Overview
- All six episodes premiered November 13, delivering a Meiji‑era death‑game adaptation of Shogo Imamura’s Ikusagami set in 1878 Japan.
- Early coverage highlights comparisons to Squid Game and Shōgun, with praise for tense storytelling and top‑tier action choreography.
- Forbes notes the series opened with 100% critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes from an initial sample and entered Netflix’s top 10 at No. 3.
- Star Junichi Okada leads as Shujiro Saga while also serving as producer and action choreographer, underscoring the show’s focus on practical stunts.
- Production emphasizes real-scale combat, including an opening sequence using 292 performers without digital replication and risky fire effects confirmed by the team.