About NHK - a public service media organization

What is NHK?

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public service media organization. Funded by receiving fees from Japanese households, it has a reputation for impartial, high-quality programs including news, documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture, animation, and drama.(Quoted from NHK official website: https://www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/corporate_overview/)

Also, NHK provides vital information when earthquakes, torrential rains, flooding and other disasters strike.(Quoted from "What is NHK?" flyer)

The "receiving contract" is a legal obligation

Every person living in Japan, including foreign nationals, who possess a television set that can receive NHK's broadcasts, or who starts receiving NHK's streaming and other distribution services, is required by law to enter into a receiving contract with NHK.

"Article 64 of the Broadcasting Act"

Persons who have installed any of the following reception equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts must conclude a receiving contract with NHK pursuant to the approved contract terms:

1 Persons who have installed specified reception equipment.

2 Persons who have started receiving NHK's mandated online services

(the rest omitted)

^{*Specified reception equipment refers to any device capable of receiving NHK's TV broadcasts.}

Contract types and fees

For more details, please visit NHK Receiving Fee System website

If you have any questions regarding the contract, please contact NHK Okinawa broadcasting station at 098-862-5151 (and ask for an English speaker)

FAQ

• I do not know which one of the contract types I am supposed to conclude. Do I need to conclude a contract for terrestrial or satellite?
  >> If a parabolic antenna (a dish-shaped antenna) is installed at your house/apartment complex, you need to go for a satellite contract.
   
• How can I conclude a contract?
  >> You can do it online by accessing this website (Google-translated)
   
• I have three TV's at home. Do I need to conclude three contracts?
  >> Even if the household (family) has several TV's, one contract per household (family) is sufficient.
   
• I share a room with my roommates (we are not a family). Do we only need one contract for the room, or do we need a contract per family?
  >> If each of you have a receiving equipment for NHK broadcasts, each household (family) needs to conclude a contract.
   
• I share one TV with my roommates. Who needs to conclude a contract?
  >> You can select a representative for the contract and the representative can conclude a contract in their name. You can also discuss your roommates how you share the contract fee.
   
• Will I get a student discount?
  >> HOUSING SECTION WILL CHECK WITH THE RELEVANT DIVISIONS.