maejima] He asked for help.
There’s a child he wants to protect.
Any other details?
He didn’t offer any clear answers when I asked about police involvement, but said it was a national issue.
And there’s more, sir.
The Police Bureau is mobilizing over 150 officers and conducting exercises in secret.
The way I see it, they’re likely proceeding with something and choosing not to inform us.
Kawaji is able to utilize his power to command anyone in the police force at any moment and continue his relationship with the zaibatsu.
[mysterious music playing]
Lord Okubo.
I will not give up.
I’ll do my best.
As soon as Kawaji returns, he and I will have a discussion.
In the meantime, those telegrams must be decoded.
We won’t catch him without any real proof.
Yes, sir.
I’ll be on my way to meet Kokushu myself.
Please make sure you’re always alert.
Sir.
FIREARMS
EQUIPMENT WESTERN POLICE SYSTEM FORMATION OF A MODERN STATE POLICE TRAINING IS NECESSARY FOR EMERGENCIES
[Nagase] Ru… Ru… Ru… Ru Ke…
MITSUIGUMI CODEBOOK One…
Eleven…
Ten…
Eleven…
[inhales]
[sighing]
[birds chirping]
[Saga] Forgive the wait.
All right, let’s get going.
We’re probably at the very end of the line.
Most contestants have likely passed through Chiryu by now.
We should hurry, or there won’t be any tags left to take.
Right. Let’s move.
[foreboding music playing]
SEKI CHIRYU
[indistinct chatter]
CHIRYUJUKU REQUIRED POINTS: 5
Welcome, all. We’ve been expecting you.
Mr. Saga, Miss Katsuki, Miss Kinugasa, tags, please.
[man 1] Mr. Tsuge, Mr. Sayama, your tags.
[Tsurubami] Mr. Saga Shujiro, eight points.
Miss Katsuki Futaba, seven points.
Miss Kinugasa Iroha, eight points.
You’ve made it to Chiryu, and you’re all cleared to pass.
[man 1] Mr. Tsuge Kyojin, seven points.
You are cleared to pass Chiryu.
Five tags will now become one blue tag.
Please hand over five points’ worth of tags.
[breathing shakily]
[man 2] Mr. Sayama, your tags, please.
No, wait.
Futaba, let’s go.
[struggling] Shujiro, wait!
We all have enough to spare!
There’s no use in taking him with us.
He lacks the strength to survive, all right?
Stop this! We have to save Shinnosuke!
We’re barely managing to survive ourselves.
Shinnosuke is an adult.
His life’s his own to answer for.
He made his choice, and he wasn’t forced into anything.
[Shinnosuke] Futaba.
Thank you.
[somber music playing]
[sobbing gently]
I can’t say what’s going to happen from here.
And I know every moment could be the last.
But…
But if abandoning Shinnosuke means I survive, how could I return to my mother with any pride?
How could I ever face her again if I have no honor?
[Tsurubami] There’s no use.
All this would do is put off his certain death.
Sayama does not have the skills.
It’s unlikely he’ll survive until the end and become one of the nine.
What if there are more paths to our survival?
Gibberish.
[breathing heavily]
[sighs]
[chuckles]
I guess it’s a done deal.
[sighs]
[breath trembling]
[man 2] Mr. Sayama Shinnosuke, five points.
You are cleared to pass Chiryu.
[Shinnosuke] Futaba.
Thank you.
[footsteps receding]
Thank you so much!
[sobbing] Thank you!
Thank you so much! Thank you!
Safe travels.
[birds chirping]
[somber music fades]
Shujiro.
Hm?
I’m sorry.
If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
No.
You were right, actually.
We cannot save everybody.
But abandoning the person right in front of us, I could never face my wife again.
[Kyojin] I must say, Futaba, excellent work.
[Saga] Indeed.
Tsurubami has spoken carelessly.
He revealed that at the game’s end, nine would stand a chance of survival.
You’re right.
He did say something like that.
The nine who reach Tokyo will be forced into something.
I have no doubt of that.
However, that is not to say only one will survive, is it?
[uplifting music playing]
Yes, but he’s involved in the Kodoku, so then… why would he reveal that to us?
He’s definitely not on our side, yet I’m sensing some goodwill.
Not for us, exactly.
For Futaba.
[Kyojin] Who would’ve thought?
If this Kodoku is like a locked door, maybe you hold the key, huh?
[Saga] There’s finally hope in this Kodoku.
Futaba. It’s all because of you.
