NEWS

2026.04.21

CORPORATE

THE SEVEN Enters Multi-Year Co-Development Deal with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) to Develop Live-Action Drama Series

Fusing World-Class Creativity to Deliver Unprecedented Japanese Drama Series to Disney+ Audiences Worldwide

From left: Katsuaki Setoguchi, President & CEO, THE SEVEN, Inc.; Akira Morii, Executive Vice President & Chief Content Officer (CCO), THE SEVEN, Inc.; and Gaku Narita, Executive Director overseeing local content production, The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.

THE SEVEN, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Katsuaki Setoguchi; hereinafter “THE SEVEN”) today announced that it has entered into a multi-year co-development partnership with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Tamotsu Hiiro; hereinafter “Disney”) to produce high-quality Japanese live-action original content designed to resonate with viewers across the globe.
This marks the first time Disney has established an ongoing content development partnership with a Japanese production company in Japan for global streaming distribution.

Creating New Entertainment That Captivates the World

The objective of this partnership is to co-plan and co-develop rich Japanese stories—primarily as live-action drama series filmed in Japan and in the Japanese language—to be delivered globally via Disney+, the streaming service operated by Disney worldwide.
By fusing THE SEVEN’s proven creative vision and formidable production capabilities with Disney’s century-long expertise in world-class storytelling, the two companies aim to elevate Japanese stories into global IPs, creating deeply moving experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.

A Deepening Partnership: Walking Together from the Seeds of Conception

Under this agreement, both companies will collaborate closely from the earliest stages of planning and development, nurturing the next generation of hits with a medium-to-long-term perspective. In each contract year, THE SEVEN plans to propose multiple compelling projects, including original IPs, adaptations of published works, and unique independent development projects.
For curated projects, creative teams from both companies will work hand-in-hand to build meticulous scripts and expansive series "bibles" and worlds that resonate with international viewers. From the initial spark of an idea through to production, this powerful alliance will maximize the potential of Japanese storytelling.

Executive Comments

<Katsuaki Setoguchi, President & CEO, THE SEVEN, Inc.>

"This collaboration is a vital step in reinforcing our unwavering commitment to 'continuously creating innovative content from Japan that captivates the world.' It is an honor to enter into this historic deal with Disney, a company that brings diverse stories to every corner of the globe. I am confident that by unleashing the refined creativity of THE SEVEN through Disney’s extensive network and expertise, we can evolve Japanese stories into the 'next craze' that people truly fall in love with. We will continue to transcend borders and language barriers in pursuit of authentic and innovative works that remain etched in the hearts of viewers forever. Please look forward to the moment when Japanese content creation reaches new heights."

<Akira Morii, Vice President & CCO, THE SEVEN, Inc.>

"Through my past works, I have witnessed moments where the sheer passion of Japanese creativity has moved the world. In finding a partner who shares our aspirations, I feel both an expansion of possibilities and a profound sense of responsibility. Our mission is to take Japan’s signature delicate human dramas and intricate settings and elevate them into top-tier entertainment that anyone—regardless of border or race—can feel is 'their own story.' We will bring the technical mastery and production power THE SEVEN has cultivated, our world-surprising storytelling, and the imagination of Japan’s talented creators to the new field of Disney+. Please stay tuned."

<Carol Choi, Executive Vice President, Original Content Strategy, The Walt Disney Company APAC>

"What excites us the most is the opportunity to work even more closely with Japan’s vibrant creative community, to develop stories that capture the country’s unique voice and imagination. Since the launch of Disney+ in Japan, general entertainment and local originals have become an increasingly important part of our content offering, making this collaboration a natural evolution in accelerating our content investment. It builds on the strong relationships we’ve developed over time and represents a meaningful step forward in deepening our storytelling roots in Japan, where local content, alongside our global franchise, continues to resonate with audiences."

<Gaku Narita, Executive Director, Content Production, The Walt Disney Company Japan>

"For our local production team, the focus is on developing stories that audiences will want to come back to again and again. This deal allows us to work closely with creators in Japan from the earliest stages of development, shaping projects that reflect local creativity while meeting the high bar of storytelling that Disney+ is committed to telling. We aim to nurture distinctive Japanese stories that can become signature works on Disney+—stories that feel authentic, enduring, and genuinely meaningful to audiences."

[About The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.]

The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.

The Walt Disney Company (headquartered in the U.S.) established its Japanese subsidiary in 1959, marking its full-scale entry into the Japanese market. The Walt Disney Company (Japan) is a leading international family entertainment and media business that operates a diverse range of businesses in Japan, including Disney Entertainment (Studios, Disney+) and Disney Experiences (Parks, Consumer Products, Games, Publishing, Disney Store).
https://www.disney.co.jp/

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with the general entertainment brand, Star. Star offers a wide array of content from world-class creative teams such as FX and 20th Century Studios, as well as highly acclaimed dramas and anime from Japan and Korea. From adults to families, Disney+ offers a steady stream of exclusive original works that can only be seen here. Disney+ is available on mobile and connected TV devices, allowing viewers to enjoy content whenever and wherever they choose.