Song of the Samurai
The Japanese drama series "Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem," internationally titled "Song of the Samurai," follows Toshizo Hijikata and the warriors of the Shinsengumi as they fight through the violent final years of the Edo period. Blending historical drama with intense "Japanese Sword Action," the series depicts the bonds, rivalries, and fiery lives of men who chose to burn brightly and fall with honor.
- 2026-2026
- 1 season
- HBO Max
- Action & Adventure, Drama
The Japanese drama series "Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem," internationally titled "Song of the Samurai," follows Toshizo Hijikata and the warriors of the Shinsengumi as they fight through the violent final years of the Edo period. Blending historical drama with intense "Japanese Sword Action," the series depicts the bonds, rivalries, and fiery lives of men who chose to burn brightly and fall with honor.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2026
Episode 1
The Soul of Baragaki, Burning with Friends
Sat, May 9, 2026 95 mins
A former samurai in Meiji Japan recounts a legendary rise. In the heart of Edo, young Hijikata finds the brotherhood and destiny that will define him.
Episode 2
Farewell Youth, Meet the Demon
Sat, May 16, 2026 95 mins
In Kyoto, Hijikata confronts the ruthless Serizawa. Betrayal, loss, and the return of a friend-turned-assassin force him into a brutal new reality.
Episode 3
Blood Between Brothers
Sat, May 23, 2026 56 mins
Hijikata reunites with Izo, now a deadly assassin. After their tragic duel, he forges a ruthless code to protect his remaining brothers.
Episode 4
The Broken Code
Sat, May 30, 2026 49 mins
The murder of a young member pushes Nagakura toward execution. As Kondo sacrifices his pride to save his comrade, a shocking betrayal comes to light.
Episode 5
The Death Pillar
Sat, Jun 6, 2026 50 mins
Outnumbered 150 to 10, Yamanami devises a desperate plan. Harada makes a suicidal last stand, buying time for his brothers-in-arms to strike back.
Episode 6
Light and Shadow
Sat, Jun 13, 2026 49 mins
As Serizawa's violence spirals, Hijikata confronts the man he calls his shadow. They agree to settle everything in one last, deadly clash.
Episode 7
Path of Sacrifice
Sat, Jun 20, 2026 57 mins
The unit charges headlong into the fray. As comrades fall in an attempt to clear the path, a wounded Hijikata entrusts their future to the prodigy, Okita.
Episode 8
Demons End, Rising Thunder
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 55 mins
Okita defeats Serizawa in a final showdown. As the age of swords ends, a new power, Shinsaku Takasugi, emerges before Hijikata and his brothers.