A scripted drama based on the highly specialised world of Japanese sumo wrestling is coming to Netflix in early May 2024. The streaming service has now revealed the first official trailer for the eight-episode miniseries, titled Sanctuary, previewing a different kind of sports drama from director Eguchi Kan and writer Kanazawa Tomoki.
Produced by the Slowtide Company, Sanctuary will follow the story of a juvenile delinquent who becomes a sumo apprentice before finding himself up against a “voiceless wrestler carrying a secret.”
The official Sanctuary synopsis doesn’t reveal too much but the first trailer looks quite promising as the appetite for sports dramas rolls on following the popularity of films like Hustle and shows like Cobra Kai. However, considering sumo wrestling is based on convention and has a deeply-rooted tradition, there should be plenty of dramatic heft when a young wrestler enters to ring with a different attitude.
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Sanctuary is one of several Japanese dramas Netflix is planning to release this year. Last year it seemed like Korean dramas and reality shows like Physical 100 were the trend du jour for the streaming service but there are plenty of Japanese-language originals coming out in the next few months including City Hunter and In Love & Deep Water.
With Kan handling direction and Tomoki on the screenplay, production is being taken care of by Fujita Daisuke and Sakamoto Kaata. The cast includes Ichinose Wataru, Sometani Shota (Themis), Kutsuna Shioli (Deadpool 2), Taguchi Tomorowo, Kaku So (Kamen Rider Zero-One), Sumi Hiroki (John Wick: Chapter 4), Pierre Taki (Like Father, Like Son), Kishitani Goro (The Returner), Sasano Takashi (Departures), Kobayashi Kei (Metropolis) and Omusubi (The Outsider).
Sanctuary drops on Netflix Australia on May 4, 2023. You can watch the first official Sanctuary trailer above.
