Netflix to globally stream STARTO ENTERTAINMENT Countdown Concert

Netflix has announced it will exclusively live stream the ‘COUNTDOWN CONCERT 2026-2027 STARTO to WORLD’ globally on December 31. This event features artists from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT and marks the 30th anniversary of the concert series, which originated in 1996 as a charity event following the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake.

This marks Netflix’s first simultaneous worldwide broadcast of a Japanese musical event. The platform plans to provide comprehensive coverage, including a special pre-show and a behind-the-scenes program following the main concert. The production will utilize both Japanese and international live performance capture teams.

In response to the announcement, Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu expressed personal regret regarding the loss of the broadcast rights, noting that while the shift to streaming is a result of media competition, it is a disappointing development for the network. However, some fans have criticized the sentiment, pointing out that Fuji TV ceased broadcasting the event following the controversies surrounding the former Johnny & Associates agency in 2023.