BBC Japan set to close in April

BBC Japan shows a variety of BBC programmes with subtitles

BBC Japan is to close down at the end of April because its Japanese distributor no longer has the financial backing to support the channel.

The TV channel launched in December 2005 and features subtitled BBC shows including My Family and EastEnders.

"We are hoping to announce shortly how BBC Japan's loyal customers will be able to receive the channel in future," said BBC Worldwide's Darren Childs.

Distributor JMC will be unable to transmit the channel after 30 April.

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BBC Worldwide said it had not been consulted on the decision and that the situation was out of its control.

JMC also told the BBC that the company's shareholders would not be providing any further financial support in the future.

"We extend our sincere apologies to subscribers of the channel who have been inconvenienced by the decision of JMC," said Mr Childs, Managing Director of Global Channels at BBC Worldwide.

The commercial arm of the BBC offers several other TV channels including international entertainment channel BBC Prime, BBC America and BBC Canada.