Netflix announced from Tokyo this week that it has partnered with six Japanese creators to develop original anime series for fans around the world, as part of the company’s continued effort to build on its best-in-class anime originals with deep creative roots in Japan.
The six creators — Nanase Ohkawa, 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 who have each played an integral part in the exploding popularity of anime around the world today.
“We’re excited to work with these extraordinary creators to bring best in class anime to Netflix,” said Taiki Sakurai, Chief Producer, Anime at 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”.
These partnerships are part of Netflix’s growing commitment to anime and the local industry. Last year, Netflix entered into partnerships with five Japanese animation producers: Production I.G, bones, anima, David Production and Sublimation, and with today’s announcement Netflix will continue to expand the creative and production process of some of the most ambitious, and highest quality anime.
In addition to the new originals that will be developed, together with the creators, Netflix will also explore ways for members to engage with these new shows off-screen through publishing and consumer products.
Details about the new series will be announced at a later date.