Recent and upcoming Japanese Netflix releases

Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on the streaming platform. In this video, I will explore some of my recent favorites and preview some exciting upcoming releases. Please keep in mind that not all of these shows are available globally or in your region! Without any further ado, let's get into it!

Japanese Movies on Netflix

Movies

Netflix offers a wide range of Japanese movies, from critically acclaimed dramas to action-packed thrillers.

A film I recently watched is the “Village”. The Village, which is directed by one of my favorite Japanese directors, Michito Fuji, is set in the fictional village of Kamonmura, which is located in a remote mountain area. The village is dominated by a large recycling plant that supplies a massive landfill which has had a negative impact on the environment and the community, forcing many of the villagers to leave. The main character, Yu Katayama, who has lived in the village his entire life, is bullied and ostracized by the community because of his father's past. Yu works at the recycling plant to help pay off his mother's debt but is unhappy and unfulfilled. One day, Yu's childhood friend, Misaki, returns to the village and offers Yu a job in Tokyo. Yu's departure from the village is a turning point in his life as he begins to realize that he has been living in fear, and he is determined to break free from his past. Yu returns to Kamonmura and confronts the people who have wronged him and tries to unite the villagers in their fight against the plant. Personally, I think this is one Michihito Fuji’s weaker films that not only takes a while to get going but lacks the same excitement and intrigue as some of his other films and series on Netflix have. However, if you’re looking to complete your Michihito Fuji watchlist, then I still recommend you watch this one.

Next up we have the first two installments of the live-action adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom. Both films are directed by Shinsuke Sato and are based on one of Japan’s most popular manga series. The first film is set in the Warring States period of China and follows the story of Shin, a young man who dreams of becoming a great general. He is orphaned at a young age and sold into slavery, but he eventually escapes and joins the Qin army. Shin quickly proves himself to be a skilled warrior and is eventually promoted to the rank of 1000-man commander. In the sequel, the film picks up where the first left off, with Shin continuing to fight for the Qin army and being tasked with leading a small group of soldiers on a dangerous mission to the Daikan Plains. Along the way, Shin must face many challenges, including the harsh terrain, the enemy army, and even his own doubts. Now, as with many manga adaptations, the Kingdom film franchise has a ton of over-the-top and goofy moments, that have almost become second nature for anime/manga live adaptations at this point. However, if you’re a fan of over-the-top martial arts moves but on a much grander cinematic scale, Kingdom is right up your alley. Also, let's be honest Yamasaki Kendo has to be one of the most likeable J-actors out there! Don't come at me Masaki Soda fans!

"Zom 11 Bucket list of the dead" is a Japanese zombie comedy film directed by Tomohiro Taguchi and starring Eiji Akaso. It is based on the manga series of the same name by Haro Aso. The film premiered on Netflix on February 25, 2023. The film follows Akira Tendo, a young man who has lost his passion for life. He is stuck in a dead-end job and he has no friends or hobbies. When a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out, Akira sees it as an opportunity to finally live his life to the fullest. He creates a bucket list of 100 things he wants to do before he becomes a zombie, and he sets out to complete it. Along the way, Akira meets a group of survivors, including a beautiful woman named Kurumi. Together, they must learn to survive in a world where the dead walk the earth. But as Akira gets closer to completing his bucket list, he begins to realize that there is more to life than just living for the moment. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a funny and heartwarming story about finding your passion for life, even in the darkest of times, and even though it doesn't necessarily re-invent the wheel in terms of the genre, it offers a fresh perspective that blends the typical tropes that you would usually get with the zombie flicks. However, since the anime has also come out just a few weeks ago, I would recommend the anime over the film, unless you wanted a more condensed experience of the story.

Paprika: Paprika (2006) is a Japanese animated science fiction film written and directed by the legendary Satoshi Kon, who is also known for films like Tokyo Godfathers and Perfect blue. Paprika is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui. The film is set in a near future where a device called the DC Mini has been invented. The DC Mini allows people to enter and explore each other's dreams. The film follows the story of Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a psychiatrist who uses the DC Mini to help her patients. However, when the DC Mini is stolen, a dream terrorist begins to manipulate people's dreams, causing chaos and disorder. Paprika, like all of Satoshi Kon’s work, is a visually stunning film that explores the nature of dreams and reality. It is a thought-provoking and challenging film that will stay with you long after you watch it. If you’re in that phase where you’re just getting into anime films instead of just the shows, then I highly recommend taking a deep dive into the unique world of Satoshi Kon.

