Snow Man member Hikaru Iwamoto has been cast as the lead in the upcoming period drama “Sanada Juu Yuushi: SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA” (真田十勇士 SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA), which will air fridays at 11:15 p.m. (JST) beginning in October.
Following the huge success of “SHOGUN” (2024–), which won numerous prestigious awards, Japanese historical dramas have seen a noticeable surge in global popularity. Now, the land of the rising sun is bringing one of its most well-known cultural figures—the ninja—to audiences around the world in what is described as an unprecedented ninja action series.
Rather than airing as part of the standard Friday Night Drama lineup, “Sanada Juu Yuushi: SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA” will debut under the new Friday Night Drama Premium banner, which is being reserved for productions that deliver elite quality in scale, visuals, and storytelling. While retaining the appeal of the traditional Friday Night Drama slot, this new production presents a sweeping historical epic with cinematic visuals and a story worthy of the “Premium” label.
At the heart of the story are the “Sanada Juu Yuushi” (Sanada “Ten Braves”), a legendary group of ninja said to have served the real Sengoku-era warlord Yukimura Sanada. Since the Edo period, these characters have appeared in military tales, storytelling performances, films, television shows, and stage productions, remaining immensely popular to this day. This new adaptation presents the legend from a fresh perspective, boldly blending historical fact with fiction. Filmed entirely on location in Kyoto, the series combines authentic action choreography, cutting-edge visual effects, and emotionally rich human drama to create an exciting ninja story aimed at audiences worldwide.
Story overview
Set fourteen years after the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), where Ieyasu Tokugawa defeated the Toyotomi forces and became Japan’s undisputed ruler, the story follows Yukimura Sanada, a samurai commander who fought on the Toyotomi side. Exiled to Kudoyama, at the foot of Mount Kōya, Yukimura lives in quiet seclusion alongside a group of devoted ninja who continue to serve him in secret. Everything changes when Ieyasu, fearing that the young Toyotomi heir Hideyori may rise in rebellion, declares a campaign to destroy the Toyotomi clan, setting the stage for a dramatic struggle that would alter the course of Japanese history.
After meeting Sasuke Sarutobi (played by Hikaru Iwamoto), a ninja boasting extraordinary agility, creativity, and an unconventional fighting style, Yukimura decides to escape from Kudoyama and aid the Toyotomi clan once more. Swearing absolute loyalty to Yukimura, Sasuke unites with the ninja who have remained by the exiled warlord’s side, and together they march toward the Siege of Osaka—the climactic showdown between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa forces.
As they face strategic mind games, clashes of conviction, and unexpected betrayals, the ten ninja known as the “Sanada Juu Yuushi” overcome one hardship after another. Through these trials they forge unbreakable bonds and stand together against the all-powerful Ieyasu.
From SASUKE to Sasuke Sarutobi: Hikaru Iwamoto Takes on New Action Role
Known for his exceptional dancing ability and choreography work as the leader of Snow Man, Hikaru Iwamoto has also showcased his extraordinary athleticism on the sports entertainment program “SASUKE.” Drawing on those physical abilities, he has continued to grow as an actor, including his acclaimed portrayal of the stoic and disciplined bodyguard Tatsunosuke Kitazawa in the hit rom-com “Koisuru Keigo 24 ji” (2024–2025). This time, he takes on the role of the famous Sasuke Sarutobi, the self-proclaimed “flying ninja of the East.”
But action isn’t the only highlight of “Sanada Juu Yuushi: SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA;” viewers will also be drawn to Sasuke‘s lovable personality. He’s rough around the edges, quick with a joke, a notorious flirt, and a free-spirited man who hates taking orders. A lone wolf by nature, he nevertheless has a compassionate heart and cannot stand by while the weak suffer.
Having grown up without family or a lord to serve, Sasuke survived through theft from an early age. During that time, he was taught ninjutsu and martial arts by a ninja who had once served the Sanada clan. Afterward, he returned to a solitary life as a thief until he encountered Yukimura Sanada—a meeting that would become the turning point that awakened Sasuke‘s true potential. Though he often clashes with the other members of the Ten Braves, Sasuke finally experiences a life in which he uses his strength for someone else’s sake. As he gradually learns to carry the hopes of his comrades and shoulder the future they entrust to him, he discovers his own unwavering way of life.
As anticipation builds for “Sanada Juu Yuushi: SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA,’ attention now turns to which other members of the Ten Braves will join Sasuke in challenging an overwhelming power. Further announcements regarding the cast, visuals, and story are expected in the coming months.
Hikaru Iwamoto’s Comments
Q: How did you feel when you received the offer for the role?
A: “When I heard the character’s name, my immediate reaction was, ‘So I’m playing this Sasuke instead of the SASUKE competition I’ve entered so many times!’ I was surprised by the unexpected connection, but at the same time I was really happy.”
Q: What were your impressions after reading the script? What appealed to you the most?
A: “I think viewers will really be able to connect emotionally with each of the characters. Starting with Sasuke, who’s very pure-hearted, there are so many characters that make you think, ‘If I were in that situation…’ and make you want to cheer them on. It really has that feeling of true teamwork, and I honestly think it’s a wonderful story.”
Q:What kind of atmosphere do you hope to create on set?
A: “I’d like us to be a team that’s friendly and enjoys working together, while still knowing when it’s time to focus and take things seriously. I hope we can strike a good balance between those two sides.”
Q: What do you think is the biggest highlight of the series?
A: “There are lots of action scenes performed by me and the rest of the cast. This time we’ve introduced AI, which has expanded what’s possible beyond anything I imagined, so it’s genuinely exciting to perform. There are still so many unknowns—we won’t really know how everything will look until the final visuals are complete. I think that’s going to be one of the series’ biggest attractions.”
Q: Do you have a message for the viewers?
A: “From the very first day of filming, we jumped straight into some pretty intense and powerful scenes. It already felt like an exciting start, and as more members of the cast join us, I think the excitement will only continue to grow. The entire cast and crew are working together as one to make this series something special. I hope you’ll look forward to it!”
