Netflix expands Japanese originals with three new series premiering next year: Find the list here

On 12 September 2025, to mark its 10th anniversary in Japan, Netflix announced three Japanese original series slated for 2026. The company listed the titles and their broad genres, i.e., one drama, one comedy, and a project described as an antihero story, but did not attach full cast lists or exact premiere dates in the announcement.

The announcement comes amid Netflix’s steady release schedule for Japan, with several local shows arriving in late 2025. The slate signals Netflix will continue funding both live-action and animated Japanese projects, although promotional details and episode counts remain scarce.

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Netflix’s three new Japanese originals for 2026

Netflix’s newsroom named the three projects as Straight to Hell (drama), Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? (comedy), and a third project described as an antihero series. Netflix confirmed the three are Netflix Originals for Japan and part of its 2026 slate, but did not provide release dates or full creative teams.

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"Straight to Hell" is listed as a drama with limited public details

Straight to Hell is identified in Netflix’s statement as a drama. Beyond the genre label and its place on the 2026 slate, the platform has not published a plot summary, episode count, or casting details. Public updates are likely to appear as production progresses and the company issues further press material.

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"Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?" is listed as a comedy

Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? appears on the same announcement as a comedy series for 2026. Like the other two, it currently lacks publicly shared synopses or credited actors. The description in the newsroom is brief, which means reporters and fans will have to wait for trailers or casting notices to learn more.

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"Steel Ball Run" provides clear production details and a story outline

Separately, the anime adaptation JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run has clearer public information. It is based on Part 7 of a manga by Hirohiko Araki and follows the lives of Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli as they participate in a 5,000-kilometre American race in 1890, which becomes a bigger political and religious conspiracy.

Directors Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, series director Toshiyuki Kato, series composer Yasuko Kobayashi, character designer Daisuke Tsumagari, composer Yugo Kanno, and sound director Yoshikazu Iwanami have been announced as key production staff, with David Production doing the animation. It is planned to have a livestream throughout the world on 23 September 2025 with more details.

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Near-term releases show the wider Japanese slate

Netflix’s calendar for late 2025 already lists other Japan-made projects with firm dates. For example, Last Samurai Standing, a period action series based on Shogo Imamura’s Ikusagami, is scheduled to stream on 13 November 2025 after premiering at the Busan International Film Festival.

Alice in Borderland season 3 is set for 25 September 2025. These nearer dates give a clearer picture of the platform's mix of immediate releases and later projects.

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What viewers should watch for next

Expect cast lists, trailers, and episode counts in the months ahead. Details for the three anniversary shows are currently limited to titles and genres; by contrast, Steel Ball Run already has staff and plot basics public. Fans and industry watchers should see concrete schedules and full credits as promotion ramps up.