Prime Video has thrown their hat into the ring to become “the preferred destination for anime content globally.”
Prime Video’s Vice President for APAC & ANZ, Gaurav Gandhi spoke in the first “Prime Video Presents” and highlighted a handful of anime shows coming to the Amazon platform. He called anime “a category truly experiencing explosive growth.” And he’s not wrong. Anime has steadily become the most adored storytelling medium for many people since first appearing in 1960 with the movie “Three Tails.”
The titles he mentioned right from the start included the reboot of Fist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken, Ghost in the Shell and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2. Calling Ghost in the Shell “The most influential Japanese sci-fi work of all time,” the streaming giant also has worldwide rights to the series except in China and Russia.
The third title From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 is a highly anticipated anime with the first season ranking among Prime Video’s top ten titles in 45 countries. Gandhi said: “These titles show a commitment to bringing both visionary franchises and fresh voices to audiences.”
Gandhi also showcased several Korean series, focusing on romance-themed originals.
Prime Video has been adding more anime in pursuit of becoming the top streaming place for that audience. At the same time, Crunchyroll remains a major name in anime streaming. It focuses mostly on anime and has a large library, simulcasts, and a strong fan base. Because of that focus, it still plays a central role in how anime reaches international viewers. Prime Video’s push puts it in closer competition with that established position.
