Tag: japan
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Netflix Marks 10 Years in Japan, Announces Three New Series That Will Keep You Hitting The “Next Episode”
Netflix celebrates ten years in Japan, announcing three new titles: the drama “Straight to Hell,” the comedy “Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?” and the anime “STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” The series focus on complex themes like recognition, ambition, and vibrant storytelling, reinforcing Netflix’s commitment to bold narratives.
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J-Pop: Warner Music Japan CEO Interview
Billboard JAPAN spoke with Takeshi Okada about global collaborations, WMJ’s comprehensive deal with Yuki Chiba, and his vision for the future. In December 2024, Takeshi Okada was appointed the new President and CEO of Warner Music Japan (WMJ). Previously, as part of Universal Music, he served as the Managing Director of EMI Records, where he played a…
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YouTube’s Hype for Creators Goes Global
Hype, a new feature that supports emerging creators, is now available in 39 countries. Fans can hype up to three videos weekly for creators with under 500,000 subscribers, enhancing their visibility through a leaderboard system. New tools for fans and creators include a hype button, badges, and analytics, fostering community engagement and growth.
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Japan’s 2025 Live Action Slate Brings Stories Beyond Your Imagination
This September marks a decade of Netflix in Japan, celebrating growth with over 10 million members. New productions feature diverse genres and collaborations with local creators, elevating storytelling. Upcoming titles include family dramas, romantic comedies, and historical narratives, showcasing innovative ideas while enhancing creators’ working conditions. Netflix anticipates a remarkable year ahead.
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Netflix Showcases Global Anime Hits and New Releases at Jump Festa 2025
Netflix showcased its anime lineup at Jump Festa 2025, featuring premieres like SAKAMOTO DAYS on January 11 and the second part of Blue Box. The event highlighted popular titles such as DAN DA DAN and Dragon Ball DAIMA, also teasing future releases, including Dr.STONE SCIENCE FUTURE and a new One Piece adaptation.
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First Look at Netflix’s Live-Action Film Adaptation of ‘Demon City’, Launching February 27
The live-action film adaptation of Demon City, launching on February 27, is based on the comic “Oni Goroshi.” Directed by Seiji Tanaka, it follows hitman Shuhei Sakata’s quest for vengeance after losing his family. The film stars Toma Ikuta and features a cast of renowned Japanese actors, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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5 Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2025
NBCUniversal is enhancing its global theme park offerings with major projects launching in 2025. Highlights include the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, Illumination’s Minion Land in Singapore, an expanded SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Japan, and Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas.
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The World’s First Donkey Kong Country™ Area in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is Now Open at Universal Studios Japan
The Grand Opening Ceremony for Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan featured Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and USJ’s J.L. Bonnier. Guests celebrated with a countdown, entering a vibrant jungle resembling the game. The area includes attractions like Mine-Cart Madness, emphasizing family-friendly fun. This expansion showcases the collaboration between Nintendo and Universal.
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The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific Unveils New Star-Powered Korean & Japanese Originals for Disney+
The 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase highlighted The Walt Disney Company’s creative prowess with exclusive previews of 2025-26 projects across major studios. Major announcements for Disney+ Originals featured top talent from Korea and Japan, showcasing the region’s storytelling strength. The success of prior series underlines the appeal of APAC content.
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Sony’s Development of Blockchain “Soneium™”
Sony Block Solution Labs has developed “Soneium”, a blockchain infrastructure for Web3, aiming to decentralize online power. They plan to make the network public and create new services using Sony Group’s businesses and IP. Soneium will support Web3 applications, NFT marketplaces, and new services for creators while providing tools for developers and a testnet for…
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BBC News channel launches on U-NEXT in Japan
BBC Studios and U-NEXT strengthen their partnership, bringing BBC News channel to Japanese audiences 24/7 in English and Japanese. The channel is highly trusted and widely used in Japan. U-NEXT, a leading streaming platform in Japan, is expanding its content with BBC’s high-quality documentaries and news. The partnership offers a wide range of content to…
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The Rise of Japanese Pop Music – Article by Spotify
Japan’s music scene, from J-Pop to J-Rock, is gaining global appeal through platforms like Spotify’s Gacha Pop playlist. This curated collection features diverse Japanese artists, anime music, and Vocaloid tracks, garnering over 380,000 saves globally in its first year. The playlist acts as a bridge between Japanese pop culture and international listeners, spotlighting up-and-coming artists…
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Japanese Female Pro-Wrestling Drama Series ‘The Queen of Villains’ Premieres on Netflix
The Queen of Villains, launching on September 19, tells the story of Dump Matsumoto, a notorious figure in Japanese women’s pro wrestling. Spanning 5 episodes, the series explores her rise and rivalry with the iconic “Crush Gals.” The show features a talented cast and is inspired by the boom in women’s wrestling in the 1980s.
