Netflix presents Ryota Yamazato with lifetime membership at Japan launch event

SoftBank and Netflix Japan, a subsidiary of Netflix Inc., held a launch event at SoftBank Ginza in Tokyo on September 2 to commemorate the start of Netflix service in Japan that same day.

Netflix is a streaming video service with over 65 million members in more than 50 countries worldwide, delivering over 100 million hours of content daily. It offers TV dramas, movies, and original content via a monthly subscription plan, enabling users to watch online anytime, anywhere, and as much as they want from various internet-connected devices. There are no commercials, and it supports pause/resume functionality along with HD and 4K resolution.

Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings and guest Ryota Yamazato (of the comedy duo Nankai Candies) attended the event.

After being introduced by the host, Yamazato energetically appeared saying, "Hello everyone~!" and the talk session began.

"I'm really happy about the service launch. After all, it's one of the world's largest platforms. It'll be great for commutes on the bullet train and such," said Yamazato.

Next, they demonstrated streaming using Yamazato's smartphone. They actually watched "Daredevil," a popular action drama based on American comics from the Netflix Original Series lineup. The smooth, stress-free screen drew the audience's attention.

Next, while Yamazato was playing a new season of the popular show "Terrace House," which he stars in, Mr. Hastings made a surprise appearance on stage. He presented Yamazato, who was visibly surprised, with a lifetime membership. Yamazato, clearly moved and grateful, shook Mr. Hastings' hand firmly and declared, "I'll keep supporting you all the way!" to conclude the event.