Netflix has recently formed a strategic partnership with the Japanese animation studio, MAPPA. This partnership will extend their existing relationship, giving Netflix exclusive streaming rights to a set of MAPPA-produced original anime.
As per the deal, Netflix and MAPPA will join forces to develop new series and properties with international ambitions, from early concepts through related merchandise. The upcoming series will debut exclusively on Netflix and simulcast worldwide, allowing fans worldwide to watch together.
MAPPA is known for titles such as Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. According to Netflix, this deal would enhance its anime offerings, as demand worldwide is growing. Netflix stated that over half of its subscribers are anime fans, and that viewership of anime content on the platform has tripled over the past five years.
The president and CEO of MAPPA, Manabu Otsuka, said that this expanded partnership helps further the studio’s aim to remain independent in both creativity and business, while also becoming more involved in production and sales.
“Japanese animation studios must proactively lead every stage, from understanding global audience needs and developing projects, to reaching viewers and expanding related businesses,” said Otsuka. “MAPPA would like to enhance its partnership with Netflix in a win-win manner.”
Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix’s vice president of content for Japan, said the streamer hopes the combination of MAPPA’s production approach and Netflix’s global distribution can “expand the possibilities of anime,” calling risk-taking essential to creating compelling content.
It seems like this partnership might be what anime truly needs to thrive. It allows for more risk. Netflix has also added that it has already introduced MAPPA’s works globally, including “Ranma 1/2” and “Kakegurui Twin.” That new anime titles are already being developed as a result of this new deal.
The announcement also reflects Netflix’s broader strategy in the Japanese entertainment market. Netflix revealed in 2024 that more than 1 billion anime titles had been streamed that year, with Japanese content, including anime, the second-most-watched genre in the world after English-language content.