[footsteps receding]
[groaning]
[people gasping, screaming]
[dramatic music playing]
[whimpering]
[Kanjiya] So, what were you saying about a samurai?
I said
I just said that I saw a samurai walking with a girl
[screams]
Kokushu, this time I won’t let you get away.
[dramatic music fades]
All right.
I suppose this is where we split.
What?
Shinnosuke and I made quite a mess at the police station.
They’ve seen our faces.
We’re likely wanted men now.
Huh?
So I’m thinking we split into two groups for now, until things cool down.
Will the two of you be all right?
Have you forgotten who you’re dealing with?
You watch your own back.
Till we meet again.
Come on, Shinnosuke!
Uh…
W
Wait for me, Kyojin!
Let’s get moving.
[mysterious music playing]
[exhales]
[inhales sharply]
[sighs]
[owl hooting]
[sighs]
[groans]
[suspenseful music playing]
EUROPEAN CIPHER MANUAL
[Okubo] The Bureau was his doing.
Kawaji went overseas to develop a plan for it, went to Europe to learn new ideas for law and order.
[inhales]
N, K…
W, D, A…
Z is W. Another A…
I…
[panting]
[wheezing]
[gasps]
[suspenseful music fades]
[Enju] Lord Shinpei. Good evening.
[Nagase] Mochizuki.
What brings someone from the Police Bureau to the Home Ministry?
Especially at this hour of the night?
It is late, indeed.
Are you still working?
[eerie music playing]
[breathing shakily]
Don’t tell me you underestimated us.
You must have realized we’d be watching every move.
What is the purpose of this anyway?
That’s none of your business, is it?
You were just a few steps away.
So close.
How unfortunate.
[gasps]
[choking]
[dramatic music playing]
REPORT TO KAWAJI SAKURA AND SHUJIRO FACETOFACE
[eerie music playing]
[clock ticking]
[owl hooting]
TO TOSHIYOSHI KAWAJI
[exhales]
Looks like there won’t be any more developments today.
I’d say we retire for the night.
Right. Gentlemen, rest well tonight in the comfort of your rooms.
If all goes well, the results from Chiryu will arrive by morning.
[Morosawa] Well then, see you all tomorrow.
[men speaking indistinctly]
Okubo’s secretary has been dealt with smoothly.
Very good.
Even so, tensions are rising at the central government, sir.
Maejima has suddenly changed his plans and is now bound for Okazaki.
We’ve found evidence of telegram communications with one of the Kodoku participants.
And do we know who it is?
One hundred and eight, Saga Shujiro.
[footsteps receding]
[Kawaji] Pardon me.
Gentlemen, there has been a slight complication, I’m afraid.
Unfortunately, Lord Okubo is likely aware of your involvement alongside the Police Bureau.
[gasping]
What do you mean by that?
If-If that’s the case, our standing might be–
Please rest assured.
This is going exactly as we’ve foreseen.
I have everything thoroughly planned out.
How on earth could they figure out who we are?
Apparently, Maejima received a telegram from one of the contestants with the news.
Wait, what?
Is-Isn’t that against the rules?
The telegram was from Saga Shujiro.
Kokushu the Manslayer.
Wait. Is he eliminated for that?
[Kawaji] I’m afraid that won’t be the case.
Why not? I don’t understand–
Calm yourselves. Easy.
We have received word that one or more intriguing and ruthless participants are rather fixated on Saga Shujiro.
[brooding music playing]
Why would we interfere, when we can witness these lost souls tear each other apart inside the Kodoku jar?
[drum beating]
[indistinct chatter]
[children singing]
A festival…
[man] How about a mask, folks?
[speaks indistinctly]
Take your pick!
Come and get your masks!
[folk music playing]
[ominous music playing]
[Kyojin] Got a moment to chat, Gion Sansuke?
How do you know me?
Well, I don’t, really.
[grunting]
I’ve got no intention of fighting, Adashino Shikura.
[exhales]
[dramatic music playing]
If I’m not wrong, you two are looking for your siblings, Saga Shujiro and Kinugasa Iroha.
Oh, and then there’s Jinroku too, right?
What exactly is it that you want?
I wonder would either of you care if your siblings were in trouble?
Uh, excuse me. Which way is Chiryu?
[music ends abruptly]
Pardon me?
I think I took a wrong turn.
[dramatic music resumes]
What are you talking about?
63 REMAINING
[dramatic music fades]
[ambient music playing]
[music fades]
