Netflix Sets Japan Launch Date
Netflix is set to debut in Japan on Sept. 2, marking the No. 1 streaming service’s first foray into Asia as it continues its strategy of reaching virtually every country in the world.
The Netflix Japan service will include a number of Japanese films and TV series, as well as original series including “Marco Polo” and “Daredevil,” the company had said previously.
“With its rich culture and celebrated creative traditions, Japan is a critical component of our plan to connect people around the world to stories they love,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in February, when the initial plans were disclosed.
Overall, Netflix has set an aggressive global-expansion goal of launching in 200 countries by the end of 2016. However, company’s only new international markets for the remainder of this year will be those it previously announced: Japan, followed by Italy, Spain and Portugal in October.
In Japan, Netflix’s competitors will include a Hulu-branded service — although Hulu itself doesn’t operate it anymore. The company, a joint venture of Disney, NBCUniversal and 21st Century Fox, launched a subscription VOD service in Japan in 2011. Last year, it sold the unit to Nippon Television Network Corp. for an undisclosed amount as Hulu refocused on the U.S. market.
Netflix Japan has established accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, which each posted messages announcing the launch date.
Watch the teaser video for Netflix Japan:
Related stories
Netflix Sets Theatrical Release Date for First Original Film 'Beasts of No Nation'
'Wet Hot American Summer': Oral History Details False Starts, Faking Camp Firewood
Chelsea Handler on Her Move to Netflix: 'I Had to Get My Brain Working Again'
Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
