Star Channel (Japanese TV channel)

Star Channel is a Japanese group of premium television channels operated by Star Channel, Inc. (株式会社スター・チャンネル). Star Channel mainly provides films and television series made outside Japan, on 3 high-definition channels, available on satellite, cable and IPTV platforms. As of 2021, the channel is currently owned by Tohokushinsha Film.

Star Channel began 24-hour broadcasting using Japanese communication satellites in July 1992.

Corporate
Star Channel was founded as a private company in 1986.

As of 1992, the owners of Star Channel were United International Pictures and a local distributor specializing in Western movies.

Previously, each 25% of the company's stake were owned by Itochu, 21st Century Fox (previously as the original News Corporation), Sony Pictures and Tohokushinsha Film, but as of 2018, 21st Century Fox sold its share in the company to Tohokushinsha. Sony Pictures later divested the company in 2019.

Channels

 * Star Channel 1 (formerly Star Channel and Star Channel Hi-Vision): The main channel launched on July 1, 1986. Its HD simulcast channel was separately branded as Star Channel Hi-Vision, but the branding was removed with the October 1, 2011 rebrand of channels. Star Channel was renamed as Star Channel 1 on October 1, 2011. Star Channel 1 is scheduled to be renamed Star Channel on June 1, 2024.
 * Star Channel 2 (formerly Star Channel Plus from November 1, 2001 to September 30, 2011): This channel launched on June 1, 1998. The channel is shutting down on May 31, 2024.
 * Star Channel 3 (formerly Star Channel Classic from November 1, 2001 to September 30, 2011): This channel launched on June 1, 1998. The channel is shutting down on May 31, 2024.