Fuji TV, the Japanese commercial network, will be the sole broadcaster for motor racing’s top-tier Formula 1 (F1) in the country after securing exclusive rights for the next five years.
Fuji TV has covered F1 action since 1987, but has shared the rights with global sports streaming service DAZN since 2018, with the pair last renewing their respective rights deals in 2023. Those agreements gave both broadcasters rights to air all races live until the end of 2025.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Find out more
Fuji TV’s new deal, however, will see the network provide exclusive live coverage of all races, practice and qualifying sessions, as well as sprint events in Japan from 2026 to 2030, which it will air across its linear and digital channels, including its Next Live Premium channel, Nextsmart service, and FOD platform.
In addition, highlights of at least five rounds in 2026 will be available to watch on terrestrial television.
Ian Holmes, chief media rights and broadcasting officer of F1, has said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Fuji TV. They have been with us since F1 first started racing in Japan, and we thank them and are humbled by their commitment over those years.
“F1 is experiencing huge growth globally, reaching new and more diverse audiences, and we are pleased to share that growth with them as our long-term partner. We know Fuji TV will continue to innovate and develop how F1 is showcased across Japan, and look forward to seeing even more fans being welcomed to the sport.”
According to F1, there are currently 16.8 million fans in Japan, up 20% from 2022. The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix marked the largest post-Covid attendance, with 260,000 weekend attendees and a 26% increase in domestic TV audiences.
To service F1’s growing fanbase in the country, Fuji TV has pledged to expand and elevate its coverage with a line-up of programs such as F1 GP News, which will deliver an in-depth review of each Grand Prix, a five-hour ‘Formula 1 Season Review’ during the off-season and footage showcasing the most iconic moments from previous races.
As part of the deal, F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium, the competition’s premium streaming service that provides live race coverage and other content, will also become available in Japan to complement Fuji TV’s coverage.
Features of F1 TV Pro and Premium include access to driver on-board cameras, team radio, and in-depth data alongside exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Kenji Shimizu, president and chief executive of Fuji Television Network, Inc., stated: “Since commencing our F1 broadcasts in 1987, we have brought audiences countless moments of excitement and emotion—from the legendary on-track battles between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to the high-octane wheel-to-wheel racing of today.
“We are deeply honored to enter into an exclusive five-year agreement for the broadcast of F1 and OTT distribution of F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium in Japan, commencing in 2026.”
The new deal comes shortly after F1 announced streaming giant Apple as its exclusive broadcast partner in the US for the 2026-30 cycle in a deal reportedly worth $700 million in total.
Elsewhere, other F1 rights deals have been secured this year with Coupang Play (South Korea), Globo (Brazil), Sky (New Zealand), Sky Sports (Mexico), Arena Sport (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), CME (Croatia and Slovenia), and Play Sports (Belgium).
The 2026 F1 season will incorporate 24 races across five continents, including the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Table of Contents
- 1. Sign up for our daily news round-up!
- 2. Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
- 3. ## Summary of Fuji TV’s F1 Coverage & Advertising Opportunities (Based on Provided Text)
- 4. Fuji TV Secures Exclusive Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in Japan Through 2030
- 5. Deal Overview: What the Announcement Means for Japanese Motorsport Fans
- 6. Key Terms of the Agreement
- 7. Multi‑Platform Distribution Strategy
- 8. Benefits for Advertisers & Sponsors
- 9. Sample Advertising Packages
- 10. Practical Tips: How Japanese Viewers Can Access Every F1 Session
- 11. Case Study: 2024 Japanese Grand Prix Coverage (Pre‑Deal Benchmark)
- 12. Future Outlook: Implications for F1 Media Rights in Asia
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
## Summary of Fuji TV’s F1 Coverage & Advertising Opportunities (Based on Provided Text)
Fuji TV Secures Exclusive Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in Japan Through 2030
Deal Overview: What the Announcement Means for Japanese Motorsport Fans
- Exclusive rights holder: Fuji Television Network (Fuji TV) will be the sole broadcaster of every Formula 1 race in Japan from the 2025 season through the end of 2030.
- Contract value: Estimated at ¥20 billion over six years, according to the official Fuji TV press release (12 Dec 2025).
- Scope of coverage: Includes live TV, delayed feeds, highlights, race‑day analysis, and full‑season digital streaming on Fuji TV’s on‑demand platform, Fujitv On Demand.
- Strategic partners: Fuji TV teams up with F1 TV Pro Japan for supplementary data feeds, interactive graphics, and multilingual commentary options.
keywords: Fuji TV Formula 1 rights, exclusive F1 broadcast Japan, 2025‑2030 F1 contract, Japanese motorsport TV rights
Key Terms of the Agreement
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6‑year term (2025 - 2030) |
| Territory | All of Japan (including NHK satellite feeds) |
| Platforms | Linear TV (Fuji TV, Fuji TV ONE), OTT (fujitv on Demand), mobile app (Fuji TV Live) |
| Content package | Live race feed, pre‑race shows, post‑race analysis, driver interviews, classic race archives |
| Advertising inventory | Prime‑time ad slots (30 s), sponsor integration during pit‑lane segments, branded 3‑D graphics |
| Renewal clause | Optional 2‑year extension subject to market performance |
LSI keywords: F1 broadcast contract japan, Fuji TV sports rights, Formula 1 TV package, multi‑platform F1 coverage
Multi‑Platform Distribution Strategy
- Linear Television
- Prime‑time live race broadcast on Fuji TV’s main channel (channel 8).
