MIPTV 2014 – CANNNES. Anime streaming service Crunchyroll has signed an exclusive online distribution partnership with Fuji TV.
The agreement with one of the largest television networks in Japan brings 21 Japanese drama titles to its current content library, including two shows that will air nearly simultaneously with the original Japanese TV broadcast.
This content deal enables Crunchyroll and its syndication partners to stream one of the largest lineup of Japanese drama series on its existing platform in more than 120 countries and territories.
Vince Shortino, EVP of Crunchyroll’s Japan channels, said of the partnership: “We are very excited to work with FUJI TV to bring popular Japanese drama titles to Crunchyroll. Our vision is to provide our users the best quality and variety of content anywhere, anytime. This partnership brings us one step closer to that vision.”
Fuji’s deputy director, Worldwide Production and Sales, Programming and Production Dept., Taka Hayakawa, stated: “Creating streaming partnerships on a global scale around premium content to generate additional revenue for our partners is Fuji TV’s brand new strategy.”
Fuji TV has historically been prudent about licensing content overseas and specifically in North America, making this deal with Crunchyroll particularly significant for the Japan broadcasting industry.
Crunchyroll is committed to providing its audience with the best in Japanese digital media. Crunchyroll recently announced that it passed the 300k subscriber milestone. Additionally, Crunchyroll members can now watch on PS Vita and with additional devices launching this year.
