NHK has begun temporary local emergency transmissions of its international radio service “NHK World Radio Japan” in response to changes in the situation in Iran.
From 11:30 a.m. on March 1, the broadcast slot has been expanded to 24-hour broadcasting. In addition to the content of NHK Radio 1, the service will provide Japan’s original international broadcasting news in Japanese and locally oriented information focused on travel advisories from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under normal circumstances, NHK broadcasts to the Middle East for six hours per day.
Shortwave broadcasts can be transmitted directly from Japan, with 24-hour transmissions from KDDI’s Yamata transmitting station in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and additional transmissions during certain hours from a relay station in France. Because the signals can be sent from Japan, they are considered less susceptible to regulations by local authorities. Frequencies will vary depending on the time of day.
For those with internet access, Japanese-language news from NHK’s international broadcasting is available on its website, offering simulcasts of television and radio as well as on-demand viewing and listening.