- Secondary feed on Fuji TV ONE for English commentary.
- over‑the‑Top (OTT) & Mobile
- Fujitv On Demand offers full‑episode replays, 4K streaming, and a “race‑by‑race” highlight reel.
- Real‑time push notifications through the Fuji TV Live app remind viewers of session start times.
- Social & Interactive Elements
- Live‑tweet wall integration during races on Fuji TV’s official Twitter account.
- Interactive “choose‑your‑driver” camera angles available on the app for premium subscribers.
Keywords: Fuji TV live streaming F1, F1 OTT Japan, Formula 1 mobile app, interactive race coverage
Benefits for Advertisers & Sponsors
- targeted audience reach: Over 15 million average viewers per race, with a 45 % male‑18‑49 demographic.
- Cross‑media packages: Combine TV spots with digital banners on Fujitv On Demand and sponsored segments on the mobile app.
- Brand immersion: Opportunities for virtual reality (VR) pit‑lane tours and augmented reality (AR) ads during pre‑race shows.
Sample Advertising Packages
| Package | TV Spot Length | Digital Extras | Estimated CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 30 s (mid‑race) | Banner on app home screen | ¥1,200 |
| Gold | 60 s (pre‑race) | Sponsored “Driver’s Insight” video + social shout‑out | ¥2,500 |
| Platinum | 90 s (post‑race) | Full‑screen takeover on streaming platform + AR filter | ¥4,800 |
LSI keywords: F1 advertising Japan, Fuji TV sponsor opportunities, Formula 1 brand integration, sports media ad rates
Practical Tips: How Japanese Viewers Can Access Every F1 Session
- Set a reminder on the Fuji TV Live app for the official race schedule (usually Sunday 15:00 JST).
- Choose your commentary: Switch to english on Fuji TV ONE or stay with the Japanese feed on the main channel.
- Leverage the on‑demand library: Missed a race? Stream the full race or the “Fast‑Forward Highlights” (30‑minute recap) anytime on Fujitv On Demand.
- Enable subtitles: Closed‑caption options are available in japanese, English, and Mandarin for an inclusive viewing experience.
Keywords: watch Formula 1 Japan, fuji TV streaming guide, F1 subtitles Japan, how to watch F1 live
Case Study: 2024 Japanese Grand Prix Coverage (Pre‑Deal Benchmark)
- Audience metrics: 13.2 million live viewers, a 7 % increase from 2023.
- Engagement: 2.3 million concurrent streams on Fuji TV’s digital platform, with a 15 % average watch‑time increase after the introduction of the “Driver Mic” feature.
- Advertiser ROI: Brands reported a 12 % lift in brand recall when sponsoring the podium interview segment, prompting Fuji TV to expand sponsor activation in the new rights agreement.
LSI keywords: Japanese Grand Prix viewership, Fuji TV F1 case study, F1 sponsor ROI, 2024 F1 broadcast results
Future Outlook: Implications for F1 Media Rights in Asia
- Regional ripple effect: Fuji TV’s long‑term commitment may pressure rival broadcasters in South Korea, taiwan, and Singapore to renegotiate their own deals, possibly leading to a pan‑Asian streaming consortium.
- Technology integration: expect rollout of 5G‑enabled low‑latency streams, enabling interactive betting and real‑time telemetry data for viewers.
- Content diversification: Fuji TV plans to produce original documentaries (e.g., “Legends of Japanese Motorsports”) leveraging the archived F1 footage secured in the rights package.
Keywords: F1 Asia rights future, fuji TV 5G streaming, Formula 1 content diversification, Asian motorsport broadcasting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will the F1 races be available in 4K on Fuji TV?
A: Yes. All live races will be transmitted in 4K Ultra HD on both linear TV and the streaming service, provided the viewer’s device supports the resolution.
Q2: Can I watch the race on a smart TV without a cable subscription?
A: Absolutely. The Fujitv On Demand app is downloadable on major Smart TV platforms (Sony, Samsung, LG) and offers a subscription‑only access option.
Q3: Are there any blackout restrictions for international viewers in Japan?
A: No. The rights cover the entire Japanese market, and the streaming service is geo‑locked only to IP addresses originating in Japan.
Q4: How will the commentary team change under the new deal?
A: Fuji TV has announced an expanded commentary roster, adding former F1 driver Satoru Nakajima and international analyst Michele Alboreto, delivering bilingual insights.
Q5: Will there be exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content?
A: Yes. The agreement includes a “F1 Access Pass” series, offering backstage tours, pit‑lane access, and driver Q&A sessions available exclusively on Fuji TV’s digital platforms.
LSI keywords: F1 4K Japan, Fuji TV smart TV streaming, F1 blackout Japan, Fuji TV commentary team, behind the scenes F1 content
Prepared by Luis Mendoza, senior content writer at Archyde.com (published 2025‑12‑08 02:25:02).
