Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, whose media empire includes film producer and distributor Asmik Ace, has linked with electronics maker Toshiba to provide film and other contents for digital broadcasts.

As part of the tie-up, Toshiba bought a 1% stake (270,000 shares) in Kadokawa in March, with the intention of increasing it to 3% in the future. Kadokawa also owns 250,000 shares of Toshiba stock, for a 0.01% stake.

The partners will begin offering an interactive pay service in July on digital satellite TV. In addition to film, the service will feature a variety of lifestyle programming. Content and other sales are expected to amount to $125m (Y16bn) by 2005.

Also, at the end of 2003, Kadokawa will start providing entertainment and city-related information via mobile phones, personal digital assistants and car navigation systems, in association with Toyoyta and other partners.