Netflix and MAPPA Co., Ltd. have deepened their collaboration through a new strategic partnership aimed at co-creating innovative anime projects with a truly international scope. The announcement, made on January 20, 2026, builds on prior work between the two companies and positions Netflix as the exclusive global streaming home for a slate of original anime titles produced by MAPPA.
MAPPA, one of Japan's most prominent animation studios, has earned widespread acclaim for its high-profile series. Among its most popular works are the intense action thriller Jujutsu Kaisen, which follows a high school student battling supernatural curses, and the darkly comedic Chainsaw Man, centered on a devil hunter with chainsaw powers. The studio has also delivered standout adaptations and originals such as Attack on Titan (final seasons), Yuri!!! on Ice, and Vinland Saga, showcasing its ability to blend dynamic animation, compelling storytelling, and bold creative choices across genres.
The strengthened partnership will see Netflix and MAPPA collaborating more comprehensively on upcoming projects—from initial story development and production to global distribution and even merchandise opportunities. New anime titles from MAPPA will premiere exclusively and simultaneously worldwide on Netflix, enabling audiences everywhere to experience them at the same time without regional delays.
This move reflects a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of anime creation and reach. Netflix will support MAPPA's distinctive production style while leveraging its vast platform to introduce these stories to millions of viewers across the globe.
Manabu Otsuka, President and CEO of MAPPA, emphasized the studio's independent vision in a statement:
This strengthened partnership reflects our long-held vision of MAPPA as a self-reliant studio on both creative and business fronts. Japanese animation studios should lead with global perspective—from planning and development to international reach and related business ventures. We’re committed to working closely with Netflix to build a long-term, win-win collaboration.
Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of Content for Netflix Japan, highlighted the creative synergy:
MAPPA has continuously taken on bold creative challenges, and we want to support that spirit. By combining MAPPA’s distinctive production and Netflix’s global reach, we hope to expand anime’s possibilities. We’re excited to deliver new stories, fresh expressions, and impactful experiences to audiences worldwide.
The partnership marks an evolution from earlier alliances, including Netflix's 2020 production line collaborations with MAPPA and other studios to explore new formats and narratives. This expanded agreement goes further by integrating business aspects beyond streaming, such as joint planning and ancillary ventures, aiming to establish a model for world-class animation production that prioritizes creator independence and global accessibility.
For MAPPA, the deal aligns with its goal of maintaining creative control while expanding its footprint internationally. The studio, founded in 2011, has focused on enhancing quality, productivity, and originality, often tackling ambitious projects that demand high-level animation and storytelling innovation. Netflix, in turn, continues to invest heavily in anime as part of its broader strategy to diversify content and attract global subscribers through exclusive, high-impact titles.
While specific upcoming project details were not disclosed in the announcement, the collaboration promises a pipeline of original content designed with worldwide appeal in mind. This approach could help introduce diverse Japanese narratives to new audiences and further solidify anime's position as a mainstream entertainment medium.
The announcement underscores the growing intersection between streaming platforms and anime studios, where global distribution meets creative ambition to foster sustainable growth in the industry. As anime continues to gain popularity worldwide, partnerships like this one between Netflix and MAPPA are poised to play a key role in shaping its future direction.
Source: Netflix
