Sonia Fleming/CBS
The Paramount+ streaming service will launch in Japan in December as a no-charge addition to cable and internet provider J:COM’s platform and pay-TV service Wowow.
Paramount+ originals, including “Tulsa King,” “Mayor of Kingstown,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” will be available at the service’s launch for the first time in Japan.
Japan will be the second country in East Asia where the service is available, after its launch in South Korea in June last year. The launch follows a strategic partnership between Paramount and dominant Korean entertainment group CJ ENM and sees Paramount+ serving as a free tier on the local TV streaming platform. Elsewhere, the service operates through partnerships with SKY in Italy, the UK and Germany and with Canal+ in France.
“Beginning December 1, Paramount+ will bring its popular films and series to Japan through the on-demand services of both J:COM and Wowow, at no additional costs to its subscribers,” Paramount said.
“This is an important milestone for us and a critical step for the future of our streaming business,” said Marco Nobili, Executive Vice President and International General Manager, Paramount+ International. “I am excited to strengthen our collaboration with J:COM and Wowow to provide their audiences with amazing content and beloved stars and characters from our iconic studios and brands.”
“For many years, Paramount Global has been offering its MTV music channel and a variety of movies and dramas to customers through J:COM TV, which has been one of the most attractive features of J:COM TV and has received customer support. Iwaki Yuichi, President and Representative Director of J, said: COM: “We are pleased to bring Paramount’s diverse content to the people of Japan through this new partnership.” “In particular, the group’s drama series such as “NCIS” and “CSI” are highly praised by our customers, and we will offer engaging content, including Paramount+ productions Original via J:COM Stream.”
“For 20 years, Wowow has been delivering Hollywood films and drama series from Paramount Global, all of which have received high praise from our subscribers. Through this partnership, we are now able to offer a significant amount of “Excellent content from Paramount+, including international films and dramas, through Wowow on demand.”