Rising stars from Netflix Japan’s biggest original shows shared their experiences with the streamer today at the last Tudum event in the last 24 hours.
Netflix is locked in a bitter battle for streaming supremacy in Japan with Amazon, Disney+ and others, and today’s event was an opportunity to demonstrate its firepower.
For example, at the Netflix Tudum event, she interviewed five rising stars from the Asian country: Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, who play Arisu and Usagi Alice in the BorderlandShe appeared at the event alongside Nana Mori and Natsuki Deguchi, who play Kiyo and Sumire The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko Houseand voice actress Fairouz Ai, who plays Jolyne Cujoh in the upcoming film JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.
Season one of Alice in the borderland Based on the manga of the same name released in 2020, it follows Yamazaki and Tsuchiya as a couple trapped in a dystopian Tokyo, forced to engage in dangerous games ruled by playing cards.
Shinsuke Sato, who appeared on a Tudum panel today, directed the series. A teaser for the second season was revealed today. Check it out here
When asked during her interview how Japanese series are performing compared to Netflix originals from other territories, Tsuchiya said she wasn’t sure, but added, “One day I’d like to actually go abroad and hear in person what the People think.”
Netflix Japan Slate
Eight part series Die Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House is by showrunner, director and writer Hirokazu Kore-eda. Set in the vibrant world of geishas, it follows the everyday lives of kiyo, a makanai (a person who cooks meals) and a maiko (geisha apprentice) Sumire. It is based on an original comic.
Star Natsuki Deguchi said of creator Kore-eda, “I learned a lot on set. To this day I still think about what he taught me about the importance of eyes, ears and gaze on set.”
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, now is the fifth season of Netflix’s animated adaptation of the manga JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki. Launching this fall, it follows main character Olyne Cujoh (Ai) as she navigates a dangerous maximum-security prison after being framed for murder.
Ai pointed out the gender politics her character encounters in her interview. “Many women, myself included, have had certain frustrating experiences because they are women, but Jolyne is an inspiration to women. I’ve been through tough times and cried, and even Jolyne cried when she was thrown in jail, but to see her pick herself up and give it her all in the fight for her goal is so inspiring.”
Also presented at the Tudum event in Tokyo First love, a series inspired by songs written and composed by J-pop sensation Hikaru Utada. Starring Hikari Mitsushima (Sawako Decides) and Takeru Satoh (Ruroni Kenshin films), it follows the love story of two high school sweethearts and how fate separates them and yet brings them back together.
Gudetama: An Egg-Laying Adventure based on the Japanese egg, is a CG live-action hybrid series in which the lethargic character comes to life The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudges of Edinburgh (Part 1) is another anime series based on a comic book of the same name.
Fans got a glimpse of some of the shows through new trailers and teasers.