Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings

Basic Information

Stock Code
9405
Industry
Information and Communications Industry
Category Detail
Mass Media
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
March 1951
Listing Year
October 1961
Official Website
https://corp.asahi.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Felt, Fuji Media Holdings, TBS Holdings, Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting, Nippon Television HD, RKB Mainichi Holdings, BSN Media Holdings, TV Asahi Holdings, TV Tokyo Holdings, Nac

Overview

Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings is a major information and communications company in the Asahi Shimbun group, founded in 1951. It is a certified broadcasting holding company that engages in diversified media and content businesses centered on television and radio broadcasting.

Current Situation

Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings recorded consolidated sales of approximately 87 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 2.6 billion yen for the fiscal year 2023, maintaining steady performance as a long-established media company in the information and communications industry. Centered in the Kansai region, it operates television (ANN network semi-key station) and radio broadcasting businesses, achieving flexible management decisions through its broadcasting holding company structure. It is actively expanding animation production, overseas ventures, and licensing businesses, adapting to the diversifying content business environment. It is also advancing sustainability initiatives such as ISO14001 certification, community contributions, and rapid information dissemination during disasters. Emphasizing responses to intensifying competition and technological innovation, it is focusing on DX promotion and new media business development. In the future, it plans to leverage its regional strengths while pursuing strategic investments in domestic and international growth markets.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • It is the third private broadcaster in Japan to start AM radio broadcasting.
  • First in the broadcasting industry to obtain ISO14001 environmental certification.
  • Widely recognized in the Kansai region as the ANN network semi-key station over many years.
  • Media company with close personnel exchanges with Asahi Shimbun historically.
  • Rare broadcaster that split from combined radio and TV operations.
  • Actively expanding animation business with multiple animation production subsidiaries.
  • Deploys original characters 'Ebi-C' and 'Kyukyu'.
  • Owns latest seismic isolation headquarters building in Hotarumachi, Fukushima-ku, Osaka.
  • Known as organizer of numerous regional events and marathons.
  • Early entry into net distribution and digital content delivery.
  • Engages in housing exhibition operations and golf course management beyond broadcasting.
  • Insider trading internal issue revealed in 2021.
  • Staff gum-chewing incident during live broadcast became a topic in 2023.
  • Has received recommendations from the Broadcasting Ethics and Program Improvement Organization for ethical issues in the past.
  • Conducts joint ventures with media-related companies in Vietnam and other overseas locations.

Hidden Connections

  • Close capital and personnel ties with Asahi Shimbun and major affiliate newspapers as a strength.
  • Mutual shareholdings with TV Asahi Holdings and TBS Holdings.
  • Headquarters located on the site of former Osaka University Medical School Affiliated Hospital, deepening regional ties.
  • Built capital relationships with major domestic animation production companies, with significant influence in the anime industry.
  • Established joint venture with NTT West Japan to jointly promote sports video distribution business.
  • Building new revenue base with senior mail order business joint ventured with DMM.com.
  • Conducts housing exhibition operations for regional revitalization through subsidiaries.
  • Deeply involved in Kansai region's information dissemination through long history and network of radio programs.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Advancements in digital distribution technology and expansion of video distribution market.
  • Maintaining and strengthening trust in regional media.
  • Overseas market expansion of animation and content distribution.
  • Improved corporate image emphasizing sustainability.
  • Revenue diversification through integration of diverse media channels.
  • Business efficiency through talent development and DX promotion.
  • Expansion of senior lifestyle business targeting aging market.
  • Strengthened viewer and customer analysis using AI and data.
  • Brand value enhancement through regional event collaborations.
  • Active investment in new content businesses.
  • Improved rapid response capabilities to legal regulation changes.
  • Synergistic effects through collaborations with partners.

Strategic Goals

  • Complete seamless integration of broadcasting and digital distribution.
  • Strengthen global expansion centered on animation and video production.
  • Further reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable management.
  • Expand sales of senior services to 5 billion yen annually.
  • Increase revenue from new businesses to 20% of total.
  • Promote 10 or more collaborative projects with local communities.
  • Achieve 80% business automation rate using DX technology.
  • Continuous improvement of workplace environment through diversity promotion.
  • Optimize holding company structure and strengthen governance from 2025 onward.
  • Maximize advertising effectiveness using AI and data.

