Date set for Disney+ Japan launch

The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. on Thursday announced June 11 as the launch date in Japan of video distribution service Disney+.

The Japan unit of Walt Disney brings the Disney+ video streaming service to these shores in collaboration with longtime partner, the mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo.  

 © 2020 Disney and its related entities

From June 11 Disney fans will be able to register for Disney+ at NTT docomo shops, online with a “d” account, or via the Disney+ site. After registering, members will be able to enjoy a lineup of over 500 movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, as well as over 100 TV series and Disney Plus originals for the flat rate of 700 yen per month (excluding tax). 

The Japan release of Disney+ comes on the back of a strong start for the service after it was officially launched in the United States, among other countries, in November 2019. The service has since been expanded to countries in Europe, as well as Australia and as of last month India, among others. 

“For us, we have a deep and long relationship with the Japanese consumer who, with their love and support have helped to grow our brand,” said Luke Kang, Walt Disney Company’s managing director for North Asia, in a statement.

“I am very excited and honored to be able to start Disney+ in such a place. The hope and courage of Disney, and the positive spirit of its stories have always been enthusiastically welcomed by Japanese fans.”

 © 2020 Disney and its related entities

The Disney+ lineup ranges from recent blockbuster movies such as Toy Story 4, The Lion King, and Avengers: Endgame, to earlier animation classics including 1955’s Lady and the Tramp. Disney+ viewers will also be able to watch The Mandalorian, the live action TV series from the Star Wars franchise, created by Iron Man director Jon Favreau.

Members of the entertainment service "Disney Deluxe," which Disney and NTT Docomo launched jointly in March last year, will be able to use Disney+ from June 11 at no additional cost.

“By evolving the collaboration that we have built with Docomo through Disney Deluxe, I am really happy that we can now deliver Disney+ exclusively to our fans in Japan through Docomo's network,” Walt Disney Japan Co., Ltd. President and CEO Carol Choi said in a statement.

 © 2020 Disney and its related entities