How to watch 'Song of the Samurai' — stream the new live-action manga adaptation from anywhere in the world
If you love hard-hitting samurai stories, you're going to want to check out this hotly-anticipated manga adaptation
The original Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem manga series ran for 13 years across 36 volumes, and it has a dedicated following who will be absolutely stoked to see the story given the live-action treatment this year.
Here's how you can watch "Song of the Samurai" online around the world and from anywhere with a VPN.
"Song of the Samurai" premieres globally on HBO Max on Saturday, May 9.
• U.S. — HBO Max / Max on Prime Video
• CAN — Crave
• U.K. — HBO Max
• AUS — HBO Max
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free
Produced by The Seven and TBS, this Japanese series will tackle the story of Shinsengumi samurai corps in late-Edo period Kyoto, with a focus on the formidable former street fighter Hijikata Toshizo.
There will be eight episodes to start with, and given how dense the source material is, we can almost certainly expect more beyond that.
If you're big on themes of loyalty and betrayal, and love watching some thrilling swordplay set against the backdrop of Japan, you're going to want to put "Song of the Samurai" at the top of your watchlist.
Ready to dive in? Here's how to watch "Song of the Samurai" online with all the streaming details you need below.
How to watch 'Song of the Samurai' online in the U.S.
"Song of the Samurai" premieres on HBO Max in the U.S. on Saturday, May 9 with a two-episode debut.
You can also subscribe to HBO Max on Prime Video – ideal for Prime users.
Traveling outside the States? You'll need to use a VPN to unblock HBO Max when abroad. We love NordVPN.
Watch 'Song of the Samurai' from anywhere in the world
If you're traveling overseas and "Song of the Samurai" isn't airing where you're currently located, that doesn't mean you have to miss the show while you're away. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you are.
We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN you can get right now is NordVPN.
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Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. server from the location list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to your streaming service app — so HBO Max, for example — and watch "Song of the Samurai" online from wherever you are in the world.
How to watch 'Song of the Samurai' online in Canada
"Song of the Samurai" is likely to premiere on Canada in Crave, although we have had no confirmation as of yet.
Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month and carry the majority of HBO Max content.
Abroad? Don't panic. You just need one of the best VPNs to log in back home. We recommend NordVPN.
How to watch 'Song of the Samurai' in the U.K.
"Song of the Samurai" will be playing in the U.K. and across European territories on HBO Max on Saturday, May 9.
HBO Max plans start at £5.99/month – the U.K. is one of the cheaper countries to get Max in.
Abroad and can't access "Song of the Samurai"? We recommend NordVPN to unblock HBO Max.
How to watch 'Song of the Samurai' online in Australia
"Song of the Samurai" premieres in Australia on HBO Max on Saturday, May 9, with two episodes to start off.
HBO Max plans start at AU$11.99/month
Remember, if you are working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on your usual domestic streamer you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Song of the Samurai' - Cast and crew
- Gô Ayano
- Kento Nakajima
- Yamada Yuki as Hijikata Toshizo
- Kazutaka Watanabe (director)
- Sakai Masaaki (writer)
- Shinya Umemura (writer)
- Mamoru Inoue (producer)
- Akira Morii (producer)
- Kazuya Shimomura (producer)
- Kensuke Sonomura (stunt co-ordinator)
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Jakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance writer, he works with Future across a range of different brands including Golf Monthly, FourFourTwo, Tom's Guide and more.
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