by (Naoshi Kazudo: Journalist) As Japanese anime makes great strides worldwide, global distribution services that deliver work to every corner of the world play an essential role. Netflix, which has more than 300 million paid subscribers worldwide, has a significant influence.
In particular, Studio Ghibli’s works, which began streaming worldwide on Netflix in 2020, have attracted considerable attention since then as their popularity has accelerated.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata, will be streamed for the first time in Japan on Netflix on July 15, 2025. This is the first time a Studio Ghibli work will be streamed in Japan. Why was Netflix chosen for the new start of Grave of the Fireflies, and what strategy does Netflix Japan, which picked up the work, have for its current lineup in the anime field? We spoke to Kazutaka Sakamoto, vice president of Netflix’s content division, which oversees Japanese live-action and anime content.
Grave of the Fireflies will be streamed for the first time in Japan on July 15, 2025. This is the first time Studio Ghibli’s works will be distributed in Japan. First, please describe your impression of “Grave of the Fireflies.”
Kazutaka Sakamoto (hereinafter, Sakamoto): When I was in elementary school, my parents took me to see it as a double feature when it was released. I have a strong memory of that time. I watched it on TV after that, but I heard it has rarely been broadcast on terrestrial TV in recent years. So, I am thrilled to have this opportunity.
“Grave of the Fireflies” seems to transcend the boundaries of the anime genre. I think it is a very special work, including the depth of the story and its strength of having spread worldwide.
The theme of “Grave of the Fireflies” in the 80 years since the war’s end, and the fact that it has sublimated a literary work to this extent as an animation, has transcended the realm of art and entered into culture. Amazingly, so many people have been watching it without losing its luster as the years have passed.
It will be released for distribution this time in Japan, but what triggered this? Sakamoto: It was possible because Netflix had already entrusted the work to be distributed worldwide, and that was appreciated, and we built trust. When we started distributing overseas, we received a tremendous response from many countries worldwide. When did you begin distributing overseas?
