Disney+ Partners with The Seven for Japanese-Language Originals

Disney+ Japan has entered into a multi-year co-development agreement with The Seven, Inc., marking a significant step in the platform's commitment to producing Japanese-language live-action series. This partnership is notable as it represents Disney's first ongoing content development collaboration with a local Japanese production company, aimed at creating original series for both domestic and international audiences. The Seven, established in late 2021 and owned by TBS Holdings, has gained recognition for its high-quality productions, including popular titles like “Alice in Borderland” and “Yu Yu Hakusho,” which have achieved global success through a separate partnership with Netflix.

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The collaboration will see Disney's creative team work closely with The Seven from the initial stages of development, focusing on shaping stories that resonate across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Carol Choi, executive vice president of original content strategy at The Walt Disney Company APAC, highlighted the increasing importance of local originals in Disney+’s content offering since its launch in Japan. She stated that this partnership is a natural evolution in accelerating Disney's content investment in the region.

Disney+ Expands Japanese Originals With New Multi-Year Deal With The Seven

Narita Gaku, executive director of content production at The Walt Disney Company Japan, emphasized the aim to nurture authentic Japanese stories that hold significant meaning for audiences. Setoguchi Katsuaki, president and CEO of The Seven, expressed confidence that the collaboration would elevate Japanese narratives into globally appealing entertainment. Morii Akira, vice president and chief creative officer at The Seven, noted the responsibility and potential for expanding storytelling possibilities through this partnership.

Variety Magazine

This deal underscores Disney+'s strategy to invest in locally rooted stories that can achieve international appeal. The partnership aims to enhance Disney+'s position in the competitive Japanese streaming market, where local storytelling is increasingly prioritized. The Seven's leadership views Disney's extensive distribution network as a means to amplify their creative works beyond cultural barriers, striving to produce content that is both personal and universally relatable.

Disney+ Expands Japanese Originals With New Multi-Year Deal With The SevenVariety Magazine

Disney+ has previously released Japanese live-action titles such as “Gannibal” and “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation,” alongside international originals like FX’s “Shogun,” which have garnered significant viewership. This ongoing collaboration with The Seven is expected to further enrich Disney+'s Japanese-language slate and solidify its presence in one of the Asia-Pacific region's key markets.

Disney+ Expands Japanese Originals With New Multi-Year Deal With The Seven

While the partnership has been framed positively by both Disney and The Seven, some industry observers may question the effectiveness of foreign companies in shaping local narratives. Concerns about authenticity and the potential dilution of cultural elements in pursuit of broader appeal could arise as the collaboration progresses.

Disney+ Expands Japanese Originals With New Multi-Year Deal With The Seven

• “ Setoguchi Katsuaki, president and CEO of The Seven, said: “I am confident that by unleashing the refined creativity of The Seven through Disney’s extensive network and expertise, we can evolve Japanese stories into the next craze that people truly fall in love with.” — Setoguchi Katsuaki, President and CEO of The Seven

Variety Magazine

This partnership represents a significant commitment by Disney+ to not only distribute content in Japan but to actively create it with a global impact in mind.

Disney+ Expands Japanese Originals With New Multi-Year Deal With The Seven