Netflix has unveiled an exciting and diverse slate of Japanese content for 2025, marking a significant milestone as the platform celebrates its 10th anniversary in Japan. This year’s lineup is packed with ambitious productions that showcase the creativity and innovation that have come to define Netflix’s approach to storytelling. From gripping period dramas to heartwarming romantic tales, and from high-octane action series to thought-provoking unscripted content, Netflix Japan is pulling out all the stops to deliver something for every kind of viewer. At the heart of this slate is a commitment to pushing creative boundaries and elevating production standards, as emphasized by Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix Japan’s content head. “We’re dedicated to creating never-before-seen stories by collaborating with Japan’s top creators and emerging talent with innovative ideas,” Sakamoto said, highlighting the platform’s mission to bring fresh and compelling narratives to global audiences.
One of the most anticipated titles in Netflix Japan’s 2025 slate is Last Samurai Standing, a period drama that reimagines the lives of samurai warriors during the final days of the Edo period. The series, which stars Junichi Okada as both lead actor and producer, follows 300 samurai who are lured to Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto by the promise of a life-changing prize of 100 billion yen. While many people associate samurai with the glamour and honor of Japan’s feudal era, Last Samurai Standing delves into a more nuanced reality. As Sakamoto explained, “What a lot of people don’t realize is that, towards the end of the Edo period, the samurai lost a lot of their glamour and their power. Last Samurai Standing is about what would happen if these warriors — the toughest and best in Japan — all of a sudden became common people and had to fight for their lives.” The series has been described as a unique blend of Shōgun and Squid Game, promising a gripping narrative that combines historical drama with intense action and suspense.
In addition to Last Samurai Standing, Netflix Japan is bringing back fan-favorite Alice in Borderland for its third season, set to premiere in September. The survival thriller, which has already captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide, will expand beyond the confines of Haro Aso’s original manga. Stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya will return to reprise their roles in a story that promises to take the series to new heights. Another highly anticipated release is Bullet Train Explosion, a reimagining of the 1975 film that inspired the Hollywood blockbuster Speed. Directed by Shinji Higuchi and starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, the film premieres on April 23 and boasts unprecedented access to actual bullet train facilities, ensuring a level of authenticity and scale that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Music lovers are in for a treat with Glass Heart, a sweeping music drama set to debut in July. Starring Takeru Satoh and Yu Miyazaki, the film features massive concert scenes with thousands of extras, promising a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Meanwhile, romance fans can look forward to Romantics Anonymous, a Japanese adaptation of the French film Les Émotifs Anonymes. Starring Shun Oguri and Korean actor Han Hyo-joo, the series tells the story of two uniquely challenged lovers — he can’t touch people, and she can’t make eye contact — as they navigate their unlikely relationship. These titles underscore Netflix Japan’s ability to craft stories that are both universally relatable and deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
The slate also includes darker, more intense narratives, such as Demon City, a violent revenge tale based on Masamichi Kawabe’s manga. Premiering on February 27, the series stars Toma Ikuta as a hitman seeking vengeance after losing his family. For dance enthusiasts, December brings 10Dance, directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida as rival dancers who form an unlikely partnership. Already streaming is Asura, a modern family drama from acclaimed director Kore-eda Hirokazu about four sisters dealing with their father’s suspected infidelity. Starring Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose, the film offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics and human relationships. Additionally, the romantic drama Soul Mate premieres in August, featuring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon of the Korean boy band 2PM in a Berlin-set story about a Japanese man’s fateful encounter with a Korean boxer.
Netflix Japan’s 2025 slate isn’t just about scripted content; the platform is also expanding its unscripted offerings with innovative formats that blend entertainment with real-life drama. Final Draft marks the streaming giant’s first foray into survival reality series, featuring 25 former professional athletes competing for a 30 million yen prize ($195,000) to fund their second careers. For romance enthusiasts, Offline Love premieres on February 18, sending ten contestants to Nice, France, for a tech-free dating experience that encourages meaningful connections. Similarly, Badly in Love explores romance among Japanese “yankees” (delinquents), with production helmed by former yankee Megumi. Comedy fans, meanwhile, can look forward to Welcome, Now Get Lost, hosted by Koji Higashino, which brings a viral YouTube hit to the streaming platform.
Overall, Netflix Japan’s 2025 slate is a testament to the platform’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and quality. By collaborating with top creators and emerging talent, Netflix is continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling while delivering content that resonates with audiences both in Japan and around the world. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed dramas, heartfelt romances, or thought-provoking unscripted series, Netflix Japan’s lineup for 2025 has something to offer everyone.
