• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, September 20, 2023

Paramount will launch Paramount+ in Japan on Dec. 1.

This is the nearly three-year-old streaming service’s second launch in Asia, following its debut in Korea in June 2022.

The Japanese launch is in partnership with J:COM, one of Japan’s leading cable television operators and broadband internet providers, and WOWOW Inc., the top premium pay channel in the market.

Both providers will now offer Paramount+ to their subscribers at no additional cost.

Unlike some premium video service rivals, Paramount+ has continued to show subscriber growth, including 700,000 new subscribers in Q3. It currently has more than 61 million subscribers in more than 45 markets globally, according to the company.

“With the launch of Paramount+ in Japan, we are now delivering hours of popular films and series to fans in all key streaming markets worldwide," Marco Nobili, executive vice president and international general manager of Paramount+ International, said in the announcement. “It is an important milestone for us and a critical step for the future of our streaming business.”

Paramount Global also owns the Pluto TV FAST, now available in more than 35 markets, following a launch in Australia in August.