Night Shift Incident | How to Watch Online Free & Streaming on U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video & Hulu, Jiro Nagae

Where can you watch Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store)?

This article provides a thorough guide to how to watch the film “Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store)”, which will be released in theaters on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Based on the official release details (Release date: February 20, 2026 / Runtime: 83 minutes / Director: Jiro Nagae / Original work: Chilla’s Art / Distributor: Canter), we’ll explain whether there’s a free way to watch it, and if not, we’ll also introduce specific ways to watch it as cheaply as possible.

We’ll walk through the key points you’ll want to confirm right before release, so be sure to read to the end.

🔗 View Amazon search results for Night Shift Incident

Where can you watch Night Shift Incident, kuma?
It hits theaters on February 20, 2026, kuma!
Milkuma is going to check the flyer first, kuma～.
…But before I look it up, I need a snack, kuma.
Late-night convenience store food is important, kuma!

What is Night Shift Incident?

Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store) is a live-action film based on a horror game that became popular through gameplay commentary videos.

Its theatrical release is set for Friday, February 20, 2026, and the runtime is 83 minutes.

The director is Jiro Nagae, the original work is by the game development team Chilla’s Art, and distribution will be handled by Canter.

How the film adaptation happened and about the original work

The horror game that serves as the basis for this film drew major attention through gameplay videos.

According to official information, commentary-style videos have reached over 60 million views, indicating strong popularity as both a game and video content.

A defining feature of the original game is its staging: a confined indoor setting (a convenience store late at night) that builds claustrophobia and unseen fear over time.

Its simple yet effective design creates an immersive “you are there” feeling for players (and viewers), and in the live-action adaptation, the spatial design and psychological horror are expected to be key points.

Production team and distribution

It has been reported that the adaptation is being developed through close coordination between the original creators and the film production team.

Director Jiro Nagae is expected to focus on how to recreate the game’s atmosphere on screen, with an emphasis on maintaining tension unique to a short feature.

Distribution is handled by Canter, and the typical flow is to start with a theatrical run before moving into rental and streaming.

With a relatively short runtime of 83 minutes, the film is likely designed to heighten immersion—especially in a theater’s darkness and powerful sound system.

Night Shift Incident got a live-action movie, kuma～!
The original gameplay videos have over 60 million views, kuma!
Milkuma is going to explore the night shift, kuma～!
But first, I’ll grab an energy drink, kuma.
I need to be ready for the scares, kuma～!

Synopsis and film details

The synopsis of Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store) is a closed-setting horror story set in a convenience store late at night, aiming to recreate the tension of a player’s perspective in live action.

Without touching on the core twists, official announcements indicate a structure centered on “strange, inexplicable incidents occurring at a convenience store late at night,” as a small cast of characters is gradually cornered.

Release is Friday, February 20, 2026, runtime is 83 minutes, director is Jiro Nagae, original work is Chilla’s Art, and distribution is by Canter.

Official synopsis (no spoilers)

Amid echoes and silence intersecting in a late-night convenience store, an unsettling series of incidents begins to pull clerks and customers into its grip.

The story unfolds in an extremely limited space, portraying mounting fear hidden in the extended line of everyday life—unease in small details that are easily overlooked.

This film is expected to emphasize the original game’s “immersion,” giving audiences a tense experience through visuals and sound design.

Film information list

Below are the key data points available as of release.

Highlights of the main plot (avoiding spoilers)

The tension of a confined space is the film’s biggest highlight.

By leveraging the narrow store interior and the darkness of night, the design is expected to amplify fear through limited visibility and discordant sound.

Shifts in relationships between characters are also likely to be an important element, as small misunderstandings and friction build and raise tension.

Also keep an eye on the camera work that carries over the original game’s “player perspective,” plus psychological cues delivered through sound effects and BGM throughout.

What you can infer from the teaser and trailer

From the teaser and main trailer, the film emphasizes visual unease in darkness and fragmented glimpses of abnormal events.

The fragmentary presentation and sudden use of sound provoke imagination, aiming less for prolonged dread and more for memorable shocks in key moments.

These materials suggest an editing approach that raises tension within a short runtime, with a strong focus on sound-driven direction.

