GEM to Simulcast Japanese Drama Guard Center 24

SINGAPORE: The Asian entertainment channel GEM will simulcast Guard Center 24, marking the first time that international audiences can watch a Japanese drama at the same time as it is broadcast in Japan.

Produced by Nippon TV, the drama will premiere in Asia on September 16 first and exclusively on GEM. Guard Center 24 is set against the backdrop of a private security company. Kento Nakajima (member of idol group Sexy Zone), Takaya Kamikawa (Angel Heart, Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out) and Chiaki Kuriyama (Battle Royale, Kill Bill) are featured among the cast members.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for fans of Japanese entertainment to get access to premium Japanese programs at the same time as it airs in Japan,” said Virginia Lim, the senior VP and head of content, production and marketing at Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.“The decision to simulcast Guard Center 24 reinforces our strategy to bring quality Japanese programming to viewers in this part of the world, faster than ever before.”