Netflix has announced its first-ever Netflix Creators Dojo – Anime, an educational event aimed at nurturing the next generation of producers who will shape the future of the Japanese anime industry. Scheduled for November 21, 2026, in Tokyo, the event will bring together industry professionals and aspiring creators for discussions on anime production, international collaboration, storytelling, and the role of producers.
The programme will feature Masahiko Otsuka, President and CEO of Studio Trigger, and Kazuma Momohara, Producer at Studio Colorido, as speakers. Approximately 150 participants will be selected to attend the free event, with applications opening on November 2.
The initiative comes as Japanese anime continues to reach audiences worldwide, creating new opportunities for international partnerships, localisation, and cross-border production. Through the event, Netflix aims to share its industry knowledge and experiences with people who want to contribute to the future of anime production.
Netflix Creators Dojo Expands Into the Anime Industry
The Netflix Creators Dojo is an educational initiative originally launched in 2025 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Netflix’s service launch in Japan.
The programme uses Netflix’s international network and experience working with creators to provide participants with industry knowledge, production insights, and opportunities to develop their skills.
Although previous programmes focused on nurturing creators across different areas of entertainment, the upcoming event marks the first time the initiative will specifically focus on anime.
Netflix hopes to use the programme to help develop producers capable of navigating the changing demands of the anime industry, particularly as Japanese animation reaches increasingly diverse international audiences.
The company also wants participants to bring the knowledge they gain back to their respective production teams, helping improve the quality of creative projects and supporting the industry’s sustainable development.
Studio Trigger and Studio Colorido Producers to Participate
One of the major highlights of the event will be the participation of two industry professionals with experience in Japanese animation production.
Masahiko Otsuka, President and CEO of Studio Trigger, is scheduled to appear alongside Kazuma Momohara, a producer at Studio Colorido.
Their participation will bring production-side perspectives to discussions about developing anime projects, working with international partners, and translating creative ideas into completed productions.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the creative aspects of animation, the event will also examine the business and organisational responsibilities of producers.
Netflix plans to use examples from existing animated projects to explore how producers can support creative teams, manage production challenges, and bring ambitious projects to audiences around the world.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners and Cosmic Princess Kaguya! to Be Featured
The event’s programme will include sessions examining storytelling and production through the examples of two animated projects: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Cosmic Princess Kaguya!.
The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners session will explore the production process behind the series, focusing particularly on international co-production with overseas partners and animation direction that brings out the story’s appeal.
Participants will learn about the challenges and considerations involved in collaborating with international partners while maintaining the creative identity of an animated project.
Another session will focus on Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, examining how an original project progresses from its initial development to becoming a completed animated work.
The discussion will explore the mindset required to realise an original project and the role producers play throughout the production process.
Together, the sessions aim to provide participants with practical insights into two different approaches to anime production, from international collaboration to developing original intellectual property.
Netflix Creators Dojo to Discuss the Future of Anime Production
The programme will conclude with a session examining the future of the anime industry and the responsibilities expected of the next generation of producers.
As anime production becomes increasingly connected to international markets, producers are expected to navigate more than simply the creative and organisational aspects of making an animated series.
International distribution, localisation, collaboration with overseas partners, and understanding audiences across different cultures are becoming important considerations when bringing Japanese anime to the global market.
Netflix wants the Creators Dojo to provide participants with knowledge and professional connections that can be applied directly to their future projects.
After the main programme, participants will also have an opportunity to network with speakers, fellow attendees, and other animation industry professionals.
The company hopes these connections will continue beyond the event and contribute to the development of future anime projects.
Netflix Creators Dojo Anime Event Details and Application
Netflix will select approximately 150 participants for the event. Participation is free, but applicants will be selected based on their submitted applications.
Here are the confirmed details:
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Netflix Creators Dojo – Anime |
| Date | November 21, 2026 |
| Main programme | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM JST |
| Networking | From 5:30 PM JST (tentative) |
| Venue | Tokyo, Japan |
| Capacity | Approximately 150 participants |
| Participation Fee | Free |
| Application Opens | November 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM JST |
| Application Deadline | November 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST |
| Selection Notification | November 16, 2026 |
| Organiser | Netflix |
The event is intended for people involved in the anime business as well as those interested in learning about animation production.
Applications can be submitted through the official Netflix Creators Dojo application form. The exact venue details will only be provided to selected participants.
Netflix will review applications and contact only those who have been selected to attend on November 16.
Netflix Continues Its Investment in Japan’s Anime Industry
The Creators Dojo represents another effort by Netflix to strengthen its relationship with Japan’s creative industry.
As anime continues to expand internationally, the company believes that developing production talent and sharing industry knowledge will be important for supporting the medium’s long-term growth.
The programme is not limited to anime producers. Netflix has also indicated plans to organise future Creators Dojo sessions covering different areas, including producers, screenwriters, and production staff.
By providing access to the experiences of established creators and professionals, Netflix hopes to help participants improve their skills and share their knowledge with the teams they work with.
The first anime-focused event will therefore serve as an opportunity to discuss not only how anime is produced today, but also what the next generation of industry professionals will need to lead future projects.
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About Netflix Creators Dojo
Netflix Creators Dojo is an educational initiative launched in Japan in 2025 to support the development of the next generation of creative professionals.
The programme draws on Netflix’s international network and experience working with creators to share production knowledge, industry practices, and professional insights.
Its upcoming anime-focused edition will be the first Creators Dojo event dedicated to the Japanese animation industry, with sessions covering international collaboration, storytelling, original project development, and the future role of anime producers.
Source: Netflix
