Fuji Television Network, Inc. (“Fuji TV”) announced that its vertical short-form drama app FOD SHORT launched in the North American market on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
This marks the first overseas expansion of a platform operated by Fuji TV. Looking ahead, the company aims to expand FOD SHORT to more than 100 countries and regions, accelerating its global rollout so audiences worldwide can enjoy Japanese shows.
Since its launch in July 2025, FOD SHORT has experienced rapid growth in Japan. In December 2025, the app ranked No.1 among domestic short drama publishers in both revenue and downloads, according to research by mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower.
FOD SHORT has also received strong recognition for its content quality. Building on its success as a leader in the Japanese market, FOD SHORT is now expanding globally.
As part of this international rollout, the app is now available for download in North America, including the United States and Canada, where users can watch vertical short-form dramas produced by Fuji TV. FOD SHORT currently offers 39 original titles, all of which are available with English subtitles. Support for additional titles, including those produced by external content partners, will be rolled out in phases. The service will gradually expand to additional regions, with plans to launch in more than 100 countries and regions. To reach a global audience, FOD SHORT will support more than 10 languages, starting with English.
A Global Expansion Hub Connecting Japanese IP and Creativity to the World
FOD SHORT will evolve beyond distributing only Fuji TV-produced content into an open platform that also delivers content from partners across Japan. Its mission is to become a Japan-originated global infrastructure—one that enables outstanding Japanese IP and emerging creative talent to reach audiences worldwide directly. Under the concept of short, yet unforgettable dramas, FOD SHORT will continue to deliver a new kind of viewing experience to audiences worldwide. The service is a joint venture with FUJI NEXTERA LABO INC., which has advanced expertise in app development—including video streaming services such as FOD—as well as AI utilization and advertising creatives. By further strengthening collaboration between the two companies, Fuji TV aims to provide an even more seamless viewing experience and deliver compelling content to audiences around the globe.
■Tomoko Sugisaki (Senior Director, Fuji TV On Demand, Platforms, Content Business Department, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
We are delighted to launch FOD SHORT in North America, building on the expertise and achievements we have cultivated in the Japanese market. We strongly believe that the unique appeal of Japanese dramas—capable of moving audiences deeply even within a short duration—will resonate with viewers overseas. This initiative goes far beyond a simple international expansion of a Fuji TV business. It is a challenge to create a Japan-originated global infrastructure that can deliver the exceptional IP of Japan, along with the passion and talent of its creators, directly to the global market. By providing an environment where creators can compete on the world stage, and by positioning FOD SHORT as a hub for international expansion, we aim to build a sustainable ecosystem in which we share both success and value with our partners. To showcase the true strength of Japanese creativity to the world, we will continue to collaborate with a wide range of content partners and expand into new markets.
■FOD SHORT (Official Website): https://short.fod.fujitv.co.jp