Netflix has officially made inroads into the Japan market in cooperation with Softbank, a move which will add pressure on local service providers, according to Digitimes Research.
Consumers can subscribe to Netflix services in those places where Softbank's services are available. Additionally, consumers can also buy prepaid cards at Big Camera wholesale stores.
Netflix is also cooperating with Fuji TV to produce localized TV programs to promote its brand image in Japan. Efforts by Netflix will force local online audio/video service providers in Japan to strengthen their services in order to maintain market share, Digitimes Research commented.
Meanwhile, Amazon Japan also began to offer Prime Video service to its Amazon Prime members in Japan starting September. The monthly subscription fees for the Prime Video service are set at JPY325 (US$2.7)compared to JPY650 for similar services provided by Netflix.