AbemaTV

Launched on April 1, 2015, AbemaTV rebranded to simply ABEMA in 2019 and quickly established itself as Japan's dominant free ad-supported streaming service. The platform operates as a hybrid between traditional television and internet video, offering over 140 live channels alongside an extensive on-demand library. Its core mission was to disrupt the Japanese broadcasting landscape by providing high-quality content without subscription fees, relying instead on advertising revenue and premium pay-per-view events.

The service distinguishes itself through real-time interactivity. Viewers can vote on show outcomes, participate in live polls, and chat with other users while watching broadcasts. This engagement model has proven particularly effective for variety shows and reality TV, where audience participation drives the narrative. In late 2025, the company expanded its original content strategy with Project PRISMation, an initiative inviting indie animators worldwide to submit pilot proposals for potential production.

ABEMA maintains a strong position in the sports and anime sectors. It holds exclusive rights to broadcast ONE Championship fights and features dedicated channels for classic and new anime series. Recent data from Spring 2026 shows that titles like Re:ZERO Season 4 continue to dominate viewership charts, proving the platform's ability to retain audiences against global competitors like Netflix. [edit]