Netflix joins Japan's virtual YouTuber boom

May 03, 2021 | News On Japan

May 03, 2021 (Japan Times) - Netflix has joined Japan’s booming virtual YouTuber — or VTuber — scene with the launch of an animated character to promote its growing anime streaming offering.

N-ko, a “sheep-human lifeform,” is Netflix’s attempt to tap into the appeal of VTubers — characters animated by motion capture that have built a loyal audience on YouTube in Japan by singing, dancing and interacting with fans.

The character is performed by a company employee and will introduce anime shows available on the streaming service, according to a recently uploaded video.

Netflix and other streaming services hungry for content are turning to anime to secure local subscribers and exploit the global market for such shows that are seen by many in the industry as undercommercialized.

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