Just the synopsis gives me chills, kuma～!
Milkuma won’t overlook the shadows in the store, kuma!
Watching while holding an onigiri could be dangerous, kuma～.
But I still want to watch it in the theater darkness, kuma!

Key highlights and appeal points to know before watching

The film’s biggest appeal is its psychological horror staging that makes full use of the confined setting of a late-night convenience store.

In this section, we’ll go into the points you’ll want to keep in mind before watching.

Horror structure and directing points

This is a confined-space horror, where a small store and the late-night setting become central sources of fear.

The camerawork is expected to mix fixed shots and POV cuts that echo the original game’s “player perspective.”

Sound design is also a crucial element in generating fear.

By effectively using sudden sound effects and faint noises within silence, the film draws the audience’s attention toward subtle anomalies.

Taking advantage of its short runtime (83 minutes), it’s likely to avoid long explanations and instead stack impactful moments one after another.

Visual and audio expectations

The sense of presence you feel through a theater’s big screen and powerful sound will maximize the fear experience.

Look out for how darkness is depicted, how shadows are handled, and how lighting is used in tight spaces.

On the audio side, low frequencies, ambience, and monotone effects may create psychological pressure.

These can work at home too, but the theater’s immersion is on another level.

What original game fans should pay attention to

Because the original is widely known through gameplay videos, fans should focus on how faithfully the worldbuilding is recreated and how game-like fear is translated to live action.

Specifically, whether key triggers, items, and intentional recreations of signature moments are included will be a major point of interest.

Some adaptation changes are possible, but direction that respects the original’s immersion is expected.

Type of scares and viewing cautions

The scares are expected to lean less on jump scares and more on accumulating unease and creepiness.

If you’re highly sensitive to confined spaces, darkness, or loud sound, take care when watching.

Because tension may escalate quickly within a short period, those with heart conditions or severe anxiety should consider consulting a medical professional before viewing.

Benefits of watching in theaters (sound and immersion)

The relatively short runtime of 83 minutes is well-suited for a tightly unified experience driven by sound and lighting.

In theaters, powerful bass, reverberation, and forced darkness create stronger immersion than at home.

Especially for psychological horror like this, the presence of other audience members can heighten tension, making theatrical viewing the most recommended option.

Pre-viewing points checked, kuma～!
Milkuma is sensitive to sound, so I might bring earplugs, kuma.
But I really want the full experience in a theater, kuma～!
I’ll keep the onigiri to a minimum, kuma.

Subscription services that are likely to stream Night Shift Incident in the future

After the theatrical release (February 20, 2026), it’s generally common for a title to roll out in the order of rental streaming → subscription streaming.

The table below lists the projected start period (year/month) for streaming based on the release date, distribution flow, and typical domestic streaming trends.

These projections are not confirmed information, but are set based on the general window after theatrical release.

Note: The projected streaming start periods above are estimates based on typical post-theatrical schedules (rental → subscription) after the theatrical release date (February 20, 2026).
Please check each service’s official announcements for the actual streaming date.

Additional notes by service

Amazon Prime Video: Often offers rental releases relatively quickly, and Prime member discounts or sales may be available.

U-NEXT: Tends to carry titles early as rentals, and in some cases you can watch effectively for free using trial signup points.

Netflix: While it sometimes has global exclusive releases, individual Japanese films may arrive later, so we projected a later timing.

Hulu / ABEMA / DMM TV: Titles with strong ties to domestic distributors or production can appear early, so it’s worth checking soon after release.

TSUTAYA DISCAS: If you prefer physical media rentals, you may be able to watch comparatively early.

Streaming projections checked, kuma!
Milkuma will keep an eye on ABEMA and U-NEXT first, kuma～.
But the real deal is feeling it in a theater, kuma!
Once it’s streaming, I’ll watch slowly at home too, kuma～.

Frequently asked questions about watching Night Shift Incident

We’ve compiled common questions you’ll often see before and after release in a Q&A format.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the release date?

A: The theatrical release is Friday, February 20, 2026.

Q: How long is the movie?

A: The runtime is 83 minutes.

Q: What is it based on?

A: It is based on a horror game that became a hot topic through gameplay videos, created by Chilla’s Art.

Q: Have the main cast members been announced?

A: Based on current official information, the full main cast lineup has not been confirmed.

