History of NHK

1925 Mar. 22 First radio broadcast by Tokyo Broadcasting Station

1926 Aug. 20 Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya broadcasting stations merge to form
Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
1928 Nov. 5 First nationwide radio broadcast
1930 Jun. 1 Science & Technology Research Laboratories established
1931 Apr. 6 Second radio network goes on air
1935 Jun. 1 International radio broadcasts begin
1946 Jun. 15 Broadcasting Culture Research Institute established
1950 Jun. 1 The Broadcast Law goes into effect and NHK is reestablished as
a public broadcaster
1953 Feb. 1 First TV broadcast from NHK’s television studios in Tokyo
1959 Jan. 10 First educational TV broadcast
1960 Sep. 10 First television broadcast in color
1963 Nov. 23 First experimental transmission via satellite between Japan and the US breaks
the news of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy
1964 Oct. 10 Broadcasts of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the first Olympics in history to be aired
via satellite and in color
1965 Oct. 11 Launch of the JAPAN PRIZE, an international contest for educational media
1969 Mar. 1 First FM radio broadcast
Jul. 21 Live TV coverage of the first person to set foot on the moon
1971 Oct. 10 All General TV programs broadcast in color

1982 Dec. 17 Sound multiplex broadcasts begin on TV
1985 Nov. 29 First teletext service begins
1989 Jun. 1 Full-scale satellite broadcasting services begin
1994 Nov. 25 Test broadcasts of NHK’s “Hi-Vision” HDTV system begin
1995 Apr. 3 Launch of international television channel
1999 Oct. NHK World TV begins 24-hour broadcasts
2000 Mar. The International Telecommunication Union approves Hi-Vision as
an international studio standard
Dec. 1 Digital satellite broadcasting begins
2003 Feb. 1 Opening of NHK Archives
Dec. 1 Digital terrestrial TV broadcasts begin
2005 Mar. 8K (Super Hi-Vision) unveiled at Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan
2006 Apr. 1 One-Seg service for mobile receivers begins

Nov. 15 Live Hi-Vision transmission from space

2008 Aug. Hi-Vision used as international signals at the Beijing Olympic Games
Dec. 1 Launch of “NHK on Demand”
2009 Feb. 2 NHK WORLD TV begins 24-hour English-language service
2011 Jul. 24 Analog broadcasts end (with exception of areas most severely affected
by the Great East Japan Earthquake)

2012 Mar. 31 Analog broadcasts end in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures
Aug. The ITU recommends 8K as an international standard for ultra-high definition
television systems for production and international program exchanges
2013 Sep. 2 “NHK Hybridcast” service commences, enabling broadcast digital TV to be
integrated with internet-based content

2016 Aug. 1 4K/8K test satellite broadcasting begins

2018 Dec. 1 4K/8K Super Hi-Vision broadcasts begin

N I PPO N H O S O KYO KA I Pu b l i c R e l a t i o n s D e p a r t m e nt
2-2-1 J i nna n, S h i bu y a-ku, Tokyo 150-8001, Ja pan
TEL +81-3-346 5-1111 w w w.nhk.or. j p / co r p o r a t e i n f o/
 Mess age from the President NHK CORPORATE PROFILE
It is now just two years until the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic
and Paralympic Games. The first Olympic Games held in Japan, Tokyo 1964, were
2018-2019
also the first instance of live color and satellite broadcasts, along with slow motion
replays and other new technologies being used for the event, leading to them being
referred to as the “Television Olympics”. Years later, at Seoul 1988, the first Hi-
Vision broadcasts took place, and right before Rio 2016, which were held in Bra-
zil, the first test broadcasting of 8K Super Hi-Vision took place. Indeed, Japanese
Japan’s Only Public Broadcaster
broadcast technology has advanced step-by-step with the Olympic Games.

The eyes of people around the world will be focused on 2020, when the first Olym-

Number of Employees approx. 10,300

pic Games in Tokyo in approximately half a century will take place. NHK is aiming
to deliver the highest standards of broadcasting and services, as well as realize our
goals in ‘progression to a public service media provider’ in the age of the conver-
gence of broadcasting and the internet. The start of 4K and 8K (Super Hi-Vision)
broadcasting in December this year will be one step towards those goals. This year

NHK
will mark ‘the first year for 4K/8K broadcasting’, a new era in the world of broad-
casting. We will make absolutely sure that as many people as possible are able to
enjoy the ultra-high definition images and immersive sound. The provision of infor-
mation via the internet is also being strengthened. Alongside television broadcast-
Japan Broadcasting Cor poration
ing as a central pillar, the internet will be utilized appropriately, with NHK aiming

