Canal+ Group’s Thema has expanded its distribution activity in Japan with the launch of the classical music FAST channel Vivaldi on R Channel, a linear streaming service operated by Rakuten.
According to the company, this marks Thema Asia-Pacific’s first agreement in Japan following recent deals in Thailand, India, Hong Kong and South Korea.
Commenting on the development, Alexandre Bac, MD APAC at Thema, said: “We could see big potential in Japan, being one the largest hubs for classical music. Rakuten is the ideal platform to make Vivaldi available to a new audience and allow the greatest symphonies within everyone’s reach”.
Wilfried Texier, marketing director of Vivaldi, added: “Connecting more people to classical music is our daily challenge. We are so pleased to see Vivaldi now available in Japan. This new opportunity with Rakuten marks a big step forward in our Asian presence, a continent which is full of amazing musicians and a fast-growing community of classical music lovers”.
