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On Netflix, global viewership for Japanese animation has tripled over the past five years. With the medium’s popularity at an all-time high, Netflix’s executives have become compelled to address why the streamer currently offers only one anime feature produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli.
In a recent interview with AV Watch, Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of the Content Division at Netflix Japan, was asked why his company has not acquired distribution rights for the majority of Studio Ghibli’s works. In response, Sakamoto stressed the desire for a “natural collaborative relationship” with the world-renowned animation studio. “We are aware that there is a demand to watch Ghibli films on Netflix. However, we have not made any sales or lobbying efforts, and we have not asked Ghibli about this…while Netflix naturally wants to bring Ghibli films to as many people as possible, we do not want to take a forceful approach,” he stated.
Netflix Refuses to Take ‘Forceful Approach’ With Studio Ghibli for Streaming Rights
An image of No-face smiling alongside scenes of the Catbus running through a field and Howl with his arm raised across his chest.Credit: Image via Yered Garcia Oseguera
Continuing, Sakamoto emphasized that the successful acquisition of a film requires “timing and connections” to those in the industry. “We place importance on the concept that Netflix will use to select their next film, based on an understanding of Ghibli culture,” he said. While not explicit, the answer indicates that Sakamoto is waiting for an ideal opportunity to bring a formal distribution deal to the table. Due to the strong ideals of its famed co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli had initially opposed entrance into the streaming market. Thanks largely to the influence of Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki, the company quashed this policy in 2020 by entering into two major streaming agreements. In addition to HBO Max, Ghibli struck a licensing deal with Netflix, making its 24-film library available in Europe, South America and several other global territories. However, this does not include Japan or North America.
With or without Ghibli, Netflix’s anime viewership is increasing substantially each passing year. In 2024, 33 anime works appeared on Netflix’s “Weekly Global Top 10” a total of 70 times. Additionally, Netflix subscribers across all regions crossed the ‘1 billion views’ milestone for anime that same year. Consequently, Sakamoto and his team are now devoting more resources towards anime, with a focus on international distribution. “We are receiving more inquiries from the planning stage with the assumption that the work will be distributed globally,” Sakamoto explained. “The production period for anime is longer than for other video works, and can take up to four years. During this process, we talk about global distribution.”
Netflix Japan acquired the critically acclaimed Ghibli feature, Grave of the Fireflies, in July 2025. Directed by Miyazaki’s mentor and fellow Ghibli co-founder, Isao Takahata, this film chronicles the lives of 12-year-old Seita and four-year-old Setsuko — two siblings living in Japan during the final months of World War II. After losing their mother in a firebombing incident, they leave their hometown to live with a paternal aunt. Distressed by the harsh attitude of their new guardian, Seita and Setsuko run away to create a new home in a nearby bomb shelter. Shortly after debuting on Netflix Japan, Grave of the Fireflies earned a second-place ranking on Netflix’s “Weekly Top 10” list for its first week of release (July 15-22).
Viewers in the U.S. can enjoy Studio Ghibli’s film library on HBO Max.
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