FOD launches aggressive spring offensive with exclusive dramas, F1 live rights, and a three-tier pricing model

Key facts

• FOD secured a five-year contract (through 2030) to live-stream all 24 Formula 1 races, including free practice, qualifying, and the race.
• A new three-tier pricing plan replaced the single ¥976/month plan: Light (¥976, ad-supported), Standard (¥1,320, 4 simultaneous streams), and Point MAX (¥2,090, includes 1,200 points/month).
• A 'first month ¥200' campaign is running, replacing the former free trial.
• Exclusive drama 'Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare' starring Kōhei Takeuchi and Shogo Shibuya launched April 6.
• Screenwriter Yoshimi Ubukata's new work 'Uso ga Uso de Uso wa Uso da' starring Rinko Kikuchi and Ryo Nishikido will premiere exclusively on FOD.
• FOD is live-streaming the entire 2026 Super Taikyu Series, the 2026 KYOJO CUP, and home games of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
• The service offers over 100,000 titles, including 200+ magazines, and exclusive content from BMSG's 'MAZZEL DUO MISSION' to the re-edited 'Winter Sonata' film.
• Fuji Television acquired all shares of NAXA Inc. to strengthen its AI and content DX infrastructure.

A streaming service retools for battle

FOD, the streaming arm of Fuji Television, is mounting its most ambitious offensive yet in Japan's crowded OTT market. The service has overhauled its pricing, locked in a multi-year Formula 1 deal, and unleashed a wave of exclusive dramas and variety shows designed to pull in subscribers from sports fans to romance devotees. The moves come as competition intensifies among domestic and global players. FOD's strategy is to differentiate through a blend of high-octane live sports, niche dramas, and a deep back catalog of Fuji TV content, all wrapped in a new three-tier subscription structure.

Formula 1 and motorsports take center stage

The most striking bet is on motorsports. FOD has signed a five-year contract to stream all 24 rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship, from free practice to the chequered flag, exclusively on its FOD Premium tier. The deal runs through 2030, signaling a long-term commitment to live sports. Beyond F1, FOD is also the exclusive home of the 2026 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series, which began in March, and the 2026 KYOJO CUP, starting May 9. The service also live-streams home games of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Tokyo Yakult Swallows, giving it a broad sports portfolio aimed at male and family demographics.

Exclusive dramas and variety shows target niche audiences

On the drama front, FOD is rolling out a slate of exclusive titles. 'Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare,' a BL drama starring Kōhei Takeuchi and Shogo Shibuya, launched April 6 and has already generated buzz on social media for its nuanced emotional storytelling. Another BL adaptation, the film 'Junai Joto!', began streaming April 27. Other notable exclusives include the romantic comedy 'Azato Kawaii Watashi ga Yusho' with Karen Otomo and Reika Sakurai, and 'Tenshusei Nano,' directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and others, starting April 24. Screenwriter Yoshimi Ubukata's new series 'Uso ga Uso de Uso wa Uso da,' starring Rinko Kikuchi and Ryo Nishikido, will premiere exclusively on FOD. Variety fans get 'Saikyo Quiz Bangumi,' a horror-quiz hybrid from Arita Teppei featuring Yoshiwo Kojima and others.

New pricing tiers and a cut-rate entry point

In October 2025, FOD replaced its single ¥976/month plan with three distinct tiers. The Light course (¥976) offers ad-supported access to Fuji TV content. The Standard course (¥1,320) provides over 100,000 titles, 200+ magazines, and four simultaneous streams. The Point MAX course (¥2,090) adds 1,200 points monthly for manga and new releases. To drive sign-ups, FOD is running a 'first month ¥200' campaign, a steep discount from the regular price. The promotion replaces the former free trial and is designed to convert users after they sample F1 races or spring dramas. After the first month, subscribers pay the standard rate.

Content library and technology investments

FOD's library spans more than 100,000 titles, including Fuji TV dramas, anime, movies, and a manga section. The service also offers exclusive content like the documentary variety show 'MAZZEL DUO MISSION' from BMSG, and the re-edited 'Winter Sonata' film starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, which streams from May 6. Behind the scenes, Fuji Television has acquired all shares of NAXA Inc., a company specializing in AI and content digital transformation. The acquisition aims to bolster FOD's recommendation engine and content delivery infrastructure, supporting its expansion.

Outlook: can FOD carve out a lasting niche?

FOD's spring offensive is a calculated gamble. By combining exclusive live sports with niche dramas and a flexible pricing model, it hopes to attract both casual viewers and hardcore fans. The F1 deal, in particular, could be a game-changer if it draws a dedicated audience willing to pay for the premium tier. Yet the OTT market in Japan is saturated, with global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video competing alongside domestic players. FOD's success will depend on whether its exclusive content and sports rights can generate enough stickiness to justify the subscription costs after the promotional period ends.

The bottom line

• FOD has secured exclusive F1 streaming rights for five years, covering all 24 races live.
• The service introduced three pricing tiers in October 2025, with a 'first month ¥200' promotion to attract new users.
• Exclusive dramas include BL series 'Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare' and a new work by acclaimed screenwriter Yoshimi Ubukata.
• FOD streams multiple motorsports series and home games of two NPB teams, broadening its appeal beyond drama fans.
• Fuji Television acquired AI firm NAXA to enhance content delivery and personalization.
• The spring lineup includes over 100,000 titles, 200+ magazines, and exclusive variety shows like 'Saikyo Quiz Bangumi.'