TV Japan is now available to Time Warner Cable customers in the Lone Star State.

Through a deal with International Media Distribution, the 24-hour Japanese-language channel and its high-definition counterpart are now accessible to the nation’s No. 2 cable operator’s customers in Dallas, Austin and Greenville, Texas. Carriage terms were not disclosed.

To boost awareness and sign-up, Time Warner Cable is offering a free preview of TV Japan through Oct. 31 on channel 1500.

Also part of the launch effort:  a cash-back offer and sweepstakes promotion that runs through year-end. New TV Japan subscribers are eligible for a $50 rebate if they subscribe during the promotional period. The network will also conduct two drawings each month for a total of six sweepstakes with a variety of prizes, including round trip airfare to Japan. More information about rules, qualifications, terms and conditions of this promotion can be found at www.tvjapan.net/cam.

Those tuning in TV Japan can watch the much-anticipated NHK drama serial Massan, starring American actress Charlotte Kate Fox; the 13th season of TV Asahi's most successful Japanese crime drama series, AIBOU; and a new anime based on a Japanese sports manga series Kuroko's Basketball.

"We are very exciting that  TV Japan will now be available in Austin, Dallas and Greenville and pleased to offer Time Warner Cable customers complimentary access to experience the richness of TV JAPAN programming first-hand." said Kenichiro Takiguchi, president and CEO of TV Japan. "With our special incentive cash-back and sweepstakes offers, this is a perfect opportunity to subscribe to TV Japan."