It’s the first time Hulu Japan is previewing a movie in this fashion, and it’s also something that Hulu hasn’t done stateside. The U.S. service has in the past previewed a number of TV shows before pilots or season premieres aired on TV.

Broadcasters love that kind of exposure because it helps to fuel the buzz for new shows. The Sougen no isu experiment brings up the question of whether this would work for movies as well. Maybe the limited Hulu premiere will one day replace the guy offering up free movie tickets in front of big city movie theaters.