Star Channel

In 1986, a new venture called Star Channel was established in Japan, primarily led by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, a company founded by Banjirō Uemura and known for film distribution and dubbing. The channel's mission was clear: to become a premium destination for foreign films, a novel concept for the market at the time. It launched as Japan's first movie-specialty channel, bringing Hollywood and international cinema to Japanese households via satellite and cable. Over the years, the ownership structure evolved. Initially a consortium, by the early 2000s, major players like Itochu, Sony Pictures, and 21st Century Fox had become significant stakeholders alongside Tohokushinsha. This alliance bolstered its library and reach. However, as the media landscape shifted, these partners gradually divested their shares, with Tohokushinsha consolidating its ownership. A significant turning point came in 2024. In a strategic move to adapt to the modern media environment, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation agreed to sell all its shares in Star Channel to Japanet Broadcasting Co., Ltd. The acquisition was completed on June 1, 2024, making Star Channel a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanet. Shortly after, on August 1, 2024, Star Channel was fully merged into its new parent company, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another, aiming to create new synergies between free and paid broadcasting models.