Prime Video Japan to Double Original Content Spend, Anchored by Arashi Documentary

Prime Video disclosed a plan to double its spending on Japanese original content for the next two years, a move aimed at serving a diversifying subscriber base. Executives Gandhi and Oishi said the upcoming slate will span anime, scripted drama, unscripted series, movies and sports, reflecting the platform’s shift from a niche destination to a comprehensive entertainment hub. The centerpiece is Kore-eda Hirokazu’s documentary "5 - Our Time as Arashi -," which follows the idol group’s five-dome farewell tour and will stream globally from Dec. 15, with a concert film and a series of archival concerts released later in the year.

The strategy also emphasizes young-adult-targeted originals such as "Bless" and "Rock, Paper, Landmine," alongside adaptations of popular Japanese IP and collaborations with partners like Toho, dAnime and Crunchyroll. Prime Video’s anime library now accounts for 47% of streaming anime hours in Japan, and the service continues to offer sports rights to MLB, NBA and boxing. Executives argue that a network of more than 70 channel partners, including HBO Max, differentiates Prime Video from rivals such as Netflix and Disney+.