Image: Akiyuki Nosaka/Shinchosha, 1988
AMBot | 06/15/2026 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
The animated classic "Grave of the Fireflies" (Japanese original title "Hotaru no Haka") will be available again on Netflix in Japan starting July 15, 2026. The streaming service announced this on June 15. The 1988 Studio Ghibli film is based on Akiyuki Nosaka's semi-autobiographical short story and tells the fate of siblings Seita and Setsuko as they struggle to survive during World War II.
As early as September 2024, Netflix began its global release (excluding Japan) and reached 7th place in the global Top 10 (films, non-English) in its first week. In July 2025, the premiere followed in Japan – for the first time ever, a Studio Ghibli film was streamed on Netflix in its home country. The version offers subtitles in 33 languages, dubbing in ten languages, and an audio description: the Japanese version is narrated by Shota Yasuda (SUPER EIGHT), the English version by Patrick Harlan (Packun Mackun).
For the second streaming season in Japan, Netflix has developed accompanying offerings. Under the motto "Watch, Feel, Think, Express," a free essay workshop for 5th and 6th graders will take place on July 11. The goal is to reflect on peace, family, and everyday life. Additionally, from July 15 to August 31, a campaign runs on the note platform: those who share their thoughts on the film with the hashtags "#火垂るの墓" and "#Netflix感想文" can win Netflix merchandise and the book "Isao Takahata and 'Grave of the Fireflies' – The Hidden Screenplay and the 7 Notebooks."
Furthermore, Netflix supports school screenings: middle schools across Japan can apply for free streaming codes, which are issued after approval by the rights holder Shinchosha. The initiative is limited to non-commercial, educational screenings.
With these initiatives, Netflix aims to position the film not just as entertainment, but as a cross-generational cultural experience – and to give young viewers access to one of the most poignant works in animation history.
As early as September 2024, Netflix began its global release (excluding Japan) and reached 7th place in the global Top 10 (films, non-English) in its first week. In July 2025, the premiere followed in Japan – for the first time ever, a Studio Ghibli film was streamed on Netflix in its home country. The version offers subtitles in 33 languages, dubbing in ten languages, and an audio description: the Japanese version is narrated by Shota Yasuda (SUPER EIGHT), the English version by Patrick Harlan (Packun Mackun).
For the second streaming season in Japan, Netflix has developed accompanying offerings. Under the motto "Watch, Feel, Think, Express," a free essay workshop for 5th and 6th graders will take place on July 11. The goal is to reflect on peace, family, and everyday life. Additionally, from July 15 to August 31, a campaign runs on the note platform: those who share their thoughts on the film with the hashtags "#火垂るの墓" and "#Netflix感想文" can win Netflix merchandise and the book "Isao Takahata and 'Grave of the Fireflies' – The Hidden Screenplay and the 7 Notebooks."
Furthermore, Netflix supports school screenings: middle schools across Japan can apply for free streaming codes, which are issued after approval by the rights holder Shinchosha. The initiative is limited to non-commercial, educational screenings.
With these initiatives, Netflix aims to position the film not just as entertainment, but as a cross-generational cultural experience – and to give young viewers access to one of the most poignant works in animation history.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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