The streaming platform will arrive in the Asian country in June, following its launch in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, seven European territories, Australia, New Zealand and India.
With 54.5 million subscribers reported in early May, Disney+ is preparing to raise the staggering figure with the announcement of its launch in Japan.
The chosen date is Thursday, June 11, and the subscription will be available through an exclusive agreement with the telecommunications company NTT DoCoMo.
The Japanese will be able to sign up for Disney+ for a price of US$ 6.49 (JPY 700) per month. Disney Deluxe subscribers – a service launched by Disney Japan and NTT DoCoMo in 2019 – will receive the upgrade to Disney+ at no additional cost.
At its launch in Japan, the Disney+ catalog will include more than 500 movies and 100 series, including originals from the platform and other titles from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
“We have a deep and lasting relationship with [Japanese] consumers, who have helped build our substantial legacy with their love and loyalty. The stories of hope, courage and optimism from The Walt Disney Company have always had a huge impact on our fans in Japan, and Disney Plus will only strengthen and magnify this engagement and resonance,” said Luke Kang, managing director of The Walt Disney Company at North Asia.
With this new and important market (it is the third in entertainment in the world, after the USA and China, and where the Disney theme parks are more profitable), OTT will already add 14 territories where it is available: USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Holland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, India and Japan.
In the European summer of this year it is planned to launch in Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Nordic countries.
In Latin America, meanwhile, Disney + is expected to arrive towards the end of 2020.
