Wowow, Japan’s leading premium pay TV broadcaster, has launched a production service arm in a bid to attract and support international productions filming in the country.

The launch of Wowbridge Bridge marks the first time a Japanese broadcaster has expanded into the international production services field and was driven by the company’s work as a co-producer on Max crime drama series Tokyo Vice.

The show’s executive producer, Kayo Washio, who serves as Wowow’s head of US operations and chief producer for international co-productions, acquisitions and distribution, was instrumental in coordinating and managing a wide array of production services.