Netflix builds on anime ambitions in Japan

Netflix has stepped up its anime push, partnering with six Japanese creators to develop original anime shows.

The six creators – CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura), Shin Kibayashi (The Kindaichi Case Files), Yasuo Ohtagaki (Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt), Otsuichi (Goth), Tow Ubukata (Mardock Scramble) and Mari Yamazaki (Thermae Romae) – are a mix of manga artists, novelists, screenwriters and filmmakers.

Netflix said that as well as developing new originals with the creators, it will explore off-screen opportunities with them through publishing and consumer products.

Last year, Netflix entered into partnerships with five Japanese animation productions houses: Production I.G, Bones, Bnima, David Production and Sublimation.

Taiki Sakurai, chief producer of anime at Netflix said, “We’re excited to work with these extraordinary creators to bring best in class anime to Netflix. These partnerships are part of our broader investment strategy to support Japanese anime – giving creators the ability to tell bold, innovative stories and giving them access to fans all around the world, because storytelling is boundless in the world of anime”.