Japanese TV Shows on Netflix

TV Shows

In addition to movies, Netflix also offers a variety of Japanese TV shows. Here are some of my recent watches and shows I am hyped for :

"Trillion Game" is a television series based on the manga of the same name by Satoshi Mizukami. The series follows Haru Tennouji, a charismatic, young entrepreneur, and his friend Gaku Homura, a brilliant engineer, as they set out to earn a trillion dollars. Haru is the self-proclaimed "world's most selfish man" and is motivated by his desire to buy whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Gaku is more introverted and cynical, but he is drawn to Haru's vision and joins him in his quest. The two friends started the "Trillion Game" company from scratch, with no business plan or start-up capital. They quickly realize that they will need to use their unique skills and talents to raise the money they need. Haru uses his natural communication skills and charm to attract investors, while Gaku develops innovative technologies that help the company grow rapidly. As the company grows and becomes more successful, Haru and Gaku face new challenges. They must contend with rival companies, corrupt government officials, and even the yakuza. But they are determined to achieve their goal, no matter what.

"Turn to me Mukai-Kun" is your typical J-drama comedy/Romance series that follows the story of Satoru Mukai, a handsome and successful office worker who is single and has been for ten years. One day, Mukai suddenly realizes that he has no idea how to initiate a new relationship. He decides to take a chance and start dating again, but he quickly realizes that the dating world has changed a lot since he was last single. He struggles to navigate the world of online dating and social media and often finds himself feeling out of place. However, despite his challenges, Mukai is determined to find love. He meets a variety of interesting women along the way, and slowly begins to learn more about himself and what he actually wants in a relationship. Akaso Eiji does a great job in portraying your stereotypical Japanese salaryman with his relatable demeanor and fits the role like a glove. The various cast of women that Mukai encounters add further quality to the comedic aspects of the story. If you’re looking for a standard yet reliable Rom-com that will keep you satisfied throughout the series, Turn to see Mukai-Kun hits the spot!

Burn the House Down: Burn the House Down is a Japanese suspense drama series based on the manga of the same name by Moyashi Fujisawa. The series follows Anzu Murata, played by Nagano Mei, a young woman who is determined to avenge her mother's wrongful conviction for arson. Thirteen years after the fire that destroyed her family's home, Anzu returns as a housekeeper to the Mitarai mansion, where the fire originated. She soon begins to suspect that her stepmother, Makiko, is responsible for the fire. As Anzu approaches the truth, she uncovers a dark web of secrets and lies. She must also contend with her demons, as she struggles to come to terms with the trauma of the fire and her mother's death. Now, I am not gonna lie, I mainly watched this because of Nagano Mei. And that’s pretty much what kept me going throughout the entire show. The plot becomes quite predictable and stale, and there isn't much that is left to discover towards the end of the series. However, if you want to improve your Japanese listening skills while looking at the Princess of J entertainment, this show is made for you!

Let’s get divorced: Let's Get Divorced is a romantic comedy-drama series about a married couple who want to get divorced, but are forced to work together to make it happen. Yui Kurosawa is a popular actress, while Taishi Shoji is a politician. They have been married for five years, but their relationship has become strained. Yui is unhappy with Taishi's controlling behavior, while Taishi is resentful of Yui's fame. When the couple decides to get a divorce, they quickly realize that it won't be easy. Their families and friends are opposed to the divorce, and their careers are also at stake. To get a divorce, Yui and Taishi must work together to navigate the complex legal and social challenges. This show feels like it came out of nowhere and instantly became one of my favorite J-dramas ever! Let's Get Divorced, is a funny and heartwarming look at the challenges of divorce. The show explores the different ways that people cope with the end of a relationship, and it shows that even when things are tough, there is always hope for a new beginning. Riisa Naka as Yui Kurosawa is the stand-out star for me and carries the show at times with her strong on-screen presence. The rest of the cast such as Taishi, Yui’s parents etc complement the tone of the show extremely well! Let’s get divorced might be the best J-drama of 2023.

