Paramount+ to debut in Japan via J:COM and WOWOW

Paramount Global’s streaming service Paramount+ will launch in Japan in partnership with local cable provider J:COM and pay TV operator WOWOW, before the end of this year.

Paramount+ will debut in Japan on December 1 via J:COM and WOWOW’s on-demand services, available to subscribers at no additional costs.

Japan marks the second country of the company’s Asia expansion, following Paramount+ debut in South Korea via the leading K-content platform TVING, last year. The launch was part of a strategic agreement between the global streaming giant and CJ ENM that included content licensing and distribution across Paramount+ and TVING.

Paramount+’s roster of TV series and film titles include Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Mission: Impossible, Bumblebee, G.I. Joe, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, SpongeBob SquarePants, Comedy Central’s South Park, Dexter, as well as MTV content such as e MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

Marco Nobili, executive vice president and International general manager of Paramount+ International said the Japanese launch is an important milestone for the company and is critical step for the streaming business’ future.

“For many years, Paramount Global has been delivering its music channel MTV 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 been supported by customers,” said Yoichi Iwaki, president, representative director of J: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 like NCIS and CSI are highly acclaimed by our customers, and we will deliver attractive content, including Paramount+ original productions through J:COM STREAM. Together with our long-time partner WOWOW, we will ensure the success of Paramount+ in Japan.”

Akira Tanaka, representative director, president and CEO of WOWOW added: “Paramount Global has continued to lead the U.S. film and TV industry, consistently producing works that move people around the world. 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. With this partnership, we are now able to offer a large volume of wonderful content from Paramount+, including films and international dramas, through WOWOW on demand. WOWOW, along with JCOM, will work diligently for the success of Paramount+ in Japan. We are excited about our partnership with Paramount. I also hope to explore further collaborations with both companies in the future and connect it to various new initiatives, using content.”