Japan: HBO Max launching on Prime Video, Hulu
September 1, 2026

By Nik Roseveare



Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has announced that the HBO Max streaming service will launch on Prime Video and Hulu in Japan on October 1st. Available as a dedicated HBO Max hub within both services, subscribers will have access to an collection of popular series and films from iconic brands, including HBO, Warner Bros, Max Originals and DC Studios.

HBO Max will launch on Hulu Japan as part of a wider global partnership with Nippon Television, which will also explore distribution of Nippon TV and Hulu Japan’s local content slate on HBO Max internationally. From October 1st, the HBO Max Standard Tier will be offered to Hulu Japan subscribers at no extra charge.


HBO Max also joins Prime Video’s lineup of subscription partners in Japan, and will be available in Standard or Premium Tier as an add on subscription within the Prime Video app.

HBO Max is home to some of the world’s most watched content. At launch, all seasons of HBO Original series will be exclusively available, including the Game of Thrones’ universe (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragon (pictured) and Game of Thrones); DC Studios’ Lanterns, The Penguin and Peacemaker; The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria. Also available at launch will be Max Originals such as The Pitt (pictured) and comedy spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, as well as celebrated Warner Bros TV series including Friends and The Big Bang Theory. The first season of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series,Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will debut in December.

Subscribers can also watch a library of Warner Bros hit movies such as One Battle After Another, Barbie, the Harry Potter collection and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and a number of blockbusters from the DC Universe.

James Gibbons, President of APAC at WBD, commented: “These new strategic partnerships enable us to broaden the distribution of HBO Max in Japan, which has seen a strong increase in engagement and awareness since launch. We look forward to working with Nippon TV, Hulu Japan and Prime Video to continue the momentum in this next phase of growth – and particularly ahead of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series – an IP that is incredibly popular with Japanese fans.”

Hiroyuki Fukuda, President and CEO at Nippon Television Network Corporation, said: “We are honoured and excited to enter into a global partnership with WBD. For Nippon TV, this initiative represents two global ambitions: WBD’s content will become available in Japan through Hulu Japan, and we will explore the distribution of content from Nippon TV and Hulu Japan on HBO Max to reach audiences worldwide. As Nippon TV content continues to gain international recognition, with unscripted formats developed by Gyokuro Studio and dramas receiving accolades at international awards, this initiative carries tremendous significance for us, and supports our strategic vision.”

Tadahisa Dosaka, President and CEO at Hulu Japan, said: “Since its launch, Hulu Japan has promoted the message ‘If you want to watch international series, watch them on Hulu’ and we now aim to be the number one domestic platform for international series.”

“We are delighted to welcome HBO Max and its acclaimed content to Prime Video’s extensive library in Japan. From October 1st, Prime Video customers in Japan can enjoy HBO Max programming through a seamless add-on subscription,” added Keisuke Oishi, Country Manager of Prime Video Japan. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to making Prime Video the premier destination for premium entertainment in Japan.”