54 domestic stations
to create an environment where necessary information and content can be accessed
‘anytime, anywhere’. One element of this is the realization of simultaneous televi-
sion broadcasts on the internet, thereby facilitating an increase in the range of ways
to view content. The new Three-Year Corporate Plan, which begins this fiscal year,
contains concrete policies for delivering such advanced broadcasting and new ser-
vices that are helpful for everyday life. At the same time, the new Corporate Plan
lays out NHK’s pursuit of ‘Public Values’. In specific terms, this is represented by
the following six elements: ‘Provide Accurate, Fair, Impartial Information’, ‘Pro-
mote Safety and Security’, ‘Create High-Quality Cultural Experiences’, ‘Contribute
to Local Communities’, ‘Strengthen Japan’s Global Connections’ and ‘Contribute
to Education and Public Welfare’. While pursuing these goals of ‘Public Values’,
NHK will continue to make efforts to gain the complete trust of all of our viewers
and fulfill its role as a ‘core component of social infrastructure’. Even as society
undergoes changes, NHK will continue to maintain its fundamental stance of be-
Contents
ing a public broadcaster widely supported by the receiving fee system, ensuring 1 Message from the President
the public’s right to know, maintaining our independence and impartiality in accor-
dance with the Broadcast Law, contributing to the development of a healthy democ-
racy and the advancement of culture.
Accurate and Fair 3 Public Broadcaster NHK
5 NHK’s Corporate Plan FY 2018-2020
7 4K/8K Super Hi-Vision
We respectfully ask for your ongoing support and understanding of NHK.
9 NHK WORLD-JAPAN
11 News Reporting and Global Network

Unbiased and Impartial

13 Programs
15 Internet Services
17 NHK Science & Technology
Research Laboratories
19 Global Partners
21 NHK Public Relations
23 History
Ryoichi UEDA
NHK President

1 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019

July 2018

30 overseas offices NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 2

 Public Broadcaster NHK
Our role and operations
Organization
Becoming an Even More Trustworthy Source of Information, Shaping the Future with the Power of Creativity

NHK Organizational Chart (Fiscal 2018)

Secretariat
NHK ’s Origins Regional Management Bureau
Headquarters for Reconstruction of Broadcasting Center
S i n c e t h e B r o a d c a s t L a w a n d Wi r e l e s s transmitted the first radio broadcast in Japan on March 22, Secretariat for Board of Governors General Affairs Department
Telegraphy Law took effect in 1950, Japan’s broadcasting 1925. Initially incorporated as the nationwide broadcasting
Human Resources Department
industry has developed through the coexistence of the public organization Nippon Hoso Kyokai, NHK was reestablished Corporate Planning Department
Financial Department
broadcaster NHK and commercial broadcasters. NHK’s under the terms of the Broadcast Law in 1950 as the nation’s
origins go back to the Tokyo Broadcasting Station, which public broadcaster. President Group Planning & Management Department
Board of Governors
Executive Board Information Systems Department
Risk Management Committee Secretariat for the Great East Japan Earthquake

Internal Audit Bureau Headquarters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Inde pendence Program Inspection Bureau
General
Broadcasting Announcers Bureau
Administration News Commentators Bureau
NHK’s mission as a public broadcaster is responsibility to provide a wide range of programs that are Enterprise Risk Management
Bureau Programming Department
to deliver impartial, high-quality programs. Programs balanced, without the influence of ratings or third-party Audit Committee
NHK on Demand Bureau
should never be influenced by the government or private interests.
organizations. NHK considers it to be the corporation’s Program Production Department
News Department
Secretariat for Audit Committee
Broadcast Engineering Department
NHK WORLD Department

Rece iving Fee System Overseas Bureaus

Audience Relations & Planning Bureau
General
The receiving fee system ensures NHK’s NHK as a whole. The fees are the main source of income for Administration of Public Relations Department
financial independence, which guarantees NHK’s editorial NHK, making up nearly 100% of the total. The Broadcast Audience Relations
Audience Services Department
independence and impartiality. Viewers are not asked to pay Law stipulates that receiving fees shall be paid equally by
Engineering Administration Department
to access specific programs, but to support the operations of every household and business in Japan with a television set.
Institute / Laboratories
Broadcasting Culture Research Institute
Science & Technology Research Laboratories
Receiving fees (tax included)
Local Stations

