TV Asahi's new original series "Shadows of the Ten Ninja" lands on Netflix

TV Asahi’s new original series “Shadows of the Ten Ninja” lands on Netflix – Señal News

TV Asahi’s new original series “Shadows of the Ten Ninja” lands on Netflix

Filmed entirely on location in Kyoto, the title combines large-scale Japanese period drama, dynamic ninja action, and advanced AI, VFX, and CG technology to re-envision Japan’s traditional ninja mythology for international audiences.

TV Asahi‘s new original action-adventure series “Shadows of the Ten Ninja” (Japanese title: “Sanada Juyushi”) will stream globally on Netflix, following its October 2026 premiere on TV Asahi in Japan. Starring Hikaru Iwamoto of the idol group Snow Man, the project marks TV Asahi’s largest-ever original production and represents a major step in the network’s global strategy. Filmed entirely on location in Kyoto, “Shadows of the Ten Ninja” combines large-scale Japanese period drama, dynamic ninja action, and advanced AI, VFX, and CG technology to re-envision Japan’s traditional ninja mythology for international audiences.

Set in early 17th-century Japan, 14 years after the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), the narrative centers on ten legendary ninja warriors who join forces with samurai general Sanada Yukimura in a rebellion against Tokugawa Ieyasu. At the heart of the story is Sasuke Sarutobi, played by Iwamoto, a lone-wolf ninja of exceptional physical ability who discovers a greater cause alongside his companions.

The release arrives as Japanese period dramas experience heightened international attention. Positioned as a flagship title for TV Asahi’s global outreach, the production blends full-scale location filming in historical settings with next-generation visual effects.

Commenting on the launch, TV Asahi General Producer Ikuhide Yokochi said: “‘Shadows of the Ten Ninja’ is TV Asahi’s flagship title for Japanese ninja entertainment. We’ve taken a beloved, traditional story rooted in Japanese history and reshaped it for today’s audiences, bringing in the latest in action filmmaking. At its core is a story about standing up to overwhelming power: Sanada Yukimura, a brilliant tactician, and his ten warrior companions rise up against Tokugawa Ieyasu, a man who held even greater power than the shogun himself. Shot on a large scale in Kyoto — a city that still preserves the streets of old Japan — with a compelling cast, the series pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling with AI and VFX technology, blending real sword-fighting performed by Hikaru Iwamoto and his fellow cast members with cutting-edge digital techniques to create a viewing experience unlike anything seen before. This series brings together TV Asahi’s spirit of innovation, the tradition of Japanese period drama, and the latest in visual technology — ninja entertainment made for the world. We hope you’ll enjoy it.”

Rie Sawaoka, Director of Content at Netflix, added: “‘Shadows of the Ten Ninja’ delivers powerful action alongside a story world that draws viewers in deeply. Netflix has distributed TV Asahi titles to audiences around the world before, but with this series we’re going further, producing subtitles in multiple languages along with English and Spanish dubbed versions, and releasing it globally. We’re delighted to bring this title to our members in more than 190 countries and regions.”

NETFLIXTV AsahShadows of the Ten NinjaIkuhide Yokochi Rie Sawaoka