Netflix has revealed how they’ll be handling the 13 episode anime series Ajin: Demi-Human when it lands next year as part of its investment in Japan this year. Netflix and Polygon Pictures together announced the world’s leading Internet TV network will be the global home of the series and Netflix members in Japan will be able to watch each episode of the series just 3 days after the original linear air date. All episodes of the series will premiere at once in regions Netflix currently operates outside of Japan in mid-2016. Presumably this will be similar to Knights of Sidonia in that when it moves overseas we’ll get an English language dub with it to make it as accessible as possible.
“This deal marks a milestone in how Anime is distributed on a global scale giving quicker and more efficient access to great Anime titles to Netflix members and fans around the world at the same time. AJIN: Demi-Human is the latest Anime title from Polygon Pictures to premiere exclusively on Netflix outside of Japanese broadcast with Knights of Sidonia premiering last summer to strong fanfare.”
While a milestone for Netflix, it’s still something that’s actually a step back for most anime series where the majority are streamed within hours overseas on lots of locations with multiple subtitle options. But as time goes on, Netflix will continue to be a stronger player and it’ll be interesting to see how they adjust and grow.
Plot concept: Based on the manga by Gamon Sakurai, AJIN: Demi-Human, published by KODANSHA Ltd., is about a young high-school student who is hit by a truck and dies only to discover that he is, in fact, demi-human, an “Ajin.” What he finds are dozens of others who are also Ajins; all of whom are being hunted and trying to survive.
