Netflix & SoftBank Partner for Japan Launch

TOKYO: As Netflix gears up for its September 2 launch in Japan, the company has entered into a partnership with mobile provider SoftBank Corp.

Under the agreement, SoftBank customers will be able to sign up for Netflix at SoftBank Shops, major electronics retailers, via the SoftBank website and via SoftBank call centers without filling out payment information, with Netflix’'s monthly fee added to their bill. In addition, SoftBank will begin pre-installing the Netflix app on its smartphones for sale after October.

Netflix also announced monthly pricing for the Japanese market. Its basic plan (single-stream SD) is priced at 650 yen ($5.53), standard plan (two-stream HD) for 950 yen ($8.08) and premium plan (four stream 4K ultra HD) for 1,450 yen ($12.33).