Netflix announced has it will expand this fall into Japan, as it moves to complete its global rollout by the end of 2016.
Internet-connected users will be able to subscribe to Netflix and instantly watch a curated selection of popular movies and TV shows in high-definition or even 4K where available. At launch, in addition to a strong selection of Japanese TV series and films, the premium and unique Netflix offering will include such original series as “Marco Polo,” the dramatic thriller “Sense8,” “Marvel’s Daredevil,” and the Academy Award-nominated documentary Virunga. The rollout in Japan, with about 36 million broadband households, will follow the previously-announced March expansion of the Netflix service into Australia and New Zealand.
“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,” said Reed Hastings, chief executive officer at Netflix. “As we expand into Asia, we’re excited Netflix members increasingly will have access to some of their favorite movies and TV shows no matter where they are.”
To facilitate close partnerships with consumer electronics makers and to work with Japanese film and TV creators, Netflix will soon open a regional office in Tokyo. Gregory K. Peters, chief streaming and partnerships officer at Netflix since 2013, has been promoted to general manager of Netflix Japan. A Japanese speaker, Peters holds a degree in physics and astronomy from Yale University. He joined Netflix in 2008.
“It is an honor to bring Netflix to Japan, and we’ll work hard to please consumers there,” said Peters. “People in Japan soon will have access to great entertainment from all over the world for a low monthly price, while our more than 57 million members will benefit from increased access to great Japanese films and TV shows.”
