Disney+ preps high-profile Japanese horror anthology series

Disney+ has tapped six of Japan’s biggest directors for upcoming horror anthology series Night Tales Club.

The project is an adaption of six short stories by local author Ichi Sawamura and follows a wealthy businessman who believes ghost stories, monsters and supernatural anomalies are ‘bugs’ in a wider conspiracy.

The businessman, played by Takayuki Yamada, invites people to share their experiences in return for ¥20m (£95,000) worth of gold, with each episode creating a broader narrative.

The project has been slated to debut in January, with each of the six stories directed by an acclaimed filmmaker. These are: Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Wife Of A Spy), Takashi Shimizu (Ju-on), Shinzo Katayama (Gannibal), Yukiko Sode (All the Lovers in the Night), Yuichiro Sakashita and Yosuke Nakamura.

Kenji Nakajima (The Naked Director) is also attached, while producers are Yusuke Wakabayashi and Teruhisa Yamamoto. Sawamura is also attached as writer.

Disney+ has been expanding its Japanese originals offering recently, with thriller Gannibal becoming the streamer’s most-watched premiere in Q2 last year. The slate also includes supernatural mystery Land Of Tanabata and upcoming romantic comedy Merry Berry Love.