Netflix’s “Yu Yu Hakusho” Breaks Records as the Biggest Global Hit for a Japanese Series

Netflix’s latest live-action manga adaptation, “Yu Yu Hakusho,” has seized the global spotlight, becoming the most-watched Japanese series in the platform’s history.

The series made its highly anticipated debut on December 14, captivating audiences worldwide and quickly claiming the #1 spot on Netflix’s Weekly Global Top 10 Non-English TV List with a staggering 7.7 million views in its first week.

This adaptation, based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s acclaimed manga, not only dominated the non-English category but also took second place in both the English and non-English genres, cementing its position as the most significant Japanese series premiere to date.

The show’s popularity extends beyond its streaming numbers, with the show ranking in the top ten in 92 countries and regions, including key markets such as Japan, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

The magnitude of the series premiere was further emphasized by a live-streamed event that drew a massive audience of 14,000 viewers simultaneously. Total views had surpassed 4 million as of December 19th, making it the most-watched live event in Netflix Japan’s history.

Directed by Sho Tsukikawa and boasting a stellar cast including Takumi Kitamura, Jun Shison, Kanata Hongo, and others, “Yu Yu Hakusho” brings to life the beloved characters and narrative from Togashi’s iconic manga. The success of this adaptation is not only a testament to the global appeal of Japanese content but also underscores Netflix’s commitment to delivering quality adaptations of beloved manga and anime franchises.

The production, led by Executive Producer Kaata Sakamoto and Producer Akira Morii in collaboration with THE SEVEN and produced by ROBOT, takes a meticulous approach, with Tatsuro Mishima directing the screenplay and Ryo Sakaguchi overseeing VFX as the supervisor from Scanline VFX.

As fans continue to flock to the series, “Yu Yu Hakusho” stands as a landmark achievement in live-action adaptations, solidifying Netflix’s position as a global hub for diverse and compelling content.

For fans and newcomers alike, “Yu Yu Hakusho” is now available exclusively on Netflix, ushering in a new era for Japanese series on the international stage.