Snow Man star Iwamoto Teru leads TV Asahi’s new ninja drama “Shadows of the Ten Ninja”

Actor and Snow Man member Iwamoto Teru will headline TV Asahi’s upcoming Friday‑night drama series “Samurai Ten Warriors SHADOWS OF THE TEN NINJA,” scheduled to begin in October. He plays the fictional ninja Sarutobi Sasuke, one of the ten legendary vassals who served the historic warlord Sanada Yukimura.

The period action series blends historical events from 14 years after the Battle of Sekigahara with fictional elements, portraying Sasuke and his comrades challenging Tokugawa Ieyasu. Filmed on location in Kyoto, the production incorporates AI‑enhanced visual effects and modern action choreography. Iwamoto said he was surprised and delighted by the role, noting, “When I heard the character name, I thought ‘this isn’t the SASUKE I’ve competed in many times, but this Sasuke!’”

Series creator Sawamoto Yoshimitsu wrote the script, with directors Nishiura Masaki and Hosaka Shoichi overseeing the project. The drama aims to showcase Japanese ninja lore to a global audience.