Netflix Inks Multi-Picture Deal With Japanese Studio Babel Label
Netflix is further boosting its Japanese live-action content slate with a multi-picture deal with Tokyo-based studio Babel Label. The partnership gives Netflix exclusive access to multiple titles produced and created by Babel Label for the next five years.
The studio, a subsidiary launched in 2013 by Japanese media company CyberAgent, is home to creators such as writer-director Michihito Fujii, winner of best director and best film at the 2020 Japan Academy Awards for The Journalist. The film was later adapted by Netflix as a series in 2022.
Netflix has grown increasingly bullish on Japanese live-action content over the past few years. The second season of the streamer’s Japanese sci-fi thriller series Alice in the Borderlands set a new record as the company’s most-watched Japanese show ever, taking the top spot on Netflix’s global non-English TV list with 61.2 million viewing hours over its premiere weekend in late December 2022. Last week, the company kicked off its 2023 Japanese releases with the launch of The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko Housethe first streaming series from acclaimed Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker). ...continue reading

Unseen Japan - Nov 26
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Kabuki In-Depth - Nov 25
In this video, we cover the last developments in the case of the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke IV.

Total Film - Nov 24
After hitting the big screen in its native Japan on November 3, Godzilla Minus One is about to make its way overseas – and it's a hit with international critics.

News On Japan - Nov 23
As street dance reaches fever pitch in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics with the inclusion of breakdancing, one of Japan's largest street dance events was held in Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Tokyo.

kotaku.com - Nov 23
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Kakuchopurei - Nov 22
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Variety - Nov 21
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Kabuki In-Depth - Nov 20
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Far Out - Nov 20
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News On Japan - Nov 18
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News On Japan - Nov 18
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dmtalkies.com - Nov 17
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Kyodo - Nov 16
Iconic Japanese filmmaker and comedian Takeshi Kitano said Wednesday the country's entertainment industry has always tended to treat performers as commodities, with its traditional hierarchical structure often facilitating abuse of power.

Japanese Comedian Meshida - Nov 15
The show will take place in Asakusa, Tokyo's traditional entertainment district. There will be a 30-minute welcome session with a drink, followed by a 60-minute comedy show on Japan. After the show, feel free to hang out at the bar, make friends, and drink for another 30 minutes or so.

Netflix Anime - Nov 15
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newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Valve is a well-known video game developer and publisher responsible for some of the industry's most famous and influential titles, including Half-Life, Portal, and Left 4 Dead.