If cast announcements are made, we will update the information as it becomes available from the official site and the distributor.

Q: Is there an age rating or R rating?

A: The official rating information has not been announced as of release.

Because the film centers on horror elements, viewers with heart concerns or sensitivity to darkness and loud sound may want to take caution.

Pre-viewing questions (subtitles/dubbing/spoiler avoidance)

Q: Are there subtitles or a dubbed version?

A: As a live-action film released in Japan, theaters will generally screen it with Japanese audio.

Subtitles or additional language tracks may be added for streaming later, but please confirm details via the streaming service’s announcements.

Q: I want to avoid spoilers—what should I watch out for?

A: Teasers and trailers tend to emphasize highlight moments in a fragmented edit.

If you want to avoid spoilers, we recommend avoiding pre-release reviews, analysis posts, and social media reactions.

Questions about streaming and rentals

Q: When will it start streaming?

A: You’ll need to wait for official announcements from streaming platforms, but generally, rentals begin a few months after theatrical release, followed by subscription streaming.

In our projection, rentals on major platforms could start as early as May to June 2026.

Q: Is there a way to watch for free?

A: At the time of theatrical release, there is basically no completely free way to watch.

After streaming begins, it may be possible to make it effectively free by using free trials, signup points, or campaigns offered by each service.

Which is a better deal: rental or subscription?

If you only want to watch one title, rentals often cost less overall.

However, if you watch multiple titles at once, or you already use subscription services regularly, it can be more cost-effective to wait for subscription streaming and watch via your monthly plan.

As a guideline, rental prices are typically around ¥300–¥1,000, while subscription fees range from roughly ¥500–¥2,000 per month—choose based on your viewing style.

Other practical questions

Q: What’s the benefit of watching in theaters?

A: This film is a title where sound design and the immersive feel of darkness matter a lot.

Theater viewing maximizes immersion, so it’s especially recommended for those who want a stronger fear experience.

FAQ checked smartly, kuma～!
Milkuma can’t wait for streaming to start, kuma.
If there’s an announcement, I’ll rush over first thing, kuma～!
But first, popcorn prep, kuma.

Summary of works featuring the lead cast

At this time, the full lineup of the main cast has not been officially announced.

Until official announcements are made, this section summarizes the current announcement status and presents a format showing how we’ll introduce cast filmographies once revealed.

Current announcement status

Official information has confirmed the director, original work, release date (February 20, 2026), runtime (83 minutes), and distributor (Canter), but main cast details remain unconfirmed.

Once cast information is released, we will detail each performer’s notable works and related links in this section.

What will be added after cast announcements (example format)

When cast is announced, we will organize and publish the following information for each person.

• Actor name (reading)
• Role name and position in the story (e.g., late-night convenience store clerk / customer, etc.)
• Notable works (with year and role name)
• Notes on acting style and what to expect in this film
• How to watch related titles and placement of Amazon search links

Below is an example of how it will look if cast is announced (sample).

Under each notable work, we will always place an Amazon search results link. Example:

🔗 View Amazon search results for Night Shift Incident

What you can do while waiting for cast announcements

While waiting, we recommend the following preparation steps.

• Follow the official site and the distributor’s social media accounts to receive the latest updates.
• Watch gameplay/commentary videos of the original Chilla’s Art title to understand the world and tone.
• Confirm your schedule for the theatrical release (February 20, 2026) and look up early-week booking and discount information.

The cast still isn’t announced, kuma～!
Milkuma is excited to see who’s in it, kuma.
When it’s announced, I’ll check everything at once, kuma～!
But before that, I’ll secure some late-night hot snacks, kuma.

Recommended similar and related titles

Here are some works with elements similar to “Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store),” organized by genre.

We selected titles that can help as reference before watching, such as confined-setting horror, live-action adaptations of games, and shorter films that build tension.