Business Segments

Broadcast Program Production

Overview
Plans and produces broadcast programs in various genres and supplies them.
Competitiveness
Long track record and regional production capabilities
Customers
  • TV Asahi network stations
  • Local stations nationwide
  • Private broadcasters
  • Distribution platforms
Products
  • TV dramas
  • Variety programs
  • News program production
  • Sports broadcasts

Animation Production

Overview
Produces diverse animations and expands domestically and internationally.
Competitiveness
Wide genres and high-quality production system
Customers
  • Domestic TV stations
  • Distribution providers
  • Overseas broadcast networks
  • Game companies
Products
  • TV animation
  • Theatrical animation
  • Character design
  • Merchandise planning

Video Editing and Audio Production

Overview
Supports high-quality video and audio production with advanced editing techniques.
Competitiveness
Well-equipped facilities and skilled staff responsiveness
Customers
  • Advertising agencies
  • Film production companies
  • TV production companies
  • Event planning companies
Products
  • Video editing
  • Audio editing
  • Post-production
  • Dubbing services

Music Publishing and License Management

Overview
Advances music-related copyright management and licensing business.
Competitiveness
Strong copyright network and multifaceted licensing expansion
Customers
  • Music production companies
  • Broadcasters
  • Event organizers
  • License operators
Products
  • Music publishing rights management
  • Licensed merchandise
  • Copyright management
  • Overseas rights business

Event Planning and Promotion

Overview
Plans diverse events and leads them to success.
Competitiveness
Regional planning and operational strengths
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Corporate advertisers
  • Cultural facilities
  • Talent agencies
Products
  • Live/concert planning
  • Regional event operations
  • Advertising promotions
  • Fan club operations

Mail Order Business

Overview
Senior-oriented product sales business utilizing mail order channels.
Competitiveness
Broad customer base and mail order operation expertise
Customers
  • General consumers
  • Seniors
  • Health food sales companies
  • Mail order operators
Products
  • Health and lifestyle goods
  • Food
  • Apparel
  • Mail order operation systems

Housing Exhibition Hall Operation

Overview
Provides housing exhibition hall operations and housing-related services.
Competitiveness
Strong logistics network and management capabilities in Kansai region
Customers
  • Real estate companies
  • Home manufacturers
  • General customers
  • Local governments
Products
  • Exhibition hall operations
  • Showroom management
  • Advertising agency services
  • Labor dispatch

Sports Video Distribution

Overview
Supports high-quality sports video distribution and planning/production.
Competitiveness
Advanced technology utilization through joint venture with NTT West
Customers
  • Sports organizations
  • Broadcasters
  • Distribution platforms
  • Advertising agencies
Products
  • Sports video production
  • Live streaming services
  • Digital content
  • Video distribution technology

Net Distribution Services

Overview
Multifaceted expansion in net distribution in addition to terrestrial broadcasting.
Competitiveness
Regional information dissemination and real-time delivery technology
Customers
  • Video distribution providers
  • Users
  • Advertisers
  • Content providers
Products
  • Distribution platform operations
  • Content distribution
  • Internet radio
  • Ad distribution

Technical Production Services

Overview
Provides broad support for broadcasting and video technology.
Competitiveness
Strong technical staff and equipment for broadcast production sites
Customers
  • TV stations
  • Program production companies
  • Corporate customers
  • Event operation companies
Products
  • Video technical support
  • Studio equipment management
  • Equipment rental
  • Technical staff dispatch

Domestic and International Content Sales

Overview
Promotes overseas sales of domestically produced content.
Competitiveness
Extensive overseas network and IP management
Customers
  • Overseas broadcasters
  • Distribution services
  • Film production companies
  • License operators
Products
  • Overseas program sales
  • Format licenses
  • Merchandise licenses
  • Event rights sales

Education and Training Business

Overview
Supports human resource development for broadcasting and production staff.
Competitiveness
Experienced instructors and practical education programs
Customers
  • Broadcasters
  • Media companies
  • Individual staff
  • Regional organizations
Products
  • Staff training
  • Program production seminars
  • Technical workshops
  • Regional event education

