HIBANA (SPARK), BY NAOKI MATAYOSHI, WILL BE A NETFLIX JAPAN ORIGINAL SERIES.

Tokyo - August 27, 2015 - Netflix Inc., the world's leading Internet television network, today announced a new Netflix original series based on "HIBANA," the novel by Naoki Matayoshi that won the 153rd Akutagawa Prize, which will premiere globally on Netflix in 2016.

"HIBANA" (Spark) is the first novella by the comedian, Haiku Poet and scriptwriter, Naoki Matayoshi. The novella has attracted attention since it was first published in the Japanese magazine, "The Literary World" (February 2015) as a piece of serious literature produced by a popular comedian, and it has garnered high praise for the depth of the tale and the surprising story development. It is the biggest blockbuster of the year and was a candidate for the 28th Mishima Prize and the winner of the 153rd Akutagawa Prize.

"I am excited to hear this. I cannot wait to watch it!" said Naoki Matayoshi, writer and comedian.

"Netflix believes in the vision that a remarkable story connects the world, and we want to deliver the highest quality content to everyone at all times," said Greg Peters, President of Netflix Japan. "Among the many in Japan, we are excited to announce our project based on Naoki Matayoshi's "HIBANA". We believe "HIBANA" is a series that will resonate around the world and we are honored to provide a global platform for Matayoshi- san to share his great story."

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