MONDO TV
A Japanese CS broadcasting channel operated by Discovery Japan, known for mahjong, pachinko/pachislot, gambling, railway, idol and subculture programming aimed at adult male audiences.
Last updated September 29, 2026
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Overview
MONDO TV is a Japanese satellite and cable television channel operated by Discovery Japan, Inc., the Japanese subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery and a joint venture with JCOM. Launched on October 1, 1996 as MONDO21 by Japan Image Communications on the PerfecTV! platform (now SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service), the channel built its identity around mass-culture programming for adult male viewers. Its schedule is dominated by mahjong, pachinko and pachislot, gambling, horse racing, railways, automobiles, games, subculture, gravure idol videos and V-cinema films. Mahjong programming in particular occupies the majority of its lineup, including the long-running Mondō Mahjong Pro League and the Mondō Cup. The channel was renamed MONDO TV (and MONDO TV HD) in November 2010, consolidating its program genres into five categories: entertainment, idols, mahjong, pachinko & pachislot, and V-cinema. Adult-oriented programming, excluding V-cinema, ended on September 30, 2011. In January 2014, Turner Japan absorbed Japan Image Communications and took over the broadcasting business. On October 1, 2016, MONDO TV began broadcasting on the SKY PerfecTV! service, swapping places with Travel Channel. In August 2018, its SKY PerfecTV! broadcast switched from standard definition to high definition. On August 1, 2023, following a reorganization of Warner Bros. Discovery-affiliated and JCOM-affiliated broadcasting businesses in Japan, operation of MONDO TV was transferred to Discovery Japan. The channel is distributed via SKY PerfecTV! (110-degree CS broadcasting), SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service, SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service Hikari, and cable television. It also offers streaming through platforms such as Hikari TV and its own on-demand service. In January 2025, the official websites of MONDO TV and Travel Channel changed URLs, moving under the Warner Bros. Discovery Japan homepage, and the channel's program standards were no longer publicly disclosed there. MONDO TV remains active as a niche entertainment channel, with a programming strategy centered on mahjong tournaments, gambling-related content, and subculture shows. Its official site highlights programs such as the Mondō Mahjong Pro League 26/27, the 26th Mondō Cup, Pro-Wrestling Onsen, and various film blocks including MONDO Prime Theater. The channel is a distinctive example of a Japanese CS broadcaster serving a dedicated adult male audience with a mix of competition, hobby, and cult entertainment content.
History
MONDO TV began as MONDO21, launched on October 1, 1996 by Japan Image Communications on the PerfecTV! platform (now SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service). From the outset it targeted adult male audiences with a mix of mahjong, pachinko and pachislot, gambling, horse racing, railways, automobiles, games, subculture, gravure idol videos and V-cinema. In 2003, the channel formed the image character group MONDO GIRLS, whose members changed over time and performed irregularly. In 2009, the channel expanded its distribution: it began streaming on Hikari TV in April, started paid distribution of some programs online, opened MONDO21 On Demand on Nico Nico Douga (later MONDO TV On Demand), launched a mobile program distribution service for NTT Docomo phones called Itsudemo Dokodemo TV with the cooperation of jig.jp in September, and started high-definition MONDO21 HD on SKY PerfecTV! HD in October. In November 2010, the channel was renamed MONDO TV and MONDO TV HD, and its program genres were consolidated into five categories: entertainment, idols, mahjong, pachinko & pachislot, and V-cinema. On September 30, 2011, all adult-oriented programming except V-cinema ended and was no longer rerun. In 2012, first-run broadcasts were concentrated between 23:00 and 24:30, except for MONDO Adrenaline Theater. On January 1, 2014, Turner Japan absorbed Japan Image Communications and took over the broadcasting business. On October 1, 2016, MONDO TV began broadcasting on the SKY PerfecTV! service, swapping places with Travel Channel. On December 1, 2016, the satellite general broadcasting operator for SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service changed from SKY Perfect Broadcasting to SKY Perfect Entertainment. On August 28, 2018, the SKY PerfecTV! broadcast switched from standard definition to high definition. On August 1, 2023, following a reorganization of Warner Bros. Discovery-affiliated and JCOM-affiliated broadcasting businesses in Japan, the operation (program supply) business of MONDO TV was transferred to Discovery Japan. On January 30, 2025, the official websites of MONDO TV and Travel Channel changed URLs, moving under the Warner Bros. Discovery Japan homepage, and the channel's program standards were no longer publicly disclosed there. Throughout its history, MONDO TV has maintained a distinctive niche, with mahjong programming forming the majority of its schedule, and has also shared programming with Travel Channel, including mixed channel arrangements on JC-HITS for cable television operators.
Japan Image Communications launches MONDO21 on PerfecTV! (now SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service).
Channel image character group MONDO GIRLS formed.
Distribution begins on Hikari TV; paid online distribution of some programs starts; MONDO21 On Demand opens on Nico Nico Douga.
Mobile program distribution service Itsudemo Dokodemo TV launched for NTT Docomo phones with jig.jp cooperation.
High-definition MONDO21 HD begins on SKY PerfecTV! HD.
Channel renamed MONDO TV and MONDO TV HD; program genres consolidated into five categories.
All adult-oriented programming except V-cinema ends and is no longer rerun.
First-run broadcasts concentrated between 23:00 and 24:30, except MONDO Adrenaline Theater.
Turner Japan absorbs Japan Image Communications and takes over the broadcasting business.
MONDO TV begins broadcasting on SKY PerfecTV! service, swapping with Travel Channel.
Products and positioning
A niche CS channel for adult male audiences, specializing in mahjong, gambling, hobby and subculture entertainment.
モンド麻雀プロリーグ (Mondō Mahjong Pro League)
Long-running mahjong tournament program, a flagship of the channel.
モンド杯 (Mondō Cup)
Annual mahjong tournament, with editions such as the 26th Mondō Cup.
麻雀 BATTLE ROYAL
Special mahjong battle program.
MONDOプライムシアター (MONDO Prime Theater)
Foreign film block, including Korean horror specials.
プロレス温泉 (Pro-Wrestling Onsen)
Entertainment and travel program combining pro wrestling and hot springs.
廃道アドベンチャー (Abandoned Road Adventure)
Travel and art/culture program exploring abandoned roads.
パチンコ激闘伝!実戦守山塾
Pachinko battle program.
パチスロ常勝理論!
Pachislot strategy program.
鉄道大百科
Railway encyclopedia program.
乃木坂スター誕生!
Idol program produced by Nippon TV, featuring Nogizaka46 4th generation members.
Sources4 sources
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