U-Next adds 600-plus eps of Moonbug content

Japan's leading local streamer is significantly expanding its offering of imported kids programming with a package that includes fan-favorite series like CoComelon and Blippi.
March 19, 2024

London’s Moonbug Entertainment has closed a 662-episode package deal with growing Japanese SVOD platform U-Next.

Included in the sale are popular preschool shows like CoComelon (pictured right), Blippi (pictured left), Little Angel, Morphle and Little Baby Bum, all of which are available in English as well as dubbed in Japanese dub. Nearly half of this content dropped on U-Next last week (March 15), and the remaining 300-plus episodes will roll out weekly over the next several months.

With more than four million registered subscribers, U-Next is Japan’s leading domestic streamer, and it only ranks behind Amazon Prime (18.6 million subs) and Netflix (8.1 million subs) overall, according to a February 2024 report published by MediaPartners Asia’s ampd. The study also noted that U-Next was the fastest-growing platform in Japan’s SVOD market in 2023, with a 30% share of all net new subscribers added that year. 

The platform’s kids offering caters to all age groups, with homegrown anime titles like Dragon Ball Z, Chiikawa and Doraemon making up a considerable portion of its catalogue. But it also features popular international programming including PAW Patrol, Hey Duggee and Sesame Street.

This deal aligns with Moonbug’s focus on strengthening its presence in the Asian region. Last July, Yasmin Zahid joined the company as head of distribution and brand partnerships in APAC, with a remit to work with key buyers there to expand Moonbug’s footprint. Her hire followed closely behind YoungAh Park coming on board in April as Moonbug’s first-ever commercial director for South Korea.

Moonbug and U-Next are also planning a broader partnership beyond streaming, according to a release, but no further details are available yet. 

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