Netflix is getting ready to enter the Asian market: The video streaming service will launch in Japan this August. In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, Netflix said that it promoted its Chief Partnerships Officer Greg Peters, who speaks Japanese, to become the general manager of Netflix Japan.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said “With its rich culture and celebrated creative traditions, Japan is a critical component of our plan to connect people around the world to stories they love. As we expand into Asia, we’re excited Netflix members increasingly will have access to some of their favorite movies and TV shows no matter where they are.”
Netflix surprised investors last month when executives announced as part of the company’s Q4 earnings that they wanted to complete the company’s international expansion to a total of 200 countries within the next two years. Netflix currently operates in close to 50 countries, and has announced that it is going to launch in Australia and New Zealand next month.
The majority of Netflix customers still reside in the U.S., but the company has for some time seen more growth in international markets. In fact, late last year, Netflix added two international subscribers for every new domestic subscriber.
