With the recent announcements made by both Netflix Japan and Amazon Japan that they will be putting out original locally made content, the country seems to be moving further into the age of internet-based TV. And it appears that the team at Netflix could be one step ahead with the recent release of its latest homegrown show.
“Hibana” (“Spark”) became available to stream via the service on June 3, and the title is currently available in 190 countries and territories — a first for Netflix Japan — and subtitled in 19 languages, with the ultimate aim to have that number reach 24. The 10-episode drama is based on the Akutagawa Prize-winning novel by comedian Naoki Matayoshi, which has sold more than 2.5 million copies, and Netflix is hopeful for a high viewer count both at home and abroad.
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