[Action Channel x Nikkatsu] Limited-Time Collaboration 'Permanent Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special' in April: <Tetsuya Watari Special> & <Tatsuya Fuji Special> Packed with the Charm of Solitary Charismas Who Crossed the Boundaries of the Era!

Japan's only (*) specialty channel for action dramas, "Action Channel" (AXN Entertainment Inc., Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President: Ryoji Nojima), is collaborating with "Nikkatsu," Japan's oldest film company and a pioneer in Japanese action movies, to broadcast the limited-time special project "Permanent Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special" over six months starting in February.

In April, we will deliver the <Tetsuya Watari Special>, a carefully selected collection of masterpieces highlighting the charm of young Tetsuya Watari, who gained popularity with an image completely opposite to Tatsuya Fuji. Additionally, continuing from March, we will feature the <Tatsuya Fuji Special>, airing back-to-back films that trace the early brilliance of Tatsuya Fuji as he grew into a master actor who would go on to lead the Japanese film industry.

From May onwards, we will broadcast films starring iconic stars of the era such as Yoshio Harada and Yusaku Matsuda, specials focusing on the heroines of the Nikkatsu New Action era, and Nikkatsu Roman Porno works under the title "Eros and Action."

While Action Channel has traditionally specialized in Western-centric action dramas, this six-month collaboration, "Permanent Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special," will thoroughly present the origins and innovations of Japanese action.

Please enjoy the "ultimate action experience" on Action Channel.

(*) Based on company research (as of April 1, 2026). As a broadcast service within Japan.

Permanent Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special Nikkatsu, a pioneer of Japanese action films that has produced masterpieces since the 1950s, created the "Nikkatsu New Action" genre starting in the late 1960s. Moving away from star-driven vehicles, these films depicted outlaw protagonists and reflected the contemporary youth culture and customs, establishing a golden era. And now, Nikkatsu and Action Channel have formed a special limited-time collaboration starting in February! We will broadcast 25 movies born during the Nikkatsu New Action era every month based on specific themes!

● April <Tetsuya Watari Special> Featuring Tetsuya Watari, who gained popularity with an image completely opposite to Tatsuya Fuji! Strongly associated with stoic and calm roles, such as Daimon in "Seibu Keisatsu," the young Watari played roles modeled after French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. His aloof aura and drifter characters embodied the cool vibe of the Nouvelle Vague in Japan at the time. Showcasing his beauty in Seijun Suzuki's 'Tokyo Drifter', which heavily influenced overseas creators like John Woo.