Confined-setting & psychological horror (Japanese films)

• One Cut of the Dead: A low-budget breakout hit known for experimental direction and strong pacing. Recommended if you like idea-driven filmmaking. 🔗 View Amazon search results for One Cut of the Dead
• Dark Water: A representative Japanese psychological horror that gradually depicts unease hidden in everyday scenery. Great for those who like claustrophobia and lingering creepiness. 🔗 View Amazon search results for Dark Water
• Ju-on: A classic horror that stimulates imagination through intermittent scares and a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. The accumulation of short shocks is a shared element. 🔗 View Amazon search results for Ju-on

Game-based works and live-action adaptation references

• Resident Evil series: A notable case of boldly adapting a game into live action—useful for thinking about balancing fan expectations and adaptation choices. 🔗 View Amazon search results for Resident Evil
• The Ring: A film known for evoking fear through a visual “trigger.” Its technique of sparking imagination from limited information shares elements with “Night Shift Incident.” 🔗 View Amazon search results for The Ring

Recommended titles checked, kuma～!
Milkuma will start with One Cut of the Dead, kuma.
I’ll prep before watching Night Shift Incident, kuma～!
But after I finish, it’s late-night snack time, kuma.

Check buzz and word-of-mouth on social media!

Before release, we’ll evaluate reactions to teasers and trailers; after release, we’ll combine reviews and scores from review sites for an overall assessment.

Five evaluation parameters (converted to a 100-point scale)

• Direction (visual expression): 18/20
• Scare factor: 18/20
• Faithfulness to the original: 17/20
• Acting: 17/20
• Buzz factor: 18/20

Total score: 88/100

Scoring rationale (a projection based on pre-release reactions)

Direction (visual expression) was rated higher based on the effective editing and lighting seen in the teaser and main trailer.

Scare factor is rated high due to strong expectations around the confined setting and sound design.

Faithfulness to the original is projected as good based on creators’ comments about respecting the original atmosphere and the official tone, though the score could change depending on adaptation choices.

Acting remains a projection because the cast has not been fully announced, but we judged it as above average considering the director’s ability.

Buzz factor is rated high due to the original game’s gameplay videos surpassing 60 million views and strong reactions to the teaser visuals.

Trends in social media reactions (pre-release)

Comments on teasers and trailers tend to be positive—“excited,” “looks scary,” and “hope it recreates the original”—while some also express concern about changes from the live-action adaptation.

In YouTube comments and trailer reactions, viewers appear highly interested, with many memorable cuts despite the short footage.

Social buzz is a must-check, kuma!
Milkuma is going to peek at the comments, kuma.
But spoilers are dangerous, kuma～!
I’ll keep the likes to a minimum, kuma.

How to watch cheaply before you go (budget tips if there’s no free option)

Here are smart ways to save money for both theaters and streaming.

How to watch in theaters for less

• Use discount days (Ladies’ Day, senior discounts, First Day, etc.).
• Use theater membership points and coupons. Especially during opening week, there may be screenings with special bonuses, so we recommend checking ahead.
• If going in a group, use ticket bundles or pair discounts to reduce the per-person cost.

How to watch streaming for less

• Free trials: Use first-time free periods on services like U-NEXT or Amazon Prime to leverage rental points or discounts.
• Use granted points: Apply U-NEXT points, DMM points, etc. to make rental fees effectively free.
• Watch for rental sales: Sales may happen shortly after streaming begins, so keep an eye on price changes.
• Mail rentals (TSUTAYA DISCAS): Reduce costs by renting physical media at a low price.

Smart subscription strategy

If you only want to watch briefly, rental is often the best basic strategy; if you want to watch multiple titles, it can be better to wait for subscription streaming.

You can also stagger multiple free trials, but be careful not to forget to cancel.

Savings tips learned, kuma～!
Free trials should be used wisely, kuma.
But forgetting to cancel is a no-no, kuma～!
Milkuma will write it on the calendar, kuma.

Conclusion: Should you choose theaters or streaming?

“Night Shift Incident (The Convenience Store)” is highly recommended in theaters as psychological horror that leverages a confined setting and sound design.

It opens on Friday, February 20, 2026, and runs for 83 minutes.

Streaming is expected to follow the usual flow after theatrical release: rental → subscription.

If you want the experience right away, go to the theater; if you want to keep costs down, wait for streaming and use free trials or points once it becomes available.

🔗 View Amazon search results for Night Shift Incident

All wrapped up, kuma～!
Milkuma is on Team Theater first, kuma.
Once it’s streaming, I’ll watch it with friends too, kuma～!
And then we’ll share our thoughts, kuma.