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List of radio stations in Japan

The list of radio stations in Japan lists all the national/regional radio stations in Japan.

Because of governmental regulation, Japan has a relatively small number of radio stations. Japan also has a comparatively smaller number of radio listeners nationwide than most other developed countries as well as countries in the geographic region. This is because of several factors, including the cultural difference in perception of radio, the fact that cars in Japan come with dashboard televisions fitted as standard,[1] as well as general disinterest in the medium among working younger audiences compared with other mediums, especially television. Generally, each prefecture has three NHK stations (two by 2025[2]), one commercial AM station (some are also on FM), and one commercial FM station. Heavily populated areas, such as Kantō region or Kansai region, have more stations.

There are also an increasing number of AM stations that start broadcasting on FM (on 90-95 MHz) as a supplement. The stations that air on the band are called Wide FM (ワイドFM) or FM complementary relay station (FM補完中継局).

The listed stations with ★ signs also broadcast television. Many stations have multiple frequencies (repeaters).

Certain AM-only radio stations (or AM stations with limited FM simulcast coverage) will be broadcasting solely in FM by 2028.[3] The switch will not affect Hokkaido and Akita Prefectures and will continue AM-FM radio simulcasts. NHK is excluded from the switchover, as they have separate plans to consolidate its radio services.[2][4]

Since 2024, commercial radio broadcasters have begun temporarily shutting down AM radio broadcasts, as a trial-run to FM-only broadcasts in 2028.[5] Initially, at least 34 radio stations (which would start from February or July 2024 and end in 2025) will participate in this move, with additional broadcasters joining in the coming months.[6]

Networks

All networks are broadcast in Japanese, except MegaNet and AFN.

Former

Educational

Hokkaidō

Tōhoku region

Kantō region

Chūbu region

Kansai region

Kyūshū region

Nationwide stations

Some stations have multiple channels.

Shortwave

Satellite broadcasting

Certain satellite providers distribute radio channels that are tailored to every musical genres such as from SKY PerfecTV![10] and Usen (Music AirBee! and Sound Planet[11]).[12] In the education field, the Open University of Japan broadcast educational programming only on satellite TV (radio broadcasts and free-to-air TV broadcasts ended since October 2018[7]).

Community FM stations

Since January 10, 1992, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications started accepting applications for community FM licenses which are allowed on municipal level.[13] Currently, as of April 2021, there are roughly 335 community FM stations across Japan.[14]

Community FM stations with English articles include:

Kanagawa Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture
Shizuoka Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture

Others

Notes

  1. ^ Broadcasts on TV and radio and programming are in English language. The network is not in Japanese registration and follows to FCC
  2. ^ Programs are mainly in Japanese and English
  3. ^ Mie Prefecture is designated under Kansai Region, but actually part of Tokai Region as broadcasters follow the designated regional forecast grouping set by the Japan Meteorological Agency[9]
  1. ^ Includes the Ishikari Subprefecture, Shiribeshi Subprefecture, central and southern Sorachi Subprefecture
  2. ^ Includes the Iburi Subprefecture and Hidaka Subprefecture
  3. ^ Includes the Oshima Subprefecture and Hiyama Subprefecture
  4. ^ Includes the Kamikawa Subprefecture, northern Sorachi Subprefecture, Rumoi Subprefecture and Sōya Subprefecture
  5. ^ Includes the Tokachi Subprefecture
  6. ^ Includes the Kushiro Subprefecture and Nemuro Subprefecture
  7. ^ Includes the Abashiri Subprefecture
  1. ^ Currently branded as Air-G

References

  1. ^ Dawson, Chester (2013-04-24). "In Japan, Television Viewing Doesn't Have to Take a Back Seat". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  2. ^ a b "民放ラジオ44局 2028年秋までにFM放送への転換目指すことに" [44 Commercial Radio Stations to convert to FM-only Broadcasting by 2028]. NHK News (in Japanese). 2021-06-15. Archived from the original on 2021-06-16. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  3. ^ "民放AMラジオ44局、2028年秋めどに"FM局"目指す" [44 Commercial AM Radio Stations Aiming to Become FM-only Stations by 2028]. ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  4. ^ "Japan's NHK to reduce satellite TV and radio channels". Nikkei Asia. 2020-08-03.
  5. ^ "AMラジオ、34局が順次放送休止へ「ひとつの時代が終わる気がする」" [34 Commercial Radio Stations to cease AM broadcasting]. ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). 2024-02-02. Archived from the original on 2024-02-03. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  6. ^ "AMラジオ34局、1日から順次運用休止。FM転換目指す" [34 AM radio stations will be suspended from operation starting from February 1, 2024]. AV Watch (in Japanese). 2024-02-02. Archived from the original on 2024-02-03. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  7. ^ a b "放送大学の地上波放送が9月30日終了。BS完全移行でHD/SD 2ch同時放送". AV Watch (in Japanese). 2018-03-02. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g "List of Community Radio Stations in Japan". Japan Community Broadcasting Association (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  9. ^ "気象庁 | 予報区分の一覧表" [Japanese Regional Forecast Categories]. Japanese Meteorological Agency (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-19.
  10. ^ "Radio Channel List". SKY PerfecTV! (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  11. ^ "USEN440 Channel List" (PDF). USEN Music (in Japanese).
  12. ^ "Channel List". USEN Music (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  13. ^ "A 10 Year History of the Japan Community Broadcasting Association" (PDF). Japan Community Broadcasting Association (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  14. ^ "What is the JCBA?". Japan Community Broadcasting Association (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-02.