Fuel TV launches on Rakuten-owned linear streamer in Japan

Action sports channel Fuel TV is now available in Japan via R Channel, a linear streaming service operated by Rakuten Group.

Fuel TV says it is the first-ever action sports-oriented channel to be offered on Rakuten’s R Channel. The move also marks an expansion in access to Fuel TV via Rakuten’s streaming services, with the action sports channel already available on Rakuten TV in Europe.

R Channel is a streaming service offering over 45 channels across a wide range of genres.

Fuel TV says that the introduction of surfing and skateboarding into the 2021 Olympics — following that of snowboarding and BMX a few years prior — has contributed to generate great interest in action sports, especially at a time when Japanese athletes are making headlines.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Fuel TV’s content to the Japanese market in collaboration with Rakuten’s R Channel”, said Fernando Figueiredo, CEO of Fuel TV. “Besides joining Japan’s thriving action sports scene, we’re paving the way for all key players within the action sports industry to showcase their brands, products and riders, and reach a huge and passionate audience. This exciting collaboration will create unprecedented opportunities for sponsorships, events, and content broadcasting.”