NHK launching English-language VOD

Japanese public broadcaster NHK is launching an English-language video-on-demand service next week. NHK World, the broadcaster’s international service, will start to make content available on-demand from June 15.

NHK said the free VOD service will initially comprise 13 recently transmitted programmes before being gradually expanded as rights are cleared.

The launch line-up includes Asia insight, Journeys in Japan and Tokyo Eye 2020. The Newsroom Tokyo show is already available to stream via the NHK World website.

NHK revamped the NHK World service last year, pledging a greater range of original programming and content covering new categories including movies and theatre. It also said it would beef up its news coverage.

NHK said today the VOD catch-up service is launching “in response to requests from global viewers for opportunities to see programmes again and to reinforce the global provision of programs from Japan”.