Warner Bros. Discovery and U-Next to Distribute Premium Japanese Dramas Globally on Max

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced an exciting new collaboration with Japanese streaming titan U-Next, set to redefine how international audiences consume Japanese drama series. This partnership will see a curated selection of premium Japanese dramas showcased on Max across various international markets, including the U.S., Brazil, and Southeast Asia. This strategic move underscores the growing interest in Japanese content on global platforms, and it opens the door for a cross-cultural exchange that could benefit both creators and audiences alike.

A Partnership Expanding Horizons

The forthcoming international distribution initiative marks a significant expansion of the exclusive partnership that started last year when Max was integrated into the U-Next platform in Japan. Previously, the focus was on making popular global titles accessible to Japanese viewers. Now, the two companies are flipping the narrative, allowing Japanese stories to reach a wider audience.

Magdalene Ew, head of content for streaming in the APAC region at Warner Bros. Discovery, is optimistic about this expansion. “Max on U-Next has seen strong engagement from Japanese audiences,” she said. “With our premium U.S. content such as The Last of Us and And Just Like That… performing incredibly well on the platform since launch, this partnership allows us to spotlight homegrown stories and talent for international viewers who want more diverse content.”

Highlights of the Slate

Leading the charge in this international rollout is TBS’ much-anticipated series, Love is for the Dogs, which is described as an “East meets East” story based on the popular webtoon Dog-Like Romance. The collection features a diverse array of shows, appealing to various tastes.

Additional titles in this inaugural slate include:

• Please Die My Beloved (a dark comedy from TV Tokyo)
• Ignite (a gripping legal drama from TBS)
• Mr. Mikami’s Classroom
• Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle?
• La Grande Maison Tokyo and its special edition, Light of My Lion
• Until I Destroyed My Husband’s Other Family
• Baby Assassins

This diverse lineup promises to engage a wide range of viewers, showcasing the rich storytelling and unique themes found in Japanese dramas.

Timing and Market Reach

The international launch is set to occur later this year, with specific dates yet to be announced. As these dramas cross borders, they will not only provide fresh content for international subscribers but also elevate the visibility of Japanese talent and storytelling on a global platform.

In the words of Tenshin Tsutsumi, president and CEO of U-Next Inc., “Since announcing the exclusive partnership with WBD last year, one of our focus areas has been the global distribution of Japanese IP. We’re starting with a curated collection of dramas – selected not only for their domestic popularity but also for their potential to resonate cross-culturally.”

A Secure Future for Streaming

This partnership isn’t just about introducing international audiences to Japanese dramas; it’s part of a larger strategy to engage with global content in a meaningful way. Recently, U-Next has strengthened its content offerings by integrating with Paravi in July 2023, solidifying access to diverse scripted dramas from major terrestrial channels like TBS and TV Tokyo.

Currently, U-Next boasts the largest volume of subscription video on-demand (SVOD) content in Japan and has expanded its offerings to include live sports, e-manga, e-books, and e-magazines, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the streaming space. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery operates in over 220 countries and territories, continually leveraging local partnerships to expand its premium content and elevate regional stories for a worldwide audience.

Conclusion: A New Era for Japanese Dramas

As anticipation grows for this international rollout, both Warner Bros. Discovery and U-Next are setting the stage for a new era in the consumption of Japanese dramas. By tapping into a global audience, they not only fulfill the demand for diverse content but also promote cross-cultural understanding. This venture is sure to attract new fans and inspire future collaborations, making the world of Japanese entertainment more accessible than ever before. Keep an eye out for updates as this exciting partnership develops!

For more about the changing landscape of streaming, check out our articles on streaming services and the latest in Japanese dramas.