Back to All NewsIntroducing Netflix Creators Dojo in Japan to Support Talent Development
Entertainment
30 September 2025
GlobalJapan
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As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing local creative talent, we've debuted the Netflix Creators Dojo in Japan - a new program designed to support and inspire emerging voices in video production. Coinciding with our 10th anniversary in Japan, the initiative brings together leading professionals from across the film and television industries, both in Japan and abroad, to share their expertise with aspiring creators. September 26 marked the start of the program at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, where Emmy Award -winning director and producer Michael Lehmann led a directors' masterclass at the USA Pavilion, attended by about 70 Kansai-based creators.
In tandem, we've unveiled a special Netflix in Japan webpage, celebrating 10 years of creative collaboration in the country - including creator support programs, improvements in production environments, and partnerships with regional industries and tourism.
Raising the Bar for Creative Excellence
Building on a decade of creative investment, the Creators Dojo leverages Netflix's global network of top creators and expertise. The program's mission is to help participants refine their craft. By sharing knowledge and experience, we want to raise the quality of creative works and contribute to the sustainable growth of the entertainment industry. Andrew Ure, Vice President, Public Policy - APAC at Netflix, shared: We are firmly committed to fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem and strongly believe in the importance of expanding opportunities for diverse talent to flourish. It is a great privilege to have hosted this masterclass in Osaka, a city renowned for its rich culture and creativity. We sincerely hope that today's session will serve as a catalyst for new ideas, meaningful connections, and lasting inspiration.
At the Expo, Michael Lehmann led a masterclass titled The Role of the Director in the Streaming Era,' sharing insights on the latest international production standards and the evolving responsibilities of directors. Whether in film, television, or streaming, the mission of the creator does not change: to breathe life into stories and performances, and to share them with audiences. To the next generation of creators, I would stress the importance of holding a clear vision, embracing challenges fearlessly alongside actors and staff, and continuing to take bold creative risks. Even as technology advances, it is the universal essence of storytelling-moving hearts across nations and cultures-that remains timeless. Lehmann said.
A Decade of Supporting Creators and Communities
Over the past decade, Netflix has grown together with creators and communities across Japan. Guided by our belief in Creative First - prioritizing creators' passion and vision above all else - and Local First - delivering stories rooted in Japanese culture and values to audiences at home and sharing them with the world - we have brought numerous original Japanese stories to global audiences.
We're committed to improving the environment for those involved in content production:
Promoting sustainable working styles with regulations on filming hours and vacation systems.
Introducing intimacy coordinators in Japan for the first time to ensure safe and secure sets.
A total of approximately 7,000 Japanese participants in training programs from 2018-2025, including Respect Training.
In addition to training, investing a total of 250M yen in various forms of creator support, including a relief fund for film/TV workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contributing to Japan's Economy and Local Communities
These initiatives have not only advanced entertainment but also generated significant ripple effects for the Japanese economy and local communities. From 2021 to 2024, Netflix's production activities created over 450B yen in economic impact. Filming has taken place in over 200 locations across 37 prefectures, contributing to the revitalization of local industries and tourism.
First Love: Direct economic impact of about 100M yen in Sapporo and other locations, with tourist visits increasing tenfold after filming
Let's Get Divorced: Direct economic impact of about 28M yen in Ehime Prefecture
City Hunter: Economic impact of about 129M yen in Kobe through location shoots utilizing industrial heritage sites
Beyond Goodbye: Direct economic impact of about 500M yen in Otaru
Global Reach of Japanese Stories
Japanese stories nurtured in this way have found passionate audiences worldwide. Since 2023, total viewing hours for Japanese titles have reached about 25B hours. Over 50% of Netflix members watch anime, with anime viewing hours tripling over the past five years and over 1B anime views last year alone. Since 2021, more than 120 Japanese titles have entered the global Top 10, with appearances in 93 countries.
These achievements have only been made possible through close partnerships with creators and local communities. Netflix will continue to nurture Japan's rich stories and deliver them to audiences around the world. As we enter the next decade and beyond, we will remain committed to fulfilling our mission to entertain the world .
About Netflix Creators Dojo Netflix Creators Dojo is designed to leverage Netflix's global network of outstanding creators and its accumulated expertise, built through years of storytelling and production. The program offers participants opportunities to access best practices and creative know-how, helping them further enhance their skills. Looking ahead, Netflix plans to expand the program to cover a wide range of themes - from initiatives tailored for producers and screenwriters to programs for production de
