After unveiling its full 2024 Korean dramas and movies slate, Netflix has decided to come out and reveal its slate of upcoming Japanese movies and shows coming in 2024. We've already taken a look at the list, and there is so much to look forward to throughout the year. We can't wait to check out every single new release!
Over the years, we've seen Netflix beef up its international library with tons of great shows and movies from all over the world. Korean content is obviously taking the lead, but we've seen a rise in demand for Japanese content as well. Netflix has even become one of the main streaming homes for new Japanese movies and shows.
So, what new Japanese content can we Netflix Lifers expect to see on Netflix this year? No worries! We've compiled a list of all the Japanese Netflix movies and shows confirmed to be coming out in 2024 and shared it below. However, it’s important to mention that the streaming giant hasn’t handed out release dates for all the shows and films just yet. But of course, you can count on us to share them once they’re announced.
Japanese movies coming to Netflix in 2024
And here comes the waterworks... Drawing Closer is a romantic drama film based on the best-selling novel Yomei Ichinen to Senkokusareta Boku ga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi by Ao Morita. It tells the moving love story of two people living on borrowed time. Akito is a young man who has been diagnosed with terminal heart disease. In a chance encounter, he meets Haruna, a woman who lives with a terminal illness herself. Although they both know they don't have much time left, they try to live the best lives they can, and along the way, they find themselves falling in love with each other.
Takahiro Miki directed the movie from a screenplay written by Tomoko Yoshida. In addition, Japanese actor Ren Nagase portrays the role of Akito while Natsuki Deguchi plays Haruna. An official release date has not been announced yet, but it's confirmed to be coming out this year.
Another Japanese Netflix movie slated to come out this year is The Parades. Check out the official trailer below for a sneak peek.
Here's the official synopsis via Netflix:
"The story begins with Minako (Masami Nagasawa) waking up on a rubble-strewn beach. As she searches for her son, Ryo, she stumbles upon an assorted group, including a young man named Akira (Kentaro Sakaguchi), former yakuza Shori (Ryusei Yokohama), and ex-film producer Michael (Lily Franky). She soon realizes the shocking truth that she has died. Her new companions are also stuck between worlds, unable to move on due to unfinished business with the living. Despite struggling to fully accept this new reality, Minako joins in a monthly "Parade," a gathering where the dead search for the people they hope to see again, while getting to know more about her fellow departed companions along the way."
Be prepared because it's another tearjerker film. It'll be released on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET, so make sure to mark your calendar and set your alarm.
City Hunter is an upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular manga of the same name by Tsukasa Hojo. It follows private detective Ryo Saeba as he tackles "high-stakes challenges" in the bustling streets of modern-day Shinjuku, Tokyo. Japanese actor Ryohei Suzuki portrays the protagonist, Ryo Saeba. Additionally, Misato Morita takes on the role of the heroine, Kaori Makimura. The action-comedy flick is set for an April 25 release.
Japanese shows coming to Netflix in 2024
House of Ninjas will be released on Netflix on Feb. 15, 2024. It's a Netflix series following a dysfunctional family of ninjas who after being in retirement for years is forced to return to the shadowy world of secret missions when there's suddenly a series of looming threats. Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, and many others star in the thriller series.
The Queen of Villains tells the untold story of Japanese professional wrestler Dump Matsumoto. She took Japan by storm in the '80s when she sparked the women’s professional wrestling boom with her "cult-like following." Yuriyan Retriever stars as Dump Matsumoto in the drama series. Joining Retriever in the cast are Erika Karata and Ayame Goriki. Sadly, there isn't an official release date just yet, but it's confirmed to come out sometime this year.
Here are some more Japanese Netflix shows coming out in 2024:
- Tokyo Swindlers - 2024
- Beyond Goodbye - 2024
- Love Deadline - Jan. 23, 2024 - Feb. 13, 2024
- Love Village season 2 - 2024
- Last One Standing season 3 - 2024
There will most likely be more Japanese movies and shows coming to Netflix in 2024, and we’ll be updating this list as they are announced. So, make sure to stay tuned to Netflix Life!