Disney+ Partners with Japanese Producer The Seven for Lasting Collaboration
Disney+ has announced a multi-year co-development agreement with Japanese production company The Seven, marking its first partnership of this kind with a Japanese production house.
Under this agreement, Disney+ Japan and the Tokyo-based studio, which is owned by TBS Holdings, will collaborate on the development of Japanese-language live-action series that will be available exclusively on the streaming platform.
Disney’s content team will engage in early-stage development, focusing on crafting “bold, emotionally resonant stories from Japan” to enhance the platform’s global offerings.
Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy for Disney APAC, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “What excites us the most is the opportunity to work even more closely with Japan’s vibrant creative community to develop stories that capture the country’s unique voice and imagination.”
Choi added that since Disney+ launched in Japan, general entertainment and local originals have gained significant importance, making this partnership a logical extension of their content investment. “It builds on the strong relationships we’ve developed over time and represents a meaningful step forward in deepening our storytelling roots in Japan, where local content, alongside our global franchises, continues to resonate with audiences,” she noted.
The Seven, known for its work on HBO’s *Song of the Samurai*, also possesses VFX and studio assets. In 2022, the company entered a similar development deal with Netflix, previously reported to be set to run until 2027. The current status of that agreement remains unclear.
Katsuaki Setoguchi, President and CEO of The Seven, described the collaboration with Disney as a crucial step in their mission to continuously innovate and produce captivating content from Japan for a global audience. “It is an honor to enter into this historic deal with Disney, a company that brings diverse stories to every corner of the globe,” Setoguchi stated.
He expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “I am confident that by unleashing the refined creativity of The Seven through Disney’s extensive network and expertise, we can evolve Japanese stories into the ‘next craze’ that people truly fall in love with. We will continue to transcend borders and language barriers in pursuit of authentic and innovative works that remain etched in the hearts of viewers forever. Please look forward to the moment when Japanese content creation reaches new heights.”
