In a world where honor and survival collide, Ikusagami thrusts warriors into a brutal battle royale known as “Kodoku.” Set in the turbulent Meiji era, the story follows skilled fighters, each carrying their own past, ambitions, and secrets, as they struggle to outlast one another in a deadly game. With swords clashing and alliances shifting, only the strongest—and the most cunning—will walk away from the blood-soaked battlefield alive.
Ikusagami Information
| Category | Ikusagami |
|---|---|
| Native Title | イクサガミ |
| Country | JAPAN |
| Genre | Action, History |
| Director by | Michihito Fujii |
| Story by | Based on the novel by Shogo Imamura |
| Starring Cast | Junichi Okada as Shujiro Saga Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki Kaya Kiyohara as Iroha Kinugasa Taichi Saotome as Shikura Adashino |
| Number of Episode | To be announced |
| Release dates | Scheduled for November 2025 |
| Streaming by | Netflix |
Ikusagami Main Cast
Junichi Okada as Shujiro Saga
The protagonist of Ikusagami, Saga Shujirō is a skilled warrior forced into a deadly battle royale known as “Kodoku.” A man of honor and resilience, he fights to survive while uncovering the secrets behind this brutal game. His past is filled with tragedy, but his unwavering determination makes him a formidable force on the battlefield.
Junichi Okada
◾Date of Birth: November 18, 1980
◾Place of Birth: Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
◾Debut Work: “V6” (1995)
◾Notable Works: “The Eternal Zero,” “Library Wars,” “Sekigahara,” “The Fable,” “Higurashi no Ki”
◾Social Media: Not available
Riho Yoshioka as Shino Saga
The devoted wife of Saga Shujirō, Shino is a woman of strength and kindness. Though she does not participate in the battles, her presence and love provide emotional grounding for Shujirō. She struggles with personal hardships, including illness and concerns about their family’s future.
Riho Yoshioka
◾Date of Birth: January 15, 1993
◾Place of Birth: Kyoto, Japan
◾Debut Work: “Here Comes Asa!” (2015)
◾Notable Works: “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.,” “Haken Uranaishi Ataru,” “Your Eyes Tell,” “The Romance Manga Artist,” “The Stars My Destination”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki
A mysterious and intelligent fighter, Katsuki Futaba is one of the participants in Kodoku. She is known for her sharp instincts and deadly combat skills. Despite her ruthless nature on the battlefield, she harbors a deep sense of justice and a complex past that influences her decisions.
Yumia Fujisaki
◾Date of Birth: April 14, 1999
◾Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
◾Debut Work: “The Kirishima Thing” (2012)
◾Notable Works: “The Kirishima Thing,” “My Little Monster,” “The Anthem of the Heart,” “Chihayafuru Part II,” “As the Gods Will”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Kaya Kiyohara as Iroha Kinugasa
A highly skilled swordswoman with an enigmatic aura, Kinugasa Iroha is as elegant as she is deadly. She navigates the violent world of Kodoku with grace, often hiding her true emotions behind a composed and calculating demeanor. Her motivations remain a mystery, making her an unpredictable player in the game.
Kaya Kiyohara
◾Date of Birth: January 30, 2002
◾Place of Birth: Osaka, Japan
◾Debut Work: “The Sun” (2016)
◾Notable Works: “March Comes in Like a Lion,” “The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps,” “The Naked Director,” “In This Corner of the World,” “The Blue Sky You Gave Me”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Taichi Saotome as Shikura Adashino
A cunning and manipulative strategist, Adashino Shikura prefers brains over brute strength. He uses deception and tactical planning to outwit his opponents in Kodoku. While others rely on raw combat, he plays a long game, often setting elaborate traps to ensure his survival.
Taichi Saotome
◾Date of Birth: September 24, 1991
◾Place of Birth: Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan
◾Debut Work: “Zatoichi” (2003)
◾Notable Works: “Zatoichi,” “Crows Zero II,” “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,” “Lady Maiko,” “The Last Cop: The Movie”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Masahiro Higashide as Kyojin Tsuge
A former Iga ninja, Tsuge Kyōjin is a shadowy figure with unparalleled agility and assassination skills. His past as a covert operative makes him an exceptionally dangerous opponent in Kodoku. He moves like a ghost, striking down enemies before they even realize he’s there.
