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87 channels
Japanese television is a world unto itself, a blend of public service dedication and intensely creative commercial programming. NHK, the national public broadcaster, anchors the landscape with its reliable news, educational content, and high-quality dramas, often eschewing the overt commercialism seen elsewhere. Commercial networks like Nippon TV, Fuji TV, TBS, TV Asahi, and TV Tokyo compete fiercely for primetime viewers, often with a distinctly Japanese flavor. Perhaps nothing screams 'Japan TV' quite like the variety show. These aren't your typical late-night talk shows; they're elaborate, often chaotic productions featuring celebrity panels reacting to outlandish VTRs, competitive games, or quirky travel segments. The energy is palpable, and they dominate primetime across commercial networks. Anime's global reach often overshadows its domestic broadcast role, but it remains a staple, with dedicated blocks and primetime slots reflecting its cultural significance. Japanese dramas, or doramas, typically run in shorter, 10-12 episode seasons, offering tightly plotted narratives that often focus on specific societal themes, professions, or school life - a stark contrast to the longer, more sprawling series popular in neighboring Korea or Turkey. News delivery here is generally more formal than in many Western markets, even on commercial channels, often emphasizing factual reporting and disaster preparedness. Live sports, particularly baseball, sumo, and J-League soccer, command huge audiences, often shifting entire schedules. While most content is in Japanese, foreign films and dramas are typically subtitled, though children's programming often gets a full dub. This cultural preference for subtitles over dubbing for adult content sets it apart from many European or Latin American markets, offering a unique viewing experience for those keen to watch Japan TV online.