Image: Images courtesy of Netflix
2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years yet for new Japanese originals on Netflix. From drama, comedy, romance to thriller, there is something for everyone in Japan to enjoy on Netflix this year. Here are the Japanese movies and TV shows fans can look forward to seeing on Netflix in 2026.
Thanks for the release of Netflix’s Japan 2026 slateWe have a comprehensive preview for the year.
Please note: This is not a complete list of Japanese originals coming to Netflix in 2026. More titles will be announced throughout the remainder of 2026.
New Japanese shows coming to Netflix in 2026
Sins of Cujo (Season 1)
Netflix Release Date: 2 April 2026
Based on the manga of the same name by Shohei Manabe, Sins of Kujo is one of the most exciting Japanese titles coming to Netflix in 2026. With a fantastic cast including Hokuta Matsumura, Eliza Ikeda, and Keita Machida, we can’t wait to see how this thriller unfolds.
“Taiza Kujo is a lawyer who is notorious for taking on the most dangerous, morally ambiguous cases. Kujo’s philosophy is as provocative as his clients: “A lawyer is not guided by ideology; My duty is only to defend my client.” With the law as his weapon, Kujo defends even the most despicable villains, forcing the audience to confront the extremely thin line between justice and corruption.
Straight to Hell (Season 1)
Netflix Release Date: 27 April 2026
Netflix will shed light on the life and career of controversial Japanese medium Kazuko Hosoki. Erika Toda will play the controversial Japanese medium, who once dominated Japanese television and publications.
Kazuko Hosoki was once a fortune teller who made a name for herself with her dire and ominous predictions. After World War II, she escaped poverty by becoming a central figure of Tokyo’s nightlife, purchasing several nightclubs and being nicknamed the “Queen of Ginza”. His celebrity status was later established through his publications as a prophet and his dominance on television. However, his rise to stardom has been plagued by allegations that his business practices are fraudulent and that he has ties to Tokyo’s criminal underworld. Spanning 60 years, the drama takes an in-depth look at the life of one of Japan’s most controversial figures.
Soul Mate (Season 1)
Image: Soul Mate
Netflix Release Date: 14 May 2026
spouse Hashizume is a romantic drama directed and written by Shunki, starring Vincenzo Antagonist Ok Tak Yeon and Alice in Borderlands Isomura Hayato.
When Ryu Narutaki inadvertently destroys his best friend’s life, he leaves Japan and nearly dies in a foreign church before being saved by a Korean boxer, Johan Hwang. Both men are deeply hurt by their past, but are attracted to each other as soulmates. Their journey spans 10 years and takes them to Berlin, Seoul and Tokyo, where they experience suffering, happiness, pain and ultimately love.
Viral Hit (Season 1)
Netflix Release Date: 28 May 2026
Adapted from the webtoon series of the same name by Taejun Park and Kim Junghyun, Hideki Takeuchi directs the series, while Yuichi Tokunaga wrote the adaptation.
The series stars Oki Suzuka as Kota Shimura, a high school student who is constantly bullied and struggles with the burden of his mother’s medical bills. After his fight with a bully was streamed and went viral, Shimura took advantage of the opportunity. Realizing that fighting can be a profitable venture, he starts a streaming channel and begins his journey out of the pit of despair.
Human Vapor (Season 1)
Image: Human Vapor – TOHO Studio
Netflix Release Date: 2026
It’s been more than 60 years since this happened human vapor was first shown in Japanese theaters, and it remains a cult classic among cinephiles to this day. With brand new, cutting-edge visuals and a fresh storyline, a modern adaptation of human vapor It will definitely attract a lot of attention, especially from Japanese customers. The 8-episode series will be led by detective Oguri Shun who searches for the mysterious human vapor.
A librarian is subjected to a scientific experiment that goes wrong and turns her into a ‘human vapor’. He uses his new ability to rob banks to finance his girlfriend’s career as a beautiful dancer. The Human Vapor is ruthless in his quest for money and kills anyone who gets in his way, especially the police. He soon became Tokyo’s most wanted criminal. Can he be stopped before he kills again?
