The new Netflix series, Sanctuary, takes you into the gritty and competitive world of Sumo Wrestling with a fascinating story. The series explores 1500 years of Japan’s culture as young men fight for money, fame, and women.
The series follows Saruzakura, a man with an impressive physique and gifted martial artist, is determined break into the Sumo wrestling world. He taken in by the Sumo stable master, who believes in his abilities and sees potential in the man. But Saruzakura is only interested in making money. His greatest enemy is his lack of fear.
Shimizu, Sarazakura’s only friend is passionate about Sumo wrestling but struggles because of his demure physique. With these main characters, story explores a tale of unprecedented vigor depicting the ambitions, fighting spirit, struggles, determination and joy of sumo wrestlers, as well as the beauty of sumo.
Wataru Ichinose plays Sarazakura, with Pierre Taki as the stable master and Shota Sometani as Shimizu. Tomoki Kanazawa develops the series.
All of the actors in this Netflix original who play the sumo wrestlers went through intense physical training for about one year under the instruction of Hollywood experts and a coach and nutritionist for Olympic athletes.
Sanctuary premieres on Netflix on May 4 2023.