One Piece: Here we go. The live-action adaptation of One Piece. Now keep in mind at the time of recording I have only watched the first 3 episodes of the show, so a full review will come your way sometime in the near future. But so far so good? I guess? But before that, for anyone who has been living under a rock for the last 15-20 years, One Piece is about Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. He sets sail on an adventure with his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, to find the One Piece, a legendary treasure that will make him King of the pirates. Now, I wasn't as sold on the trailers as most people were, I loved the casting choices, especially Intake Body as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Sami and as Ussop, but seeing the live-action version of Arlong pulled me right out of the escapism. Based on the first 3 episodes, I can see that the show is caught between creating/being its own thing and constantly trying to re-create the countless iconic moments from the anime and manga, which in my opinion hold it back from being a truly great show and not just a great adaptation. Gold Rogers's execution scene, which is one the moments in the story, felt incredibly flat and small in the show. Also, seeing Mihawk and Shanks amongst the crowd was like the live-action version of the spot the main character anime meme. However, it has to be said that the show does look and feel like One Piece, which is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and you can sense the high level of dedication and love that has been poured into every detail of the show. Overall it seems that the show was incredibly well-received, to the point that it got green-lit for a second season which is a major step forward in the anime adaptation genre. Let me know if you want a more in-depth review of the show in the comment section!

Pending Train: is a Japanese sci-fi suspense drama series that premiered on Netflix on August 1, 2023. The series is directed by Yudai Yamaguchi and stars Yuki Yamada, Eiji Akaso, and Moka Kamishiraishi. The story follows a group of strangers who are on a train when it suddenly derails and is transported to a post-apocalyptic future. The passengers must band together to survive in this new world, which is full of danger and uncertainty. Along the way, they must face the challenges of finding food and water, as well as the threat of other survivors who are not as friendly. They must also come to terms with the fact that they may never be able to return to their old lives.

The Days: The Days is a drama series that depicts the events of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 from the perspectives of three groups of people: the government, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and the people who were working at the power plant. The government is represented by Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who is struggling to deal with the disaster and the public's anger. TEPCO is represented by its president, Masataka Shimizu, who is trying to contain the damage and prevent a meltdown. The people at the power plant are represented by the plant manager, Yoshida, who is trying to keep the plant running and protect his workers. The series explores the human cost of the disaster, as well as the political and economic fallout. It is a great watch for anyone who wants to understand the full impact of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Even though it is nowhere near as good as shows like Grenoble, which seems to have been a source of inspiration, it still offers great insight into a tragic chapter in Japan’s recent history.

Japanese Anime on Netflix

Pluto: Pluto is a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 26, 2023. The story is set in a world where robots are commonplace and are treated as equals to humans. The series follows the investigation of Inspector Gesicht, a robot detective, into the murders of seven of the world's most advanced robots. As he gets closer to the truth, Gesicht uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. The anime is directed by Masao Maruyama and animated by Studio M2. • The voice cast features some of the biggest names in Japanese voice acting, including Kenjirô Tsuda, Nana Mizuki, and Mamoru Miyano.

Baki Hanma: Baki Hanma is a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name by Keisuke Itagaki. It is the third anime adaptation of the manga, following Baki the Grappler (2001-2005) and Baki (2018-2020). The series premiered on Netflix on September 30, 2021. The story follows Baki Hanma, a young man who trains to become the strongest fighter in the world. He is driven by his desire to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, who is considered to be the strongest creature on Earth. The second season of Baki Hanma, which was released in two parts in 2023, follows Baki as he prepares to face his father in a final battle. He travels to the United States to train with the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, and he also faces off against other powerful opponents, such as the caveman Pickle and the Russian martial artist Yuri Chakovsky. Baki Hanma is an action-packed anime series that is full of over-the-top violence and martial arts. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is sure to please fans of the genre.

My Happy Marriage: My Happy Marriage is a Japanese romantic anime series based on the light novel of the same name by Akumi Agitogi. The series premiered on Netflix on July 5, 2023. The story follows Miyo Saimori, an unhappy young woman from an abusive family. She is married off to Kiyoka Kudou, a powerful and feared army commander. Miyo initially expects to be rejected by Kiyoka, but he surprises her by accepting her for who she is. As Miyo and Kiyoka get to know each other, they begin to fall in love. However, their happiness is threatened by Miyo's family, who will stop at nothing to keep her from being happy. My Happy Marriage is a heartwarming story about finding love and acceptance in the most unexpected places. It is a must-watch for fans of romance anime.

Conclusion

Netflix has a vast selection of Japanese movies, TV shows, anime, and documentaries that cater to different interests and tastes. More and more Japanese television broadcasters are now releasing their shows and movies to a wider international audience which only adds to the already incredible catalog of great Japanese content for audiences abroad.

Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, contemporary anime, or heartwarming dramas, there's something for everyone. By watching Japanese entertainment on Netflix, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture and its people. So, next time you're looking for something to watch, consider exploring the world of Japanese cinema and television on Netflix.