The network first broadcast the World Championships when they came to the Japanese city of Fukuoka 13 years ago.

It's newly signed deal with the sport's governing body means it will broadcast the 2015 championships in Kazan, Russia; the 2017 edition in Guadalajara, Mexico and the 2019 event in Gwangju, Korea.

"TV Asahi is a solid and reliable partner in Japan and we are very satisfied with this long-standing agreement," said FINA President Dr Julio C. Maglione.

"Having a national team with plenty of aquatic stars also gives an added-value to TV Asahi's important work in the Japanese territory."

TV Asahi President Hiroshi Hayakawa said he was "truly happy" the partnership with FINA has been renewed.

He added: "Dating back to the 2001 Championships held in Fukuoka, we have built an amicable relationship with FINA over the years.

"Looking forward to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and as the value of the sport continues to rise, we are certain that aquatic sports will grow stronger than ever as our 'killer content'."