Oita-based Internet service provider Coara and a South Korean company were set to jointly launch a service Friday that allows audio broadcasts to be sent over the Internet for free.
People wishing to broadcast need a computer, microphone and high-speed line, while listeners simply need an ordinary telephone line connection to the Internet.
The officials stressed, however, that the airing of copyrighted music is not allowed.
The service will use software developed in the United States and route broadcasts through a high-capacity server, making it possible for around 100 people to tune in at one time, the officials said.
The audience for Internet broadcasts by individuals in Japan has typically been limited to several people, with costly equipment needed to increase the numbers, they said. An eventual audience capacity of 1,000 is expected.
The Web site can be accessed at www.kiricoara.com