Netflix has unveiled four fresh Japanese gems for its 2026 lineup, blending live-action drama, film, unscripted thrills, and stunning animation. These picks showcase Japan’s wild storytelling range, heading to members worldwide.
1. Viral Hit (series, 28 May)
Bullied high schooler Kota Shimura is drowning in his mom’s medical bills and relentless school torment — until a viral fight video flips his world upside down. He launches a streaming channel, turning punches into paydays in a bid to escape despair.
Starring Ouji Suzuka (Listen to the Universe) as the scrappy hero, alongside Ai Mikami and Araki Sugou, this live-action adaptation of the hit South Korean webtoon comes from director Hideki Takeuchi and writer Yuichi Tokunaga (Cells at Work!). The dynamic cast also includes Nana Asakawa, Takuro Osada and Mieko Harada.
2. One Year to Live, Buy a Man (film, 2026)
Thrifty 40-year-old Yui Katakura skips romance to save money — until a cancer diagnosis reveals she has just one year to live. No more penny-pinching: she “buys” down-on-his-luck, pink-haired host Sena for 720,000 yen. What starts as a quirky deal blossoms into unexpected love.
Ko Shibasaki and Eiji Akaso star in this adaptation of the award-winning 2021 novel. Directed by Hiroki Kazama (The Beginning of the Sea) and written by Yoshikazu Okada (Beyond Goodbye), the film offers a heartfelt reflection on living life to the fullest.
3. Doors Closed, Bids Open (unscripted series, 2026)
Step into a shadowy underground club for a members-only veiled auction hosted by Japan’s queen of TV, Matsuko Deluxe. The five-time “Favorite Host” winner brings her sharp wit and endless trivia to Netflix’s first forbidden bidding bash.
What mysterious items will go under the hammer? Only elite bidders know — get ready for the thrill of the unknown.
4. Sparks of Tomorrow (animated series, July 2026)
In a steampunk, early 20th-century Kyoto choked by smoke, a grieving boy and a devout girl chase dreams inspired by a futuristic “20th Century Electrical Catalog.” Their paths collide, sparking a revolution amid loss and buried regrets.
Kyoto Animation delivers jaw-dropping, impressionistic visuals and emotional depth in this bold, era-defining tale.