Hibana Marks First Netflix Japan Original Series

TOKYO: Netflix is prepping a new original series based on Hibana, a novel by the comedian, haiku poet and scriptwriter Naoki Matayoshi, for a 2016 debut. 

Hibana (Spark) is the first novella by Matayoshi. The work was first published in the Japanese magazine The Literary World as a piece of serious literature produced by a popular comedian. It was a candidate for the 28th Mishima Prize and the winner of the 153rd Akutagawa Prize. The Netflix Japan original series will premiere globally next year.

Matayoshi said: "I am excited to hear this. I cannot wait to watch it!"

"Netflix believes in the vision that a remarkable story connects the world, and we want to deliver the highest quality content to everyone at all times," said Greg Peters, the president of Netflix Japan. "Among the many in Japan, we are excited to announce our project based on Naoki Matayoshi's Hibana. We believe Hibana is a series that will resonate around the world and we are honored to provide a global platform for Matayoshi-san to share his great story."