Japanese platform U-Next, owned by Usen-Next Holdings, and Premium Platform Japan’s (PPJ) Paravi service will merge on 31 March 2023 as part of a broad initiative to compete with global streamers in Japan.

Paravi is scheduled to migrate to the U-Next platform in July this year. 

The companies say the merger will create the largest video distribution platform in Japan, with sales of over ¥80 billion/US$596 million and more than 3.7 million paying members. 

U-Next and TV Tokyo are also collaborating on content supply, marketing and creative development in a new deal the two companies have described as a “comprehensive strategic business alliance”.

TV Tokyo Holdings is a major shareholder in PPJ along with TBS Holdings, Nikkei and others.