Masahiro Higashide
◾Date of Birth: February 1, 1988
◾Place of Birth: Saitama Prefecture, Japan
◾Debut Work: “The Kirishima Thing” (2012)
◾Notable Works: “Crows Explode,” “Parasyte,” “Death Note: Light Up the New World,” “Over Drive,” “The Confidence Man JP”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Shota Sometani as Bopo Tsuda
A brutal and unpredictable warrior, Tsuda Bōhō relies on sheer power and aggression. Unlike the more strategic fighters, he thrives on chaos, enjoying the thrill of battle. His unpredictable nature makes him both a terrifying adversary and a volatile ally.
Shota Sometani
◾Date of Birth: September 3, 1992
◾Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
◾Debut Work: “Pandora’s Box” (2009)
◾Notable Works: “Himizu,” “Parasyte,” “Bakuman,” “Kabukicho Love Hotel,” “The Virgin Psychics”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Hiroshi Tamaki as Nobukatsu Oda
A historical figure adapted into the world of Ikusagami, Oda Nobukatsu is the son of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. With a prestigious lineage and military experience, he enters Kodoku as a formidable and respected warrior. His leadership skills and tactical mind make him one of the most dangerous contenders in the game.
Hiroshi Tamaki
◾Date of Birth: January 14, 1980
◾Place of Birth: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
◾Debut Work: “Waterboys” (2001)
◾Notable Works: “Nodame Cantabile,” “Waterboys,” “Midnight Eagle,” “The Queen’s Classroom,” “It All Began When I Met You”
◾Social Media: Instagram
Ikusagami Plot
Set in the 11th year of the Meiji era, “Ikusagami” follows the story of Shujiro Saga, a samurai known as “Kirisute Gomen” (a term referring to the right of samurai to strike down commoners for perceived affronts). As the samurai era wanes, 292 skilled warriors gather at Kyoto’s Tenryu Temple, lured by the promise of a substantial reward. They are thrust into a deadly game where each is given a wooden tag, and the objective is to reach Tokyo by seizing others’ tags. The one who succeeds will claim the prize. Shujiro, driven by the desire to save his ailing wife and child, decides to participate in this perilous journey. Along the treacherous Tokaido route, he faces formidable adversaries, each with their own motives and combat styles. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, Shujiro must navigate the complexities of honor, survival, and the changing societal landscape. The series delves deep into the psyche of a samurai confronting the end of his era, the moral ambiguities of survival, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
Ikusagami Points to Watch
Original Ikusagami
Set in the Meiji era, Ikusagami follows the story of Shujiro Saga, a former samurai who is drawn into a deadly competition. In the 11th year of the Meiji era, the samurai class has lost its former status, and warriors struggle to find their place in a rapidly modernizing Japan. Amid this turmoil, a mysterious competition emerges—292 highly skilled warriors are invited to participate in a brutal survival game with a large sum of money as the ultimate prize.
The competition’s rules are simple but merciless: each participant is given a wooden tag, and they must reach Tokyo while stealing as many other tags as possible from their opponents. Along the dangerous Tokaido route, legendary fighters, assassins, and ex-samurai battle for survival, each with their own motivations—revenge, redemption, ambition, or loyalty.
Shujiro enters the deadly race not for personal gain but to save his sick wife and child, hoping the prize money can provide them with a future. However, as he moves through the battlefield, he realizes that the competition is more than just a test of strength—it is a carefully orchestrated event that could change the course of Japan’s history. As betrayals unfold and unexpected alliances form, Shujiro must fight not only for survival but also for justice in an era where the way of the samurai is fading.
