Italian
Netflix partners with acclaimed director Hitoshi One for exclusive content
A new era for Netflix and Hitoshi One
In a groundbreaking move, Netflix has secured an exclusive partnership with renowned director Hitoshi One, known for his work on ”Tokyo Swindlers.” This collaboration will see Netflix producing and distributing new series and films by One over the next five years, marking a significant milestone in the streaming giant’s strategy to expand its global content library.
Hitoshi One’s illustrious career
Hitoshi One made his directorial debut in 2011 with the film adaptation of the Japanese manga “Moteki,” which earned him the prize for the most popular title at the 35th Japan Academy Awards. His career continued to flourish with the 2015 film “Bakuman,” for which he received the best director award at the 39th Japan Academy Awards. One’s versatility is evident in his work across both live-action and animation formats, with notable credits including “Scoop!” (2016), “Tornado Girl” (2017), and “Sunny: Tsuyoi Kimochi Tsuyoi Ai.”
One’s recent success with “Tokyo Swindlers” has further solidified his reputation. The series debuted in July and quickly climbed the ranks, securing a spot in the Netflix Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) for five consecutive weeks and holding the No.1 position in Japan for six weeks.
The allure of streaming
Reflecting on the partnership, One shared his excitement about the new venture. “Two weeks after ‘Tokyo Swindlers’ started streaming, I received a proposal from Netflix for an exclusive contract. I was surprised at how quickly I responded, but I realized that I was drawn to the distribution medium, a genre that is not yet as established as film and TV dramas,” he said.
Netflix’s VP of content in Japan, Sakamoto Kaata, praised One’s creative talents, stating, “Mr. One has generously demonstrated his creative talents in ‘Tokyo Swindlers,’ a thrilling story with quirky characters full of humanity. The series has become one of the most-watched shows in Japan on Netflix. Through Mr. One’s one-of-a-kind perspective, we will discover stories that have yet to be told and deliver entertainment that will captivate viewers around the world.”
Expanding Netflix’s Japanese content
This partnership is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to enhance its Japanese content offerings. Other notable titles from Japan this year include action-packed series like “City Hunter” and “House of Ninjas”, as well as unscripted shows like “The Boyfriend”.
Looking ahead, Netflix is set to release “Beyond Goodbye,” the first Netflix Japan title selected for the Busan International Film Festival’s On Screen Section. Inspired by a true story from Netflix’s executive producer Okano Makiko, this series promises to be a poignant addition to the platform’s diverse lineup.
A promising future
The collaboration between Netflix and Hitoshi One is poised to bring fresh, innovative content to audiences worldwide. With One’s unique storytelling abilities and Netflix’s expansive reach, viewers can look forward to a new wave of captivating series and films that push the boundaries of traditional media.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.
