Netflix has announced that Studio Ghibli’s classic animated film Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) will begin streaming again on July 15, 2026. The film returns for its second summer of domestic availability in Japan, offering audiences a chance to revisit its haunting story.
About the Film
Directed by Takahata Isao, known for Heidi, Girl of the Alps and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother, Grave of the Fireflies was originally released in 1988. Based on the novel by Nosaka Akiyuki, it follows 14-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive after losing their mother in an air raid during World War II.
Global Streaming History
From 2024, Netflix held exclusive streaming rights for the film in over 190 countries and regions outside Japan. In its debut week, it ranked 7th on Netflix’s weekly global top 10 (non-English film category), drawing strong reactions from international viewers. In 2025, the film became available to stream domestically in Japan for the first time via Netflix.
Language Support and Audio Guides
The Netflix release includes subtitles in 33 languages and dubbing in 10 languages. For accessibility, the Japanese audio guide is narrated by Yasuda Shota (SUPER EIGHT), while the English audio guide is provided by Patrick Harlan (Pakkun Makkun). These features aim to make the film accessible to audiences with visual or hearing impairments.
Summer 2026 Initiatives
Under the theme “Watch, feel, think, express,” Netflix is organizing a children’s essay-writing workshop and a note essay campaign. These activities encourage viewers to reflect on the film and share their thoughts, fostering deeper engagement across generations.
Netflix positions the film as a cultural summer viewing experience that transcends time and borders, inviting audiences not just to watch but to feel, consider, and articulate their responses.
