A new Japanese sports drama centered on the fascinating world of sumo wrestling is coming to Netflix in May 2023. We’re keeping track of everything you need to know about Sanctuary, including the plot, cast, trailer, and most importantly, the launch of Netflix. date.

Sanctuary is an upcoming Japanese Netflix Original drama directed by Kan Eguchi and written by Tomoki Kanazawa. Daisuke Fujita is the executive producer behind the project, with Slow Tide serving as the series’ production studio.


When is the Sanctuary release date?

The first season of Sanctuary will premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, May 4, 2023.


What is the plot of Sanctuary?

The synopsis was obtained from IMDb Pro:

A man who is led to the edge of a cliff and believes that money, a woman and fame are buried in the ring, and climbs a sumo rikishi.

Chase Yi Sumo Sanctuary Japanese Netflix Drama Everything We Know So Far

Image. Chase Yi (left) – Netflix / Slow Tide

What is sumo wrestling?

A national treasure of Japan, sumo is a full contact sport in which two opposing wrestlers (or Rikishi) attempt to throw the other out of a circular ring, or by forcing the other to the ground with any other part of the body except for the soles of his feet.

One of the oldest sports in Japanese history, its origins are deeply rooted in ancient Japanese agricultural rituals, but it was also a popular form of entertainment at the Emperor’s court. In later years, after the Emperor’s influence was lost to the warlords of Japan, sumo wrestling became a form of military combat training for samurai. The sport became popular again at the courts of some of the warlords, notably Oda Nobunaga.

Sumo Wrestling Japanese Shrine Netflix Sports Drama Everything We Know So Far

Work of art that represents a match between two sumo wrestlers.

Today, the sport maintains its deep roots in tradition and adheres to a strict set of principles that all Sumo wrestlers must follow. The wrestlers’ regimented lifestyle forces them to live in sumo training stables known as Heya.

Sumo Wrestling Ritual Japanese Shrine Netflix Sports Drama Everything We Know So Far

One of the many rituals that took place in sumo wrestling.


Who are the cast members of Sanctuary?

Chase Yi has been cast in the role of Bagari. He previously played the role of Zhang Fei in the Netflix movie. warrior dynasty.

Koyuki has been cast in an unnamed role, but she will reportedly be playing the role of someone’s wife, most likely Bagari’s.

Shôta Sometani has been cast in an unnamed role but is reportedly playing one of the sumo wrestlers.

Pierre Taki has been cast in an unnamed role, but he will reportedly be playing the role of a Master.

Chase and Pierre Sumo Sanctuary Japanese Netflix Drama Everything We Know So Far

Image: Chase Yi (left) and Pierre Taki (right) – Netflix / Slow Tide

The remaining cast members are;

  • Kimiko Yo (Outputs)
  • Gorô Kishitani (Return)
  • Katsuya Maiguma (Shoplifters)
  • Akira Nakao (Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla)
  • Wataru Ichinose (Gintama Live-Action Movie)
  • Takashi Sasano (Departures)
  • So Kaku (Kamen Rider Zero-One)
  • Kei Kobayashi (Metropolis)
  • Suzuki Matsuo (Tokyo Tower: mommy and me, and sometimes daddy)
  • Daichi Kaneko (Ossan’s Love)
  • Nobuko Sendô (Entertainment of the White Serpent)
  • Rio Teramoto (Girl Gun Lady)
  • Kitaro (Kamen Rider Kuuga)
  • Kazuya Yoshii (Dragonball Super)

When and where did the filming take place?

Filming reportedly began on January 8, 2022. It is unclear how long the film’s schedule lasted, but production on the series had reportedly entered post-production on February 26, 2023.

All filming took place in Tokyo, Japan.


Are you waiting for the release of Sanctuary on netflix? Let us know in the comments below!