Pacific Television Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television distribution, Talent agency |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Founder | Akira Shimizu |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Yaesu, Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | International TV program distribution, Japanese-language dubs, Talent management |
The Pacific Television Corporation (Japanese: 太平洋テレビジョン) operated as a Japanese distributor specializing in international television programs, primarily sourcing series from the UK and US, and adapting them through redubbing for the Japanese audience.
History
Akira Shimizu, the company's founder and former announcer for the Far East Network under the American Forces Network, was initially charged with promoting Japanese animation exports to the United States. His strategy involved using the resulting profits to import American television content into Japan. After obtaining a short animated film via the Educational Film Producers Federation and securing an early $3,000 order from a Los Angeles-based client, Shimizu launched East West Co., Ltd. in Tamura-cho (currently Nishi-Shinbashi). Although American television networks such as NBC initially declined collaboration, Shimizu’s persistent efforts eventually attracted NBC’s attention. His dedication during negotiations with U.S. government officials led to his appointment as NBC’s official general agent in Japan by the network’s president.
Following the departure of Minister Norio Nanjo—who had previously worked with Shimizu—Nanjo along with Masakazu Nagata joined the company as advisors. Subsequently, the firm moved its headquarters to Yaesu and adopted the name Pacific Television Corporation (太平洋テレビジョン株式会社).
Beginning in 1957, Pacific Television specialized in creating Japanese-language dubs of international TV series for domestic broadcasters. By 1959, it had secured an exclusive agreement with NBC and collaborated with National Telefilm Associates and the BBC to manage sales of programs including Laramie, Bonanza, The Andy Williams Show, and NTA’s The Sheriff of Cochise. In addition to distributing foreign content, the corporation handled overseas broadcasting rights for Japanese films, appointed Kozaburo Yoshimura as director of its film division, and engaged in producing television movies. In 1963, Pacific Television partnered with a Hong Kong entrepreneur to explore establishing a terrestrial television station in Macau.
In 1959, Yasuo Hisamatsu joined as director and entertainment manager, around whom Pacific Television developed an entertainment division featuring more than 600 actors and 30 managers. This growth positioned the company as a prominent agency within Japan’s television entertainment sector. The corporation further expanded its talent management operations by acquiring multiple production companies along with their associated performers.
A significant labor conflict arose in February 1960, prompting numerous employees and performers to leave and establish the Talent and Manager Club (TMC), which eventually evolved into the Tokyo Actors' Consumer's Cooperative Association (Haikyo).
In 1962, President Akira Shimizu was arrested on allegations of corporate tax evasion; both he and Pacific Television were formally charged in 1964 but ultimately acquitted in 1974. Attempts to seek compensation afterward were unsuccessful, resulting in the company ceasing operations during that timeframe.