S&X (Season 1)
Image: Kento Nakajima as Ichito Shimotori in S&X – Netflix
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Based on the manga of the same name by Casey Tada, S&X is directed by Shogo Kusano, who co-wrote the adaptation with Ruriko Matsushima and Takumi Baba. Kento Nakajima is the lead of the series and is the only confirmed cast member so far.
Ichito Shimotori is a sex therapist at Shimotori Clinic, and every day he sees patients facing intimate issues they can’t talk about with anyone else. Ignoring the ridicule and prejudice he receives for his chosen profession, he treats each patient with utmost honesty and respect. But little do the people around him know that he hides a concern of his own.
Plastic Beauty (Season 1)
Image: Plastic Beauty – Netflix
The series is directed by Yuki Saito (Ossan Ka Pyaar Returns) and written by Junya Ikegami (Queen of Villains)Produced by K2 Pictures.
Mayu Matsuoka (The greatest teacher) The series will lead the cast as Fumi Numata, a talented surgeon with a passion for saving lives through medicine, finds herself clashing with a celebrity surgeon, Rin Tohyama, played by Riisa Naka. (Alice in Borderland)Who believes that beauty is salvation.
Did someone mention me?
Netflix Release Date: 2026
A new Japanese comedy led by Koji Yakusho, who brings his charm to the forefront in the role of General Takasegawa. The series’ directing duties are divided between Fuminori Kaneko, Takuya Sakao, and Atsushi Watabe, and the series is written by Kankuro Kudo.
The story follows Gen Takasegawa, the first Japanese actor to play a lead role at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London, who has been unable to return to Japan for some time. After two years, he finally returned home, but suffered the greatest tragedy for someone driven by the need for recognition: he was suddenly and completely forgotten by the entire world!
Quiztopia (Season 1)
Image: Quiztopia – Netflix
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Based on the 1993 manga Kokumin Quiz, written by Reiichi Sugimoto and illustrated by Shinkichi Kato, Quiztopia could be one of the biggest Japanese releases on Netflix in 2026.
The series is set in an alternate Japan, where citizens participate in a government-sanctioned quiz, and the winner gets any wish granted by the Japanese government… but the losers face disastrous consequences, such as conscription and forced labor. Hosted by KK, the charismatic quizmaster thrills the audience and inspires contestants to fulfill their deepest desires. However, when a rebel group attempts to overthrow and confront the system, chaos ensues.
New Japanese movies coming to Netflix in 2026
This Is Me (2026)
Netflix Release Date: 10 February 2026
rising star haruki mochizuki (Black Postman) Saito will co-lead the series with Takumi (bullet train explosion). Japan is now the leading producer of top LGBT content, especially on Netflix.
Haruna Ai, who took the world by storm with her lip-syncing impersonation of Air Ayaya in 2008, struggled with her true self from a young age. Despite suffering from the cold eyes of society, he never gave up his dream of becoming an icon. Ai’s luck changes when she meets Wada, a doctor who also has a traumatic past. Amidst social reaction and adversity, the two formed an irreplaceable bond of trust and friendship.
My Crazy Feminist Girlfriend (2026)
Image: Mei Nagano – Netflix
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Based on the novel My Crazy Feminist Girlfriend by Min Ji-hyeong, the series will star Mei Nagano, who previously starred in Netflix’s 2023 series Burn the House Down. Nagano will play an “unexpectedly feminist ex-girlfriend” who confronts the man she once thought knew her best over her unwavering beliefs.
One Year to Live, Buy a Man (2026)
Image: Ko Shibasaki (left) and Yui Katakura (right)
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Yoshikazu Okada is adapting Toriko Yoshikawa’s best-selling novel, to be directed by Hiroki Kazama and produced by Aoi Pro.
The film stars Kasumi Yao as Yui Katakura, a 40-year-old single woman who has dedicated her life to saving money while avoiding romance, marriage, and children. However, after receiving a cancer diagnosis that gives her only one year to live, she feels relieved as she no longer feels the need to save money. When she encounters a pink-haired nightclub host, an unusual arrangement is made as she “buys” him for ¥720,000. This exchange leads to the development of an unconventional bond between them.
Which Japanese Netflix Originals are you looking forward to seeing on Netflix in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!