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Prominent Japanese Producer Signs an Exclusive Partnership with Netflix
Netflix has signed a five-year deal to exclusively produce and distribute new series and films by Japanese hitmaker Aki Isoyama. Her recent hit, Extremely Inappropriate!, was a top-watched comedy in Japan. Isoyama aims to share a different side of modern Japan and create human-centered works reflecting today’s reality. Expect uplifting and entertaining stories exclusively on…
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How One Japanese Word Changed the Course of Her Career
Devin Halbal, known as “Hal Baddie” on TikTok, gained fame for her inspirational videos. Her trip to Asia, especially Japan and South Korea, expanded her reach and led to viral success. Embracing the local language and culture, she plans to tour more Asian countries and even considers a permanent move.
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Vision Detection Solution powered by AI Introduced at 500 Stores to Improve Advertising Effectiveness
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation has implemented an edge AI-driven vision detection solution in 500 convenience store locations in Japan. This technology automatically detects digital signage viewers, collects data on their viewing behavior, and preserves privacy. The IMX500 intelligent vision sensor and AITRIOS platform contribute to streamlined operations and privacy protection.
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Netflix Reveals Programming Lineup at AnimeJapan 2024
Netflix wowed AnimeJapan 2024 with its “Netflix Special Stage,” showcasing the growing popularity of anime on the platform. Highlights included the premiere of The Grimm Variations, the trailer for Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance, and the announcement of Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura. Exciting titles like T・P BON, Rising Impact, and more were also revealed.
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Man in Japan lands in prison to amuse online fans
A construction worker in Osaka received a two-year and four-month prison sentence for a viral video prank involving pickled ginger, citing unhygienic behavior. Additionally, he was fined for a drug offense. The incident prompted the temporary closure of the restaurant, sparking concerns about food safety. This mirrors a trend of “sushi terrorism” in Japan.
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Netflix Unveils Dynamic Japanese Slate of Creative Breakthroughs
Netflix Japan has been bringing Japanese stories to global audiences for nearly nine years. Last year, Japanese-language content became the third most-viewed non-English content on Netflix. They have unveiled a stellar lineup of live-action titles for 2024, showcasing unique Japanese narratives and continuing to set new benchmarks in Japanese entertainment.
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Sony Reached an Agreement with World Athletics for Sponsorship
Sony Corporation has agreed to sponsor World Athletics’ Series events from 2024 to 2026. Sony will support various events, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 and the World Athletics Championships Tokyo in 2025. This collaboration aims to bring impactful experiences to sports fans worldwide, leveraging Sony’s technology and creativity.
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Tokyo Disneyland apologizes for Minnie Mouse skirt-lifting incident
Opinions on social media were divided, with some condemning the act and others defending artistic freedom. Tokyo Disneyland apologized for a viral video showing Minnie Mouse’s skirt being lifted during a Christmas parade, sparking debate about sexual harassment and appropriate choreography.
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Development of a Live-Action Film of The Legend of Zelda To Start
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (HQ: Kyoto Minami-ku; Representative Director and President: Shuntaro Furukawa, “Nintendo” hereafter) today announced that it will develop a live-action film of The Legend of Zelda. The film will be produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo and Avi Arad, Chairman of Arad Productions Inc., who has produced many mega…
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The Unlimited Possibilities of Japan’s Unscripted Content
Netflix in Japan is committed to understanding local audience tastes and developing compelling unscripted shows. They aim to elevate the unscripted category with high production values and storytelling from Japan’s most innovative creative voices. Initiatives include fresh takes on romance reality and unscripted comedy, with several new titles set to debut.
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BBC Studios launches dedicated Bluey YouTube channel in Japan
BBC Studios has launched a dedicated Bluey YouTube channel in Japan, with clips and fan-favorite scenes. The Emmy award-winning preschool animation features a lively Blue Heeler puppy and her adventures with family. Bluey is widely adored and has successful YouTube channels in various countries. The Japanese audience can now enjoy the heartwarming series on a…
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Opens
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter will open on June 16, 2023, inviting fans to explore iconic sets, experience magical activities, and shop for exclusive products. The attraction will feature the largest Harry Potter shop, unique film sets, and themed restaurants.
