Netflix Details Anime Partnership With Chainsaw Man Studio MAPPA
The deal bypasses Japan's traditional production committee system, giving MAPPA more creative control while giving Netflix a direct stake in developing anime from concept through merchandise.
Reporting from 1 sources: The Hollywood Reporter Anime.
Netflix has shared new details about its recently announced strategic partnership with MAPPA, the Tokyo-based anime studio behind *Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc* and *Jujutsu Kaisen*. During a content presentation in Tokyo on Tuesday, Netflix's Kaata Sakamoto, head of content for the streamer in Japan, said multiple projects are already underway, spanning story development through merchandise. The partnership, first unveiled on Jan. 21, is designed to operate outside the traditional production committee system that typically governs Japan's anime industry. Sources close to the deal told The Hollywood Reporter that bypassing the committee model, where multiple companies pool funds to spread risk, will give MAPPA greater creative control over its titles while also giving Netflix a larger voice in the process. MAPPA president and CEO Manabu Otsuka, speaking when the partnership was announced, emphasized the importance of independence for Japanese animation studios as they court global audiences. Netflix framed the deal as a natural next step, noting that more than half of its members now watch anime and that overall anime viewership on the service has tripled over the past five years.
Netflix's Kaata Sakamoto, head of content for the streamer in Japan, said during a Tokyo presentation that the partnership with MAPPA is already producing results. "Multiple projects are already underway, spanning story development through merchandise, as we work together to create worlds that fans can engage with beyond the screen," Sakamoto said. The partnership was first announced on Jan. 21, and MAPPA president and CEO Manabu Otsuka said at the time that the deal is based on the studio's belief in remaining independent. "Japanese animation studios must proactively lead every stage, from understanding global audience needs and developing projects, to reaching viewers and expanding related businesses," Otsuka said. The Hollywood Reporter reported that sources close to the deal said the pact will work outside the production committee system, where multiple companies typically pool funds to produce a series or film. That structure gives MAPPA more control over its titles but also gives Netflix a larger voice. Netflix said more than half of its members now watch anime, and overall anime viewership on the service has tripled over the past five years. Past collaborations between the two companies include bringing *Ranma 1/2* and *Kakegurui Twin* to Netflix's global audience.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter Anime Netflix Shares Details on Anime Partnership With ‘Chainsaw Man’ Studio Mappa