J-drama enthusiasts, rejoice! Netflix is significantly expanding its Japanese live-action library through a major new global streaming agreement with Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).
The streaming giant announced a landmark volume deal that will bring a curated collection of 20 acclaimed NHK drama series to viewers both in Japan and around the world, marking a massive win for the global accessibility of Japanese entertainment.
For decades, NHK’s television dramas have stood as the bedrock of Japanese pop culture, loved for their high production values, rich emotional depth, and deep cultural storytelling.
The upcoming Netflix slate covers a wide range of NHK’s most signature television formats. This includes their legendary Taiga dramas — ambitious, year-long historical epics depicting pivotal figures in Japan’s history; the celebrated Asadora (morning serials) that chronicle heartwarming, everyday stories of people chasing their dreams; and the hard-hitting Drama 10 series, which skillfully examine contemporary societal issues and complex modern relationships.
The global rollout will commence in stages, with a first wave of six distinctive series scheduled to drop on Netflix on June 22, 2026. Leading the vanguard is the 2014 Taiga masterpiece “Strategist KANBE” (“Gunshi Kanbei”), starring Okada Junichi as the brilliant historical tactician Kuroda Kanbei. Fans can also look forward to the heartwarming 2018 morning serial “Mampuku,” which follows the resilient lives of the couple who invented instant ramen.
Rounding out the initial June lineup are the critically acclaimed Drama 10 offerings: “Descending Stories: A Life in Rakugo” (“Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju”), “The Science Club,” and “Tokyo Salad Bowl,” alongside the poignant premium drama “My Family.”
Following this initial June wave, the remaining titles from the 20-drama acquisition are scheduled to be added sequentially on the platform through early 2027.
Netflix’s collaboration with NHK is a natural progression of its ongoing strategy to partner with major Japanese broadcasters, elevating localized narratives to the global stage. By delivering these deeply nurtured cultural works to viewers across more than 190 countries and regions, Netflix continues to solidify its role as a premier gateway for cross-border entertainment.
Whether you want to catch up on a classic masterpiece you missed, dive into an episodic binge over the weekend, or discover the intricacies of Japanese history, the upcoming collection will be fully accessible across all supported devices, enhanced by Netflix’s tailored recommendation algorithm to help viewers find their next favorite story.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on a Netflix Newsroom story, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.