HBO Max Acquires Japanese Period Action Drama 'Song of the Samurai'
Variety
by Naman RamachandranFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
HBO Max has acquired *Song of the Samurai*, a live-action jidaigeki series based on the long-running manga *Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem* by Umemura Shinya. Set in late-Edo period Kyoto, the show centers on the Shinsengumi samurai corps and their members, including Hijikata Toshizo, played by Yamada Yuki, as they navigate political turmoil and personal struggles during Japan's transformative Bakumatsu era. Produced by TBS, U-Next, and The Seven, the series will premiere globally on HBO Max on May 9, marking a significant collaboration between major Japanese entertainment players.
The series delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fading samurai spirit through the lens of historical drama. Directed by Watanabe Kazutaka and written by Sakai Masaaki, *Song of the Samurai* features an ensemble cast, including Go Ayano and Nakajima Kento, with Morii Akira, In
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Originally published on Variety on 2/25/2026