International broadcasting in Japan

NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, or Japanese Broadcasting Service), Japan's largest broadcaster, is composed of two services: "NHK Radio Japan" and "NHK World".

Radio Japan broadcasts news, information, and entertainment programs focusing on Japan and Asia, for a daily total of 65 hours of broadcasts. Radio Japan's General Service broadcasts worldwide in Japanese and English. Radio Japan also broadcasts in 21 languages to specific geographical zones as the Regional Service.

Both services are available via shortwave, and some programs can be heard on the internet as well. See http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html for more information.

NHK World consists of three services:

"NHK World TV" distributes non-scrambled news and information programs worldwide, 24 hours a day. Anyone can watch free-of-charge with the specified antenna and tuner.

"NHK World Premium" distributes NHK'S news, information programs, sport, drama, etc. to satellite and cable stations around the world. Programs can be viewed by contract with local providers.

Viewers in North America and Europe can watch "TV Japan" which requires only small antenna so that it is easier to watch compare to NHK World. It is the service provided by local representatives of NHK in the region.

If you would like to get the frequency information of Radio Japan and the specific way of watching NHK World, visit the website at: http://www.nhk.or.jp/rj/index_e.html