Image: TV Asahi

Shadows of the Ten Ninja

PUBLISHED 19 OCT 2026

New Japanese Period Drama Coming to Netflix

Netflix is set to bring another slice of Japan’s ninja-inspired history to the screen with Shadows of the Ten Ninja, a period action drama centred on one of the country’s most famous groups of legendary warriors.

Set in 17th-century Japan, the series follows the Sanada Ten Braves as they unite during a decisive struggle for power. When Tokugawa Ieyasu declares war on the Toyotomi, the ten warriors are drawn into a conflict that will shape the future of Japan.

The story draws on the legend of the Sanada Ten Braves, a group of warriors associated with the historical Sanada clan and celebrated in Japanese popular culture for their courage, loyalty and battlefield exploits. Often depicted as skilled ninja and covert operatives, the ten have featured in countless stories, plays, films and other adaptations over the years.

The series stars Hikaru Iwamoto, Taishi Nakagawa and Rikka Ihara, bringing together a cast for a new take on Japan’s turbulent early Edo period.

The historical backdrop offers plenty of scope for action and intrigue. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory over the Toyotomi clan culminated in the Siege of Osaka, fought in 1614–1615, which ended the Toyotomi family’s challenge to Tokugawa rule.

For fans of ninja fiction, Shadows of the Ten Ninja promises a dramatic journey into a world of political rivalries, warrior loyalties and deadly conflict. The Sanada Ten Braves occupy an intriguing space between history and legend, making them a natural subject for another screen adaptation.

With Netflix continuing to explore Japanese period dramas, the series could offer viewers another opportunity to discover the enduring appeal of the ninja and the stories that surround them.