Netflix and MAPPA Strengthens Strategic Partnership, Aiming to Co-Create a World-Class Animation Studio Model

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Netflix and MAPPA Strengthens Strategic Partnership, Aiming to Co-Create a World-Class Animation Studio Model

Kaata Sakamoto (Netflix) and Manabu Otsuka (MAPPA)

Entertainment

20 January 2026

GlobalJapan

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Netflix has announced a strategic partnership with MAPPA Co., Ltd. (MAPPA), the acclaimed studio behind hits such as Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. Through this collaboration, the two companies will work together on new projects with a global perspective - from story development to merchandise - and Netflix will exclusively stream a slate of original MAPPA-produced anime titles to members worldwide.

MAPPA has continually pushed the boundaries of traditional anime production, valuing creators' freedom and passion while innovating both creatively and strategically. For example, with Chainsaw Man, MAPPA took a studio-driven approach to IP development and merchandising, while with Jujutsu Kaisen, the studio helped fuel the global rise of Japanese anime by achieving worldwide success.

Anime is central to our members' viewing experience. Today, more than half of Netflix members enjoy anime on the service, and anime viewership has tripled over the past five years. With this partnership, MAPPA's new anime titles will premiere exclusively and simultaneously worldwide on Netflix, allowing fans everywhere to experience these stories together.

Manabu Otsuka, President and CEO of MAPPA, says, We have worked with Netflix on various projects in the past, but this expanded partnership is based on MAPPA's core belief in being an independent studio - both creatively and in business. Japanese animation studios must proactively lead every stage, from understanding global audience needs and developing projects, to reaching viewers and expanding related businesses. MAPPA is committed to deepening our collaboration with Netflix, aiming for a long-term, win-win partnership.

Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of Content - Japan at Netflix, adds, MAPPA is a remarkable studio that has continuously taken on bold challenges and achieved unprecedented forms of expression. At Netflix, we also value the passion and dedication of creators. By combining MAPPA's unique approach to anime production with Netflix's global reach - and the courage to take risks, which is essential to creating compelling content - we hope to further expand the possibilities of anime. We are fully committed to delivering new works and excitement to fans around the world.

Netflix has already brought distinctive MAPPA productions such as Ranma1/2 and Kakegurui Twin to global audiences. Under this expanded partnership, multiple new anime projects are now in planning and production.

Together with MAPPA, Netflix aims to bring more original anime from Japan to the world1, broaden opportunities for creative collaboration, and pioneer new frontiers in anime expression.

1 In 2024 alone, anime titles on Netflix have been viewed over 1 billion times, and Japanese content, including anime, is the second most viewed globally after English-language titles.

The MAPPA dedicated page on Netflix : http://netflix.com/mappa

LINK:	https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-strengthens-strategtic-parte...
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