R Channel Launches Regional Revitalization Support Service with AI Video

Rakuten Group, Inc. ("Rakuten"), which operates the free linear video streaming service "R Channel," has launched its AI video-based regional revitalization support service for municipalities today, leveraging its expertise in AI video production.

This service aims to solve challenges faced by municipalities, such as high video production costs, long production times, and insufficient promotional opportunities. By utilizing the expertise and achievements gained from AI video production for promotions and service introductions of Rakuten Group services, it will broadcast the charm of regional tourism resources, culture, and specialties to users nationwide. By leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to streamline everything from planning to video production, it is possible to create a wide range of videos, such as tourism PR, event announcements, and introductions of specialty products and Furusato-nozei return gifts, at low cost and in a short period. Furthermore, it supports the creation of video advertisements that comply with Furusato-nozei advertising regulations, thereby assisting in increasing donation amounts.

The produced videos can also be distributed as advertisements on "R Channel" or on "Rakuten Pa League Special," which offers unlimited viewing of official matches hosted by the Pacific League, via the video distribution service "Rakuten TV." This enables reach to a wide user base and helps resolve the imbalance in regional promotion opportunities. Moreover, by leveraging the characteristics of the "Rakuten Ecosystem," which organically connects over 70 services centered around membership for Rakuten members, it promotes customer acquisition and consumption expansion through video ad viewing, contributing to the revitalization of local economies.

"R Channel" will continue to strive to provide attractive and new entertainment experiences and improve service convenience, aiming to deliver highly satisfying services to a wide range of users.

## AI Video-Based Regional Revitalization Support Service Overview
Launch Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)
Content: A video production service utilizing AI tools, catering to diverse needs such as tourism PR, event announcements, and introductions of specialty products and Furusato-nozei return gifts. Advertising distribution is also possible.
Price: Varies depending on video duration and whether advertising is included.
Advertising Platforms: "R Channel," and "Rakuten Pa League Special" within "Rakuten TV."
* Distribution destinations vary depending on the plan.
Inquiries regarding this service: https://channel.rakuten.co.jp/service/ads/

## "R Channel" Overview
"R Channel" is a video distribution service that allows users to watch a wide range of genres, including anime, movies, dramas, news, sports, entertainment, hobbies, and kids, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, following a TV program guide, completely free of charge. It is available free of charge on smartphone apps, web browsers, Net-Vision compatible TVs, Android TV™ apps, and Amazon Fire TV™ apps. Additionally, users can earn "Rakuten Points" based on their viewing time, and the service also supports missed broadcasts. For advertisers, it offers "R Channel Ads," a service that enables advertising delivery to target users on "R Channel."

Web Browser Version URL: https://channel.rakuten.co.jp/
iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id6444323389 (Recommended environment: iOS 14.5 or later)
Android™ App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rakuten.channel (Recommended environment: Android™ 10 or later)
TV Apps (Fire TV, Android TV) Overview URL: https://channel.rakuten.co.jp/service/tvapp/
R Channel Ads URL: https://channel.rakuten.co.jp/service/ads/

* iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the United States and other countries, and is used under license.
* Android and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC.
* Amazon and Fire TV are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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