March 19, 2026

■Introduction
Singapore is home to numerous high-quality concert halls and theaters, and serves as a cultural hub in Southeast Asia where popular artists from around the world frequently perform. In addition, Japanese content enjoys strong popularity, particularly among young people, and it is not uncommon for Japanese artists and actors to visit Singapore for concerts and stage performances.

In this local report, we introduce Japanese content that is more accessible and familiar, focusing on popular Japanese films and characters in Singapore.

 

■Popular Japanese Films and Dramas in Singapore
Movie theaters in Singapore are quite similar to those in Japan in terms of ticket purchasing systems and screening facilities. However, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural society, a wide variety of films—including Hollywood, Chinese, and Bollywood productions—are regularly screened.

Japanese animated films are also highly popular. In 2025, titles such as Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man were screened.
In particular, Demon Slayer enjoyed tremendous popularity. Voice actors visited Singapore in conjunction with the film’s release, and special exhibitions featuring movie materials were held, delighting many fans.

In addition to anime, the theatrical version of Kodoku no Gourmet (Solitary Gourmet)—which also has a strong fan base in Singapore—was screened.

 

■Growth of VOD services such as Netflix
The use of VOD (video-on-demand) services is widespread in Singapore, allowing many people to easily enjoy films and dramas from around the world.

On Netflix, which has a large user base in the country, Korean and Chinese dramas often dominate the rankings. However, as of March 13, 2026, the live-action adaptation of ONE PIECE ranked No. 1, demonstrating its popularity alongside the original anime and manga.

Meanwhile, the domestic cinema industry has been facing challenges, with a major local cinema chain suspending operations across all its locations last year. The growing popularity of VOD services is considered one of the contributing factors.

 

■Populartity of Japanese Characters
Japanese “kawaii” (cute) culture has also taken root in Singapore. Pop-up stores featuring Japanese characters are occasionally opened, and it is common to see people of all ages carrying items with mascots such as Pokémon and Hello Kitty on their bags.

Singapore also has its own cultural heritage known as Peranakan culture, characterized by its use of pastel colors and charming aesthetics. This cultural background may be one of the reasons why Japanese kawaii culture is so well received.

 

■Conclusion
In recent years, the spread of social media and VOD services has made it easier to access overseas content. As a result, many people have developed an interest in Japan—and even regions like Hokkaido—through Japanese content.

Our office will continue to closely monitor local trends and explore more effective ways to promote Hokkaido in Singapore.

▼　A giant Pokemon ballon was displayed at a local shopping mall, attracting many visitors who stopped to take photos.