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Strong capital base from Asahi Shimbun affiliation
  • High brand recognition from regional focus
  • Combined terrestrial TV and AM radio operations
  • Abundant video and anime production expertise
  • Advanced sustainability activities
  • Robust broadcasting holding company structure
  • Content expansion across diverse channels
  • Advanced audio and video editing technology
  • Risk diversification through multifaceted businesses
  • Broadcast rights and licenses domestically and internationally
  • Strong contributions and trust in local communities
  • Stable financial foundation
  • Scalable network infrastructure
  • Presence in major cities Tokyo and Osaka
  • Skilled human resources

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong viewer base built through long-term regional broadcasting centered in Osaka
  • Diversification strategy through group management spanning broadcasting, anime production, publishing, and events
  • Environmental considerations and improved corporate image through ISO14001 certification
  • Synergy effects from capital ties with Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, and other affiliates
  • Active expansion into digital broadcasting and net distribution leveraging technological strengths
  • Stable revenue structure utilizing diverse channels and platforms (terrestrial, CS, radio, net)
  • Advanced management structure as a certified broadcasting holding company in Japan's broadcasting industry
  • Abundant content production capabilities providing numerous original programs and dramas
  • Strong ties with local communities and rapid information dissemination during disasters
  • Diverse product and service lineup capable of meeting wide customer needs
  • Regional contributions and revenue diversification through event planning and operations
  • Global growth strategy via overseas expansion and licensing
  • Sustainable management base based on excellent talent development system
  • Smooth execution of future growth investment plans through stable financial operations
  • Strengthened advertising agency functions and market development in Kansai region

Threats

  • Risk of declining ad revenue due to diversification of content distribution
  • Intensifying competition with net distribution platforms
  • Business restrictions from broadcasting regulations or legal amendments
  • Risk of viewer decline from delayed digitalization response
  • Aging and declining users of terrestrial TV and AM radio
  • Market pressure from intensified competition with major media
  • Business impacts from social conditions like COVID-19
  • Broadcast disruption risks during disasters
  • Risk of IP and technology succession loss from talent outflow
  • Risk of legal troubles such as copyright issues
  • Instability in overseas markets due to political and economic conditions
  • Obsolescence of existing businesses due to technological innovations

Innovations

2024: Group reorganization to strengthen animation business structure

Overview
Completed integration of group's animation business centered on ABC Animation, enhancing production capabilities.
Impact
Expanded production scale and improved market competitiveness

2023: Full subsidiary of Zero-G Act

Overview
Made character goods planning and manufacturing company a full subsidiary, improving product development.
Impact
Diversification and revenue expansion in licensed merchandise sales

2022: Capital and business alliance with BuzzFeed Japan

Overview
Entered capital alliance for collaboration in online media business.
Impact
Strengthened digital content distribution infrastructure

2021: Full subsidiary of new mail order business

Overview
Made senior mail order joint venture with DMM.com a full subsidiary, expanding business.
Impact
Increased sales and profit scale in mail order business

2020: Subsidiary of SILVER LINK.

Overview
Made animation production company a subsidiary, strengthening production lines.
Impact
Increased acquisition of diverse animation projects

2020: Established sports video distribution business with NTTSportict

Overview
Established new company for sports video distribution in joint venture with NTT West Japan.
Impact
Improved presence in digital distribution market

2020: Acquired management rights of Prosen Studio

Overview
Internalized post-production business and strengthened production structure.
Impact
Improved video editing technology and efficiency

2023: Planned subsidiary of CGCG Studio

Overview
Plans to group CG video production company to strengthen technology.
Impact
Advancing high-level 3D video production

2024: Planned subsidiary of Toyzam

Overview
Incorporating game planning and development company into group to expand new business.
Impact
Expansion of digital entertainment business

Sustainability

  • Promotion of environmental load reduction through ISO14001 certification
  • Adoption of seismic isolation structures in broadcasting facilities to reduce disaster risks
  • Strengthening regional contributions and information dissemination during disasters
  • Energy-saving measures in digital broadcasting and net distribution
  • Ongoing promotion of contributions to sustainable society
  • Recycling of broadcasting equipment and waste reduction
  • Employee environmental awareness training
  • Resource savings through paperless and digitalization initiatives
  • Workplace environment emphasizing diversity and work-life balance
  • Sustainable city development through collaboration with local communities