TV Asahi

TV Asahi is one of Japan's Big Six commercial television networks, operating as the flagship station of the All-Nippon News Network (ANN). Headquartered in the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato, Tokyo, the network reaches viewers nationwide through 23 affiliate stations. The channel is owned by TV Asahi Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TV Asahi Holdings, which is controlled by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. Known for its dynamic news programs, long-running anime series, and inventive variety shows, TV Asahi has carved out a distinct identity in Japanese broadcasting since its founding in 1957.

The network's programming mix leans heavily on news and information, with flagship shows like News Station and Hodo Station setting the standard for Japanese evening news. On the entertainment side, TV Asahi is a powerhouse in anime production, most famously as the home of Doraemon, a series that has become a cultural institution in Japan and abroad. The network also produces popular dramas, sports broadcasts including professional baseball and soccer, and variety programs that appeal to younger demographics. Under its 2023 five-year plan, TV Asahi aims to double its annual anime output and increase profits from that segment by 50%.

TV Asahi's corporate structure shifted in 2014 when the original broadcasting company reorganized into a holding company, TV Asahi Holdings Corporation, with the current TV Asahi Corporation established on October 15, 2013 to handle day-to-day broadcasting operations. The network's iconic branding, introduced in 2003 by UK design collective Tomato, features computer-generated stick-figure animations and the slogan "New Air, On Air." The sign-on and sign-off music, Underworld's "Born Slippy .NUXX 2003" and "Rez", has become a signature element for longtime viewers. [edit]

TV Asahi's mission is to deliver high-quality news and entertainment that informs, educates, and inspires viewers across Japan. Through its commitment to innovative journalism, compelling storytelling, and cultural programming, the network aims to strengthen community ties and promote Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. The organization prioritizes integrity, creativity, and audience engagement in all its operations. [edit]

TV Asahi began on November 1, 1957 as Nippon Educational Television Co., Ltd., founded by Hiroshi Ōkawa and Yoshio Akao. The station launched with an educational mandate, broadcasting cultural and instructional programming on channel 10. In April 1977, the company rebranded to Asahi National Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (ANB), and the channel itself became known as TV Asahi. The network joined the Asahi Shimbun newspaper group, giving it a strong editorial backbone.

A turning point came in October 1985 with the debut of News Station, a prime-time news program that broke away from the stiff, formal style of Japanese broadcasting. Anchored by a more conversational and dynamic presenter, the show revitalized evening news and set a new template for the industry. In April 1982, TV Asahi struck a deal to air CNN news content in Japan, producing a Japanese-language version that brought international coverage to domestic audiences.

The network expanded its entertainment output through the 1990s and 2000s, becoming a major force in anime with series like Doraemon, Pretty Cure, and Kamen Rider. In 2003, the company renamed to TV Asahi Corporation and adopted its distinctive visual branding. The 2014 restructuring into a holding company separated broadcasting from other business units, with TV Asahi Corporation continuing as the broadcast arm. Recent years have seen a push into digital media and international distribution, including theatrical releases of Doraemon films in India and France in 2026. [edit]