Popularity and Impact
“Ikusagami” is anticipated to be a groundbreaking addition to the jidaigeki (period drama) genre, blending traditional samurai narratives with modern storytelling techniques. With Junichi Okada not only starring but also serving as producer and action choreographer, the series promises meticulously crafted action sequences and a fresh perspective on historical dramas. Director Michihito Fujii aims to present a narrative that resonates with both domestic and international audiences, potentially setting a new standard for global streaming platforms’ approach to Japanese period pieces. The ensemble cast, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, adds depth to the storytelling, making “Ikusagami” one of the most anticipated series in recent years.
Historical Background of Japan in the Meiji Era
kusagami is set in the 11th year of the Meiji era (1878), a time of rapid modernization and societal upheaval in Japan. To fully understand the story, it is important to know the historical background of this period.
1. The Fall of the Samurai and the Abolition of the Feudal System
Before the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868), a military government that enforced a strict feudal hierarchy. The samurai class held significant power, serving as warriors and government officials under their feudal lords (daimyō). However, when the Meiji government took power in 1868, it abolished the feudal system and replaced it with a centralized government modeled after Western nations.
By 1876, samurai were officially banned from carrying swords (Haitōrei Edict), and their stipends were replaced with government bonds. Many former samurai struggled to adapt—some became government officials, businessmen, or police officers, while others joined armed rebellions in an attempt to restore their status.
2. The Meiji Restoration and Japan’s Modernization
The Meiji Restoration aimed to transform Japan from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. The government introduced Western military tactics, education systems, and economic policies, rapidly changing Japanese society. Western-style industries, railways, and telegraph systems were introduced, and the military was reorganized into a national conscription army, replacing the traditional samurai-based forces.
However, many samurai saw these reforms as a betrayal of Japan’s traditions. Some joined anti-government movements, while others struggled to find new roles in a rapidly modernizing society.
3. The Satsuma Rebellion (1877) and the Last Stand of the Samurai
One year before Ikusagami takes place, the Satsuma Rebellion (1877)—the last and largest samurai uprising against the Meiji government—ended in defeat. Led by Saigō Takamori, a former Meiji leader who opposed the government’s anti-samurai policies, the rebellion was crushed by Japan’s new conscription army. This marked the final blow to the samurai class as a military force in Japan.
After this, many samurai who survived the rebellion either assimilated into modern society or became outcasts, mercenaries, or criminals.
4. The Setting of Ikusagami
By 1878, Japan was still unstable, with displaced samurai, wandering swordsmen, and secret underground factions resisting the new government. Many former warriors sought opportunities to prove their strength, find purpose, or take revenge on the new order. The Tokaido route, where much of Ikusagami takes place, was historically a dangerous road connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, often frequented by merchants, travelers, bandits, and ex-samurai seeking employment or trouble.
In Ikusagami, the brutal survival competition reflects the desperation of the samurai class, as these once-elite warriors are forced to fight for survival and personal gain in a world that no longer needs them. The series explores the moral dilemmas, loyalty, and honor of these warriors in a rapidly changing Japan.
Japanese films, dramas, and anime set in the same era as Ikusagami
The Last Samurai (ラスト サムライ) – Film (2003)
Type: Hollywood film starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe
Plot: Inspired by the Satsuma Rebellion (1877), this film tells the story of Katsumoto (based on real-life samurai Saigō Takamori), who leads the last stand of the samurai against the Westernized Meiji government. Tom Cruise plays a disillusioned American soldier who embraces the samurai way of life.
Gintama (銀魂) – Anime & Live-action Film
Type: Anime (2006–2021), Live-action films (2017, 2018)
Plot: A parody samurai action-comedy set in an alternate version of the late Edo/early Meiji period, where aliens have invaded Japan, forcing samurai into unemployment. The protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, is a former samurai who takes odd jobs to survive, while still clinging to his warrior code.
Rurouni Kenshin (るろうに剣心) – Film & Anime Series
Type: Live-action films (2012–2021), Anime (1996–1998, 2023 remake)
Plot: This legendary samurai-action story follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin from the Bakumatsu era (end of the Edo period) who vows never to kill again. Now a wandering swordsman, he protects the weak while dealing with enemies from his violent past. The series showcases the transition from the samurai era to the modern Meiji period and the struggles of former warriors adapting to change.
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