TV streaming service Hulu plans on global expansion after switching on in Japan

(Hulu)

TV and movie streaming service Hulu has plans to make it big on computer and TV screens around the globe; its first stop on the map is Japan.

The Japanese service, which will be Hulu's first international offering outside of the US, will go live later this year.

There is a gap in the Japanese TV market, said Hulu, "with respect to premium feature film and TV content, and very favorable environmental factors to a service like ours, including extensive broadband penetration, smart phone and other internet-connected device ubiquity, and strong consumer interest."

"With the launch of Hulu’s Japanese subscription service, for the first time entertainment fans in Japan will have access to a large selection of premium feature films and popular TV shows at any time, on four screens (PCs, TVs, mobile phones, and tablets), for one monthly price," said the company. 

Hulu declined to offer further information about pricing or content but said the Japanese service would be a "high value product specifically tailored for Japanese customers."

Rival US streaming service Netflix also has plans for expansion. Netflix recently started offering its service in Canada, and in June Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said Asia would be "very important" as the company looks to grow internationally.