[Action Channel × Nikkatsu] Limited-Time Collaboration Project "Permanent Preservation Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special" May <Yoshio Harada & Yusaku Matsuda Feature> <Tetsuya Watari Feature>

Action Channel (AXN Entertainment Inc., Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President Ryoji Nojima), Japan's only (*) specialized action drama channel, is collaborating with Nikkatsu, Japan's oldest film company and a pioneer in Japanese action cinema, to broadcast a limited-time special project, "Permanent Preservation Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special," for six months starting from February on Action Channel.

In May, we will broadcast the <Yoshio Harada and Yusaku Matsuda Feature>, focusing on Yoshio Harada, who redefined existing hero images with his wild, unruly demeanor and overwhelming charisma, and Yusaku Matsuda, who revered Harada as his lifelong mentor and affectionately called him "Aniki" (big brother) while forging his own unique expression. These two "charismatic figures" left an indelible impact on Japanese film history. Additionally, continuing from April, we will deliver a marathon broadcast of the <Tetsuya Watari Feature>, a selection of masterpieces highlighting the charm of a young Tetsuya Watari.

From June onwards, we will feature specials focusing on heroines of the Nikkatsu New Action era, and a special titled "Eros and Action," which will even include Nikkatsu Roman Porno works.

Action Channel has primarily broadcast Western-centric action dramas until now, but through this six-month collaboration special, "Permanent Preservation Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special," we will fully deliver the origins and innovations of Japanese action.

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

(*) According to our own research (May 1, 2026). As a broadcasting service in Japan.

Permanent Preservation Edition! Nikkatsu Action Special

Nikkatsu, a pioneer of Japanese action cinema that has produced masterpieces of action films since the 1950s, created a new era from the late 1960s onwards with "Nikkatsu New Action" films. These films depicted outlaw protagonists and reflected the youth culture and customs of the time, moving away from the star system.

And now, Nikkatsu and Action Channel are collaborating for a limited time from February!

25 Nikkatsu New Action era films will be broadcast monthly, themed by topic!

Nikkatsu Action Special Feature Page

- <Yoshio Harada and Yusaku Matsuda Feature> Enjoy the brilliance of two charismatic figures who continue to leave an indelible impact on Japanese film history: Yoshio Harada, who redefined existing hero images with his wild, unruly demeanor and overwhelming charisma, and Yusaku Matsuda, who revered Harada as his lifelong mentor and affectionately called him "Aniki" (big brother) both publicly and privately, while forging his own unique expression.

Movie "Shinjuku Outlaw: Buttobase" © Nikkatsu

Movie "Kanto Kanbukai" Broadcast Date: May 17 (Sun) 0:00 AM A lively drama depicting a man betrayed by dirty conspiracies, forced into a bloody conflict between rival yakuza gangs, and then storming the organization in a documentary style.

Movie "Melody of Rebellion" Broadcast Date: May 24 (Sun) 0:00 AM Yoshio Harada's Nikkatsu debut and first starring role! Yoshio Harada created an unprecedented outlaw image with his denim jacket, jeans, long hair, and sunglasses, leaving his name in history with this masterpiece action film.

Movie "Shinjuku Outlaw: Buttobase" Broadcast Date: May 31 (Sun) 0:00 AM A modern action film set in Shinjuku, where two outlaws and a violent group challenge an organization over drugs.

Movie "Abayo Dachiko" Broadcast Date: June 7 (Sun) 0:00 AM Yusaku Matsuda's first starring film, who passed away young! This is the first installment of director Yukihiro Sawada's Nikkatsu Wild Action epic, depicting the fleeting youth of young people acting on their desires.

- May <Tetsuya Watari Feature> Marathon Broadcast A marathon broadcast of the four <Tetsuya Watari Feature> films aired from April to May! Enjoy the charm of a solitary charismatic figure who transcended eras, from the beautiful hitman he played in Seijun Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter," which greatly influenced overseas creators like John Woo, to the gritty, passionate man in "Burai."

Movie "Burai Hijou" © Nikkatsu

May 30 (Sat) 11:00 PM start - Marathon broadcast of 4 films

Movie "Tokyo Drifter" Broadcast Date: May 30 (Sat) 11:00 PM Movie "From Burai: Daikanbu" Broadcast Date: May 30 (Sat) 0:30 AM Movie "Daikanbu Burai" Broadcast Date: May 30 (Sat) 2:15 AM Movie "Burai Hijou" Broadcast Date: May 31 (Sun) 4:00 AM

- June <Heroines of the Nikkatsu New Action Era Feature> "Three Women: Night Butterfly" starring Chieko Matsubara, Yoko Yamamoto, Meiko Kaji "Daikanbu: Keri wo Tsukero" starring Reiko Ohara "Kyoka Retsuden: Shumei Tobaku" starring Chieko Matsubara, Meiko Kaji "Neon Police: Jack's Tattoo" starring Junko Natsu

- July <Eros and Action ~ Nikkatsu Roman Porno