Netflix Expands Japanese Content with 13 Series, 8 Anime, and Live Sports

Netflix has made a significant move in the Japanese entertainment market by unveiling an ambitious content slate during a showcase event in Tokyo. The streaming giant announced plans to launch 13 series, eight anime titles, and three films, alongside live broadcasts of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This bold strategy highlights Netflix’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Japan, the world’s third-largest entertainment market.

At the event, Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix’s creative head in Japan, disclosed a new production deal with Toho Studios aimed at doubling the company’s leased production space in the country. Sakamoto stated, “We expect to be creating up to 15 live-action titles each year at Toho Studios.” This agreement underscores Netflix’s determination to capitalize on the growing streaming market in Japan, despite the challenges posed by limited studio space and top-tier talent.

The conference, held at the Tokyo Midtown skyscraper complex, showcased Netflix’s most extensive Japanese content lineup to date. Among the highlights are a reboot of Toho’s classic sci-fi property, **Human Vapor**, and a range of prestige dramas featuring prominent local talent. Netflix’s approach emphasizes the importance of Japanese storytelling as a vehicle for local growth and global reach.

One of the standout projects is **Human Vapor**, produced by acclaimed filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on titles like *Train to Busan*. This series reimagines the legendary SFX property with a contemporary twist, focusing on a detective, portrayed by Shun Oguri, as he hunts a mysterious, incorporeal killer. Other notable titles include **Sins of Kujo**, a legal drama based on a popular manga and starring Yuya Yagira, and **Soul Mate**, a romantic tale between a Japanese man and a Korean boxer.

Anime also takes center stage in Netflix’s lineup, with continuations of popular series such as **Fire Force** and **BEASTARS**. Additionally, new projects like **Sparks of Tomorrow**, a steampunk original from Kyoto Animation, reflect Netflix’s deepening ties with Japan’s animation industry. The company recognizes anime’s growing significance in its global strategy, with Japanese animation becoming one of its most successful genres worldwide.

In a notable move into live sports, Netflix will broadcast all 47 games of the upcoming **2026 World Baseball Classic**, including matches featuring renowned players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This expansion into live events follows Netflix’s recent foray into sports programming, aiming to enhance its offerings in Asia.

The full 2026 Japanese slate includes an array of series and films that promise to engage diverse audiences. Highlights such as **Plastic Beauty**, which examines Japan’s cosmetic surgery industry, and **Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?**, a comedy about an actor forgotten by society, showcase the variety of narratives Netflix plans to explore.

As it continues to invest in local content, Netflix’s strategy in Japan appears to be a calculated effort to solidify its position in a competitive and evolving market. With its extensive lineup and new production capabilities, the company aims to meet the demands of Japanese viewers while also appealing to international audiences seeking authentic Japanese storytelling.