Prime Video’s APAC Chief Says Anime Is Key to Its 2026 Strategy

At the inaugural Prime Video Presents: International Originals showcase in London, Prime Video VP of APAC & ANZ Gaurav Gandhi discussed how the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is becoming a key player for the platform’s international strategy. In his discussion, he explicitly stated the platform’s goal to become the “preferred destination for anime content globally.”

Gandhi described that the region provides “an extraordinary opportunity to take exceptional local content from multiple entertainment ecosystems” and distribute them globally. He pointed out the appetite for Japanese anime, Korean dramas, and Indian content, which constantly ranks among Prime Video’s most-watched international titles outside their countries of origin.

While Gandhi doubled down on cross-genre content from APAC, his statements leaned heavily towards anime. Anime as a category is experiencing “explosive growth,” said Gandhi.

His remarks underscored Prime Video’s vision to leverage anime for global audiences as a key pillar of the company’s 2026 strategy. The move replicates how Netflix Inc. has been focusing on anime and regional content from APAC, and niche platforms like Sony’s Crunchyroll are diversifying regional strategies to drive engagement. These three platforms together distribute 88% anime in Malaysia, 80% in Thailand, 94% in the Philippines, 61% in Singapore, 74% in India, and 52% in Indonesia.

Prime Video on Global Anime Leadership

At the Feb 12 event, Gandhi cast anime not as a niche interest but as a mainstream driver of engagement. To support his aim, Prime Video showcased marquee anime projects slated for exclusive release in 2026.

Titles included a new adaptation of The Ghost in the Shell, based on Masamune Shirow’s influential cyberpunk manga, which is set to release in July 2026. Gandhi described the franchise as “the most influential Japanese sci-fi work of all time.”

Another anime that Prime Video will bring this season is a reboot of Fist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken in honor of its 40th anniversary. “Few properties can match the cultural impact of Fist of the North Star,” emphasized Gandhi to highlight the property’s decades-long endurance.

He also highlighted From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman season 2, whose first season ranked among the platform’s top ten titles in more than 45 countries. The platform already offers several niche anime titles, including Dororo and Banana Fish.

Gandhi stated that these “titles show a commitment to bringing both visionary franchises and fresh voices to audiences.” Prime Video’s targeted titles offer a diverse slate from one of its primary competitors, Netflix, which has increasingly become home for anime in APAC. Netflix strategically licenses upcoming anime for APAC, such as the ongoing season 3 of popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen and Oshi no Ko. 

Gandhi’s statements place the streamer at the center of an escalating battle for anime’s global licensing rights and library curation. However, the platform’s global ambition does not guarantee leadership; it is yet to be seen how Prime Video’s approach can impact anime streaming across APAC. For the upcoming titles, Prime Video currently has worldwide global streaming rights except in China and Russia.

Nonetheless, Prime Video’s emphasis on anime and APAC content reflects a deliberate repositioning of the competitive streaming landscape where global audiences are seeking diverse and localized storytelling. The platform also showcased K-Dramas such as No Gain No Love and Marry My Husband, while highlighting the global reception of Korean romance.