THEMA expands its distribution activity in Japan with Rakuten!
THEMA, a CANAL+ Group company, expands its distribution activity in Japan with the launch of Vivaldi FAST TV-channel via R Channel,a linear streaming service operated by Rakuten Group, Inc. The classical music channel is now available to users across the R Channel platform.
After several new deals realized by THEMA Asia-Pacific recently in Thailand, India, Hong Kong and South Korea, the company’s expansion into the Asian market reached a new scale with its first deal in Japan thanks to Vivaldi’s launch.
“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,” said Alexandre Bac, Managing Director APAC at THEMA.
As the channel’s motto is “Classical for Everyone!”, Vivaldi appeals not only to classical music experts, but also to those who are just starting to discover the genre. FAST channel gained its popularity among viewers because of its focus on easier listening, lifestyle and ambient experience. Thanks to this, Vivaldi’s playlists with great popular works of classical music – the greatest operas, symphonies and concertos – are accessible to as many people as possible.
“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,” said Wilfried Texier, Marketing Director of Vivaldi channel.
About R Channel:
R Channel is a linear streaming service operated by Rakuten Group, Inc. that offers a wide variety of programs for free 24/7, 365 days a year. R Channel provide content such as anime, movies, news, dramas, sports, hobbies, kids entertainment and more with over 40 available channels. The service is available free of charge on compatible TV models, and PC and smartphone web browsers. Users can earn Rakuten Points based on viewing time, and offers an on-demand service for catching content you missed. For more information, please visit https://channel.rakuten.co.jp/ (*Service available in Japan only.)
About Rakuten:
Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to approximately 1.6 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has over 31,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/
About THEMA – a CANAL+ Group Company:
THEMA, a CANAL+ Group Company is a distributor of pay TV channels, fast TV channels, nonlinear content to cable, IPTV, DTH, operators and also for mobile packages and OTT. THEMA now includes 5 subsidiaries overseas. The company represents 180 channels as well as SVOD/VOD/OTT covering a wide range of thematic and has created strong relationships with the main television platforms in Europe, in Asia, in the Middle East, in Africa and in North America, thanks to its expertise in TV content distribution, TV packaging and marketing strategy. For more information, please visit www.thematv.com
