Netflix has officially signed director Hitoshi One, known for his work on Tokyo Swindlers, to an exclusive five-year contract. This groundbreaking deal enables Netflix to oversee the production and distribution of all of One’s forthcoming films and series throughout this period. The announcement followed closely on the heels of Tokyo Swindlers’ launch on the streaming platform, which occurred just two weeks earlier.
One expressed surprise at the swift agreement, explaining that he felt drawn to the distribution landscape, particularly in a genre that is still developing compared to traditional film and television dramas. Tokyo Swindlers, a drama series, revolves around a collective of real estate con artists attempting to execute a massive 10 billion yen scheme without detection. The series debuted in July and quickly made a splash, ranking in the Global Top 10 (non-English) chart and maintaining the top position in Japan’s Top 10 for an impressive six consecutive weeks.
Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix’s Vice President of Content in Japan, praised One’s creative vision in Tokyo Swindlers, highlighting the show’s engaging narrative and its rich cast of characters. Sakamoto noted that One’s unique perspective will pave the way for untold stories, aiming to deliver captivating entertainment to a global audience.
One made his directorial debut in 2011 with the theatrical adaptation of Moteki, which won accolades as the Most Popular Title at the Japan Academy Awards. His accolades include the Best Director Award for Bakuman and the Grand Prize in the TV category at the Galaxy Awards for his work on Elpis: Hope or Disaster. His filmography also features notable titles such as SCOOP!, Tornado Girl, and various entries in the Crayon Shinchan franchise.
This contract comes at a time when exclusive international creator deals with Netflix have become less frequent, making this partnership significantly noteworthy. As Netflix continues to expand its global footprint, Hitoshi One’s contributions are set to enrich its slate, offering unique narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.