Netflix to make Asian debut in Japan next month

[yuiyoshida]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Netflix will expand into Japan next month to give the Internet video service its first presence in Asia.

Japanese subscribers will be able to start watching Netflix on Internet-connected devices beginning Sept. 2.

Netflix already sells its services in dozens of other countries outside the U.S. as part of its ambition to be available throughout the world by the end of next year.

The costs of the international expansion have been holding down Netflix’s profits, but investors haven’t minded because the company has been quickly winning over new customers. Netflix now has about 65 million subscribers, more than twice as many as it had three years ago.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/134577/netflix-to-make-asian-debut-in-japan-next-month/

[davidpdx]

1. I'd say I wish they did in Korea, but then they'd crack down on torrents

[davidpdx]

2. Looks like Netflix will launch in Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan in 2016

The U.S. company said that it will expand into South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan in early 2016. It described the regional launches as part of its plan “to complete its global rollout by the end of next year.”

At launch the service will operate on smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, computers and a range of Internet-capable game consoles and set-top boxes. Details on pricing, programming and supported devices will be unveiled later.

Elsewhere in the region, Netflix launched in Australia in March and in Japan earlier this month. It is understood to be looking at ways of entering China, where there are large local incumbents and a protectionist government.

“The combination of increasing Internet speeds and ubiquity of connected devices provides consumers with the anytime, anywhere ability to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies on the Netflix service,” said Reed Hastings, chief executive officer of Netflix. “These four markets well represent those trends.”

http://variety.com/2015/digital/asia/netflix-to-launch-in-korea-and-se-asia-in-2016-1201588646/

I think piracy in Asia is going to make it hard to be profitable. Of course this is all digital, so once the initial investment is made the maintenance should be minimal.