For decades, Studio Ghibli’s most haunting and revered works. Directed by the late Isao Takahata, the 1988 film is a poignant portrayal of wartime survival and the human cost of conflict, based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical novel. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, it has long remained the only Ghibli feature not available to stream in Japan, until now.

On July 15, Grave of the Fireflies will finally Netflix Japan’s lineup, marking a significant moment in the film’s history, according to Anime News Network. This release makes it the first full-length Studio Ghibli feature to stream domestically in Japan, a surprising first considering the studio’s immense cultural footprint. While short projects and documentaries have streamed in Japan before, such as Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies on Disney+ and the Ghibli Park documentary on Amazon Prime Video, this is the first time a major Ghibli film breaks the long-standing barrier to digital access at home.

A Landmark Moment for Streaming Ghibli in Japan

Studio Ghibli Starts to Come to Japanese Streaming Like Never Before

Ghibli’s streaming presence worldwide has expanded steadily since 2020, with Netflix bringing most of its iconic catalog to international audiences, excluding the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Meanwhile, HBO Max handled U.S. streaming rights. However, due to complex distribution agreements in Japan, Ghibli features remained absent from streaming platforms there. The key reason lies with NTV, the Japanese broadcaster that co-produced many Ghibli films and now owns the studio as of 2023. Their control over domestic rights has long prevented full streaming availability in the country.

Grave of the Fireflies is a unique exception to this pattern. Originally produced by Studio Ghibli but distributed under different , the film's rights have been handled separately from the rest of the studio’s catalog. This distinction allowed Netflix to negotiate streaming rights in Japan independently, which is something not yet possible for other Ghibli classics like Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. As a result, this release may set a precedent for future access to Ghibli’s library in Japan, opening the door to broader streaming availability.

A Timeless Studio Ghibli Film With Lasting Power

Grave of the Fireflies is One of Studio Ghibli's Most Resonant Films

Unlike many of Ghibli’s more fantastical or whimsical offerings, Grave of the Fireflies delivers a grounded, emotionally devastating portrayal of war through the eyes of two children. Its harrowing realism and understated artistry have earned it a place in cinematic history, not just as a great anime film, but as a profound anti-war statement. Grave of the Fireflies has educated generations on the cost of war while sparking discussions about memory, loss, and resilience.

Now, 36 years after its original release, Grave of the Fireflies' streaming debut in Japan is more than a convenience; it is a cultural moment. For Japanese audiences, especially younger generations raised on digital access, this milestone finally makes one of their country’s most powerful cinematic works widely available. For a film about memory, absence, and survival, becoming accessible in the digital age adds another layer to its legacy, ensuring Grave of the Fireflies' story is never forgotten.