Prime Video has appointed Keisuke Oishi as its new country manager for Japan, starting from January 20. Oishi, a seasoned executive at Amazon, previously held the position of director and general manager at Amazon Music Japan. He will now report to Gaurav Gandhi, VP of Prime Video Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, succeeding Kodama Takashi.
With over a decade of experience at Amazon, Oishi joined the company in 2014 after working at Sony Corporation. Throughout his tenure, he has held various key roles within Amazon Japan, including heading the software and video game division and overseeing the entertainment media division’s packaged media business.
The appointment of Oishi comes at a pivotal time for Prime Video in Japan, where the platform has solidified its position as a leading destination for local content. In addition to its subscription video-on-demand service, Prime Video Japan has expanded into offering add-on subscription services and boasts an extensive TVOD library. The platform has also made significant strides in live sports streaming, featuring popular boxing and baseball events that resonate with Japanese audiences.
Japan’s streaming market is experiencing rapid growth, with a 15% increase in the number of subscribers, according to a recent study by Media Partners Asia. This growth trajectory has fueled optimism within the Prime Video team, as expressed by Gandhi in an internal communication. He commended the team for their success in Japan and highlighted the platform’s plans and initiatives for 2025.
Despite discontinuing original productions in Southeast Asia in 2024, Prime Video remains committed to investing in its other APAC territories, including Japan and India. Gandhi reassured staff that there would be no change in the focus on these regions.
Looking ahead, Prime Video has announced a global premiere in February for “Broken Rage,” the latest film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano. This premiere underscores the platform’s dedication to showcasing diverse and compelling content to audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Oishi’s appointment signals a new chapter for Prime Video in Japan, with a focus on expanding its local content offerings and solidifying its position in the competitive streaming market. With a strong leadership team and a commitment to innovation, Prime Video is poised for continued success in the region.
