James R | On 06, Sep 2015

Update: Hibana: Sparks will be available on Netflix UK from 2nd June 2016.

Netflix has announced its first Japanese original series.

The streaming giant will produce an adaptation of Hibana, the novel by Naoki Matayoshi.

The novella by the comedian, Haiku poet and scriptwriter was first published in the Japanese magazine, The Literary World, as a piece of serious literature produced by a popular comedian, but attracted attention thanks to its depth and surprising story. It went on to win the 153rd Akutagawa Prize and be nominated for the 28th Mishima Prize.

The show has been announced by Netflix just as it launches in Japan this week, marking the VOD company’s ongoing commitment to producing content that is specifically related to each individual market: Netflix is already working on a French political series, starring Gerard Depardieu, and recently released its first ever Spanish-language original series, Club de Cuervos.

“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,” says Greg Peters, 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.”

“I am excited to hear this. I cannot wait to watch it!” adds Matayoshi.

Hibana: Sparks is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription, from Thursday 2nd June 2016.

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