National Mar 1, 2020
NHK started on Sunday simultaneous broadcasting of its television programs on the internet. The simulcast service, dubbed "NHK plus," will be offered 17 hours a day from 7 a.m. to midnight in March, before expanding to 18 hours a day from 6 a.m. to midnight ...
National Feb 6, 2020
Communications ministry asks NHK to cut viewing fees further
Communications minister Sanae Takaichi asked NHK on Wednesday to make further cuts to its subscription fees. The request was included in a set of proposals compiled by Takaichi. The proposals were approved the same day at a meeting of the Radio Regulatory Council, which advises ...
National Feb 2, 2020
Five Japan TV networks to offer simultaneous online streaming in bid to entice younger viewers
The firms are aiming to attract a wider viewership, though their streaming will be limited to times of day with the highest demand.
National / History | JAPAN TIMES GONE BY Feb 1, 2020
100 YEARS AGO Wednesday, Feb. 11 1920 Great enthusiasm for universal suffrage THE JAPAN TIMES A demonstration demanding universal suffrage immediately to be held on Kigensetsu, the great national holiday, under the leadership of the Kenseikai, Kokuminto and the Universal Suffrage Society, promises to be one of the ...
National Jan 28, 2020
New NHK chief Maeda vows to push reforms of operations, fees and governance
Terunobu Maeda, the new president of NHK, expressed on Monday his determination to push ahead with reforms of the public broadcaster. "The three-part reforms of operations, viewing fees and governance must be pursued ceaselessly," Maeda, 75, said at his inaugural news conference. Maeda, former leader of ...
TV | Wide Angle Jan 17, 2020
NHK's taiga drama hopes to shake off its curse
by Kaori Shoji
Amid celebrity scandals and low ratings, NHK launches the latest installment of its long-running Sunday evening drama series.
National Jan 16, 2020
NHK to simultaneously broadcast online 18 hours a day from April
NHK said Wednesday that it will simulcast its television programs online for 17 hours a day starting in March before rolling out 18-hours-per-day coverage in April. NHK had hoped to launch around-the-clock simulcasts in April, but it shortened the time to 18 hours after the ...
National / Politics Jan 12, 2020
Japan's Abe says he's 'not thinking' of staying on beyond 2021
Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, said he's "not thinking" of staying on as ruling party leader beyond the end of his current term in September 2021. Some in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have called for Abe to continue for a fourth straight term ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Jan 11, 2020
Japan Post Holdings drags its heels on insurance sales scandal
by Philip Brasor
On Dec. 27, the top three executives of Japan Post Holdings Co. announced they would be resigning on Jan. 5 over the insurance sales scandal that first came to light more than a year and a half ago. The announcement comes on the heels ...
Film | Wide Angle Jan 10, 2020
NHK raises the dead for 'Kohaku' to mixed reviews
by Patrick St. Michel
After NHK brought deceased enka singer Hibari Misora back to the 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' stage, reaction from viewers was mixed.
Entertainment News Jan 3, 2020
NHK's annual 'Kohaku' music show sees ratings fall to record low
NHK's "Kohaku" song festival on New Year's Eve saw its viewer share fall to a record low despite special appearances by stars including comedian Takeshi Kitano and American rock band Kiss, a survey by a TV research firm showed Thursday. The average rating for the ...