Netflix has entered into an expanded strategic partnership with MAPPA Co., Ltd., the animation studio behind major hits like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. The collaboration aims to create new anime projects with a global vision, covering everything from story development to merchandise. As part of the deal, Netflix will exclusively stream a lineup of original MAPPA-produced anime titles to its members worldwide.
This isn’t Netflix’s first time working with MAPPA, but the scale and scope of this partnership mark a significant shift in how both companies approach anime production and distribution.
MAPPA’s Track Record and Creative Philosophy
MAPPA has gained a reputation for pushing beyond conventional anime production frameworks, placing MAPPA has built a reputation for pushing traditional anime production boundaries. The studio values creative freedom and passion, which has led to both artistic innovation and strategic success. Two of its recent projects illustrate this approach clearly.
With Chainsaw Man, MAPPA adopted a studio-driven model for IP (Intellectual Property, meaning the characters and story rights) development and merchandising. Instead of relying entirely on external partners, the studio took control of how the anime was developed and marketed. This gave MAPPA more creative and financial control over the project.
Jujutsu Kaisen took a different path but achieved similar success. The anime became a global phenomenon, helping fuel the worldwide rise of Japanese animation. MAPPA’s ability to adapt its strategy based on each project’s needs has made it one of the most influential studios in the industry today.
Anime’s Growing Dominance on Netflix
Anime has become central to Netflix’s content strategy, and the numbers prove it. Today, more than half of Netflix’s global members watch anime on the platform. Over the past five years, anime viewership on Netflix has tripled. In 2024 alone, anime titles on the service were viewed over 1 billion times. Japanese content, including anime, is now the second most-watched category globally on Netflix, trailing only English-language titles.
Under this new partnership, MAPPA’s upcoming anime will premiere exclusively on Netflix and launch simultaneously worldwide. This means fans across different countries can experience new releases at the same time, rather than waiting for regional distribution deals to play out.
Netflix has already brought several MAPPA productions to its global audience, including Ranma1/2 and Kakegurui Twin. With this expanded partnership, multiple new anime projects are currently in planning and production stages.
What Both Companies Are Saying
Manabu Otsuka, President and CEO of MAPPA, emphasized the studio’s commitment to independence in both creative and business decisions. “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,” Otsuka said.
He added that Japanese animation studios need to take a more proactive role across the entire production and distribution process. “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.“
Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of Content for Japan at Netflix, highlighted the alignment between the two companies’ values. “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,” Sakamoto said.
She explained that the partnership combines MAPPA’s unique production approach with Netflix’s global reach and willingness to take creative risks. “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.“
What This Means for the Industry
This partnership represents more than just a distribution deal. It’s a signal that anime production is becoming more globalized and that studios like MAPPA are positioning themselves as leaders in that shift.
For years, Japanese anime studios operated primarily within domestic frameworks, relying on publishers, television networks, and international distributors to bring their work to global audiences. MAPPA’s partnership with Netflix suggests a different model, one where studios maintain creative independence while collaborating directly with global streaming platforms.
The focus on simultaneous worldwide releases also changes how anime reaches audiences. Instead of staggered regional rollouts, fans everywhere get access at the same time. This reduces piracy risks and allows global fandoms to engage with new content together, building momentum and conversation across borders.
The partnership also extends beyond just streaming. Both companies mentioned working together on merchandise and IP development, which means MAPPA’s characters and stories could expand into products, events, and other media formats with Netflix’s support.
What’s Next
Netflix and MAPPA have not yet revealed specific titles or release dates for the new projects under this partnership. However, both companies emphasized that multiple anime are currently in development.
For fans looking to explore MAPPA’s work on Netflix, the studio now has a dedicated page on the platform at http://netflix.com/mappa, where viewers can browse available titles and keep track of new releases.
As anime continues to grow as a global entertainment force, partnerships like this one will likely shape how studios, streaming platforms, and audiences interact with the medium. MAPPA and Netflix are betting that creative independence, global distribution, and simultaneous releases are the future of anime production.
Only time will tell how this model evolves, but for now, anime fans have more to look forward to than ever before.
Source: Netflix
