T Joy, part of Japan's Toei group, plans to start construction in Hiroshima this December on a multiplex that will project digitised films downloaded from a communications satellite.

The company will spend $7.2m (Y780m) on the six-screen theatre which will have a seating capacity of 668. In addition to films, the new multiplex will broadcast live sports events and other entertainment programming. T Joy has plans for similar theatres in Toei's Oizumi Studio in Tokyo by 2001, in Osaka by 2002 and in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward by 2004.

Launched in August, T Joy is an exhibition joint venture backed by a total of 22 companies, including the Toei group, Tokyu Recreation, Avex and Culture Convenience Club.