Netflix reveals statistics about its anime watchers

While there are many mobile and digital applications for anime lovers to watch their favorite anime shows and films, Netflix has revealed that more than half of its global audience watched anime from its streaming platform in the last year.

Kohei Obara, Director of Anime Creative at Netflix, spoke with Variety about the role of anime at Netflix. While the number of its global audience may be surprising, in Japan, more than 90% of its viewers watch anime. While he said that “anime is one of the cornerstones of Netflix’s investment in Japan,” he also revealed that the company continues to have plans to invest in original productions and exclusive licenses in the anime category.

Although Netflix releases additional seasons after they have been released, they have plans to release 40 new titles this year. They previously released 40 titles in 2021 and released 20 anime titles in 2020.

At AnimeJapan 2022 (which took place the weekend of March 26), the streaming platform  revealed a preview of what to expect for the remainder of the year on Netflix. The announcement includes a second season of the current iteration of Ultraman. The current iteration is one of Japan’s most popular animes and is set to be released exclusively on the platform. It was also revealed that the second season of the Pacific Rim franchise arrives on Netflix on April 19.

Obara also spoke more at the event. He said: “At the same time, interest in anime has grown worldwide, and more than half of our members globally tuned into it last year. “From diversifying our slate to bringing back fan favorites, we want to continue growing our members’ discovery and love for anime, both in Japan and around the world with this next chapter of anime on Netflix.”

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