On January 21, Netflix and MAPPA announced a strategic partnership aimed at creating new projects that are marketed to global audiences. In addition to expanding story developments and merchandise, Netflix will exclusively and simultaneously stream MAPPA’s current and upcoming anime titles in over 190 countries worldwide.
According to the announcement, more than half of Netflix’s total subscribers watch anime, with viewership tripling over the last five years. This partnership aims to meet the global demand for anime, which is rapidly increasing.
MAPPA president and CEO Manabu Otsuka had a few words to say:
“We have worked with Netflix on various projects in the past, but this expanded partnership is based on MAPPA’s core belief in being an independent studio — both creatively and in business. Japanese animation studios must proactively lead every stage, from understanding global audience needs and developing projects, to reaching viewers and expanding related businesses. MAPPA is committed to deepening our collaboration with Netflix, aiming for a long-term, win-win partnership.”
Netflix Japan’s vice president of content Kaata Sakamoto added:
“MAPPA is a remarkable studio that has continuously taken on bold challenges and achieved unprecedented forms of expression. At Netflix, we also value the passion and dedication of creators. By combining MAPPA’s unique approach to anime production with Netflix’s global reach — and the courage to take risks, which is essential to creating compelling content — we hope to further expand the possibilities of anime. We are fully committed to delivering new works and excitement to fans around the world.”
As the studio behind the anime adaptations of Chainsaw Man, Hell’s Paradise, 2024’s Ranma ½, the final season(s) of Attack on Titan, and more, MAPPA has become one of the most recognizable animation studios in Japan. Despite its reputation, however, it has been criticized by employees for poor working conditions, with some animators vowing never to work for the studio again. While MAPPA vice president Hiroya Hasegawa has acknowledged these concerns in a 2025 interview with Real Sound, it is unknown if any progress has been made on that front.
Given that the Netflix-MAPPA partnership includes multiple anime titles that are already in production, hopefully the working conditions at MAPPA have gotten better.
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Netflix’s Yu Yu Hakusho: What finally made a live-action adaptation possible?
