Grave of the Fireflies, one of Studio Ghibli’s most profoundly moving films, is set to become available on Netflix Japan for the first time starting July 15, 2025. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time any Studio Ghibli film will be streamed on Netflix within Japan.
Since 2020, Netflix has been sharing Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces with a global audience in over 190 countries and regions, excluding Japan. Grave of the Fireflies joined the international catalog on September 16, 2024, quickly gaining recognition and ranking 7th on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Films list during its debut week.
A Long-Awaited Streaming Premiere
The announcement that Grave of the Fireflies will finally be accessible to Japanese viewers via streaming is particularly noteworthy. While many classic Studio Ghibli films have been broadcast on television in Japan for years, Grave of the Fireflies has been absent from TV screens for over six years. This absence has made it difficult for Japanese audiences to access the film, with the only options being purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray.
Louis Takeshima of magmix.jp explored the reasons behind the film’s lack of television airings in Japan. One factor is the decline in viewership compared to My Neighbor Totoro, which was initially released as a double feature with Grave of the Fireflies. While My Neighbor Totoro consistently achieves high ratings and is broadcast প্রায় every two years, Grave of the Fireflies has struggled to reach the same level of viewership.
A Masterpiece of Animation
Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata and based on the semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, is celebrated for its poignant depiction of the horrors of war and the unbreakable bond between siblings. The film is set in Kobe during the final months of World War II and follows the story of two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive.
Shinichiro Yashiro, Head of Content Business at Shinchosha, which manages the rights to the film, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming release: “This is a film people remember every summer and want to recommend to someone dear to them. Nearly 80 years since that fateful time, in a world still facing many challenges, we are very happy that this film will be delivered to many people once again through Netflix”.
Isao Takahata: A Director of Realism
Isao Takahata, who co-founded Studio Ghibli, was known for his ability to depict realism in his animation. Unlike Hayao Miyazaki, who often incorporated fantasy and action into his films, Takahata focused on portraying the harsh realities of life. This is evident in Grave of the Fireflies, which presents a raw and unflinching look at the impact of war on innocent civilians.
A Story That Transcends Borders
Despite its Japanese setting and context, Grave of the Fireflies has resonated with audiences worldwide. The film’s themes of loss, survival, and the importance of family are universal, making it a powerful and moving experience for viewers of all backgrounds. Its emotional depth and artistic merit have earned it numerous awards and a lasting legacy as a cinematic masterpiece.
The Film’s Enduring Impact
Grave of the Fireflies is more than just an animated film; it is a profound statement on the human cost of war. Through the eyes of Seita and Setsuko, viewers witness the devastation and suffering that war inflicts on individuals and communities. The film’s unflinching portrayal of these realities has led some to consider it a “trauma movie,” with its heartbreaking ending leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
A Controversial Anti-War Statement?
While many critics interpret Grave of the Fireflies as an anti-war film, Isao Takahata himself has disputed this claim. Instead, Takahata described the film as a story about the siblings’ isolation and their failure to successfully integrate into society. Regardless of Takahata’s intentions, the film undeniably serves as a powerful reminder of the human consequences of conflict.
A Double Feature with My Neighbor Totoro
When Grave of the Fireflies was initially released in Japanese theaters on April 16, 1988, it was shown alongside Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro as a double feature. While both films were marketed toward children and families, the stark contrast in tone and subject matter was jarring for some audiences. My Neighbor Totoro‘s lighter, more whimsical nature helped to offset the heavy emotional weight of Grave of the Fireflies, and the commercial success of Totoro merchandise helped to stabilize Studio Ghibli’s subsequent productions.
Where to Watch
As of September 16, 2024, Grave of the Fireflies is available for streaming on Netflix in over 190 countries, excluding Japan. On July 15, 2025, it will become available on Netflix Japan. The film can also be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray.
The Live-Action Adaptation
In 2005, NTV in Japan produced a live-action television drama of Grave of the Fireflies to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Like the animated film, the live-action version focuses on the two siblings’ struggle to survive in Kobe during the final months of the war. However, the drama tells the story from the perspective of their cousin, offering a different angle on the events.
A Lasting Legacy
Grave of the Fireflies is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic merit have cemented its place in the history of animation. The film’s upcoming release on Netflix Japan is a significant event that will allow Japanese viewers to experience this timeless classic for themselves.
