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Press Release
March 1, 2026, Tokyo – In light of recent developments in the situation in Iran, NHK has begun temporary shortwave transmissions of its Japanese-language international radio service, NHK World Japam Radio, starting on March 1, 2026,
This measure is based on NHK’s mission as an international public service media to provide essential information to Japanese nationals residing in or traveling in the region.
Due to the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, internet connectivity and international telephone services in the region have become unstable, resulting in limited access to information in Japanese. In response, NHK has begun temporary shortwave transmissions of its Japanese-language international radio service, NHK World-Japan Radio, to provide essential information to Japanese nationals staying in the area. These broadcasts started at 11:30 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) on Sunday, March 1.
NHK normally broadcasts six hours of shortwave programming per day to the Middle East. However, in view of the current situation, the broadcast schedule has been expanded to provide continuous 24-hour service. In addition to content from NHK Radio 1, the broadcasts will include timely safety and security information for those in the region.
For those in neighboring countries or other areas where internet access remains available, NHK also provides Japanese-language news on the NHK WORLD-JAPAN website, along with simultaneous and on-demand streaming of its television and radio programs. We encourage people to use these trusted sources to help ensure their safety.
NHK World Japan in Japanese
Website: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja/
(This service is not accessible from within Japan and is available only overseas.)
Details of the Temporary Transmission
During the temporary transmission period, NHK will provide simultaneous broadcasts of NHK Radio 1, along with NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s own Japanese-language international news and “Overseas Safety Information,” which focuses on travel advisories issued by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including updates related to the situation in Iran. Because shortwave broadcasts can be transmitted directly from Japan, they are considered less susceptible to restrictions by local authorities.
The broadcast frequencies will change as needed. Information on the frequencies and other details of the temporary transmissions will be announced on the Japanese-language website of NHK World Japan.
NHK orld Japan Radio
Emergency Shortwave Transmissions to the Middle East
Broadcast Schedule and Frequency List
NHK is providing 24-hour temporary shortwave transmissions of Japanese-language news and programming to the Middle East from the KDDI Yamata Transmitting Station in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and other relay sites.
(All times are shown in Japan Standard Time.)
Transmissions from the Yamata Transmitting Station
Time (JST) Frequency
01:00–02:00 11915
02:00–04:00 11670
04:00–06:00 9665
06:00–08:00 11675 (regular slot)
08:00–10:00 11660
10:00–14:00 17560
14:00–18:00 9700
18:00–22:00 9740
22:00–23:00 11685
23:00–01:00 9450
Transmissions from the France Relay Station
Time (JST) Frequency
02:00–04:00 11800 (regular slot)
12:00–14:00 6150 (regular slot)
Due to the characteristics of shortwave broadcasting, listeners may need to switch receiving frequencies every few hours.
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 news and programs, including documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture, animation, and drama.
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(NHK)