Fee per Six-month Twelve-month

Type of contract month advance payment advance payment

Account transfer/
* Satellite contract includes fee for NHK Affiliates
¥1,260 ¥7,190 ¥13,990 terrestrial contract
Terrestrial Credit card
Contract * Receiving fee in Okinawa Prefecture is The NHK affiliates, as members of the NHK The NHK Group is committed to enhancing its collective
Postal order ¥1,310 ¥7,475 ¥14,545 different from that in the rest of Japan Group, support and complement NHK operations in different capabilities and putting its operations on a more sound
* Viewers can choose their payment fields. Their basic role is to strive together with NHK in the footing for the sake of efficiency and ensuring the quality of
Account transfer/ cycle: every two months, every six
¥2,230 ¥12,730 ¥24,770
Satellite Credit card creation of a rich and diverse broadcasting culture. public broadcasting in Japan.
Contract months, or every year
Postal order ¥2,280 ¥13,015 ¥25,320

Principal Affiliated Organizations (Fiscal 2018)

Financial Subsidiaries Public Service Groups Affiliated Organizations

National Diet Government Independence Audience
NHK ENTERPRISES, INC. NHK PUBLISHING, INC. NHK SERVICE CENTER, INC. Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation
Receiving NHK EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION NHK BUSINESS CREATE INC. NHK INTERNATIONAL, INC. NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc.
fees NHK GLOBAL MEDIA SERVICES, INC. NHK INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY INC. NHK ENGINEERING SYSTEM, INC. NHK Cosmomedia (Europe) Limited
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING INC. NHK CULTURE CENTER, INC. NHK COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING INSTITUTE BS Conditional Access Systems Co.,Ltd.
NHK PLANNET, INC. NHK BUSINESS SERVICES INC. NHK ACADEMY OF DISTANCE LEARNING
NHK PROMOTIONS INC. NHK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, TOKYO
NHK ART, INC. NHK PUBLIC WELFARE ORGANIZATION
Approves Appoints NHK MEDIA TECHNOLOGY, INC. <Health and Welfare Groups>
NHK's budget governors NHK HEALTH INSURANCE SOCIETY
NHK MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION

3 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 4

 NHK’- s Corporate Plan Five Major Objectives
FY 2018 2020
1 Continue to Evolve as a Public Service Media Provider
What You Need, When You Need It Your Life with Public Service Media A. Deliver clear, in-depth and dependable information on issues of public concern in a timely fashion.
NHK announced its new Three-Year Corporate Plan for fiscal year 2018 to 2020 in January 2018. B. Contribute to safer, more secure communities through expanded reporting aimed at preventing disasters,
The plan begins with six core public values that NHK strives to pursue, such as “Provide Accurate, Fair, Impartial Information” and reducing their impact, and providing support after they occur.
“Create High-quality Cultural Experiences” to achieve its mission as a public service media provider. C. Enrich viewer experience by offering unique, diverse content using cutting-edge technology.
To accomplish these values, the plan also sets five major objectives to fulfill its role as a core component of social infrastructure. D. Strengthen Japan’s global connections.

2 Contribute to Local Communities

NHK’s Six Core Public Values Convey the unique cultural, historical, social and natural features of Japan’s less-familiar places.

These are exciting times in the global media landscape.

News and other content are available in an unprecedented
broadcasting realm as well, NHK will continue to innovate,
launching 4K and 8K “Super Hi-Vision” services in 2018.
3 Look to the Future
array of formats – at unprecedented speed. Against this Providing dependable information anytime, anywhere:
A. Bring the very highest standards of broadcasting and other services to Tokyo 2020.
backdrop, NHK is expanding its use of the internet whatever the medium, NHK will continue to B. Encourage involvement and collaboration.
to deliver accurate, timely programming to fulfill its role as a core component of the social
an increasingly global audience. But in the
Provide
infrastructure.
4 Promote the Understanding of Our Viewers
Accurate, Fair, Ensure that receiving fee payments are borne fairly.
Impartial

Contribute to
Information
Promote 5 Strive to Promote Creativity, Efficiency, and Trust
Education Safety A. Establish a work environment in which innovation can thrive.
& & B. Work to promote highly efficient, transparent management practices.
Public Welfare Security C. Strengthen group-wide risk management to maintain public trust in NHK’s media operations.

Audience

Strengthen Create
Japan’s
Global
High-quality
Cultural
Inco me and Expenditure Plan for FY2018-2020
Connections Experiences
Contribute to (General Accounts) ( B i l l i o n Ye n )

Local
Clas s if icat ion FY2017 (a) FY2018 (b) FY2019 (c) FY2020 (d)
Communities
b-a c-b d-c

Total Operating Income 711.8 716.8 5.0 722.5 5.7 731.6 9.1

These core values will guide NHK as we strive to achieve our mission From receiving fees 689.2 699.5 10.3 702.8 3.3 710.8 8.0
as a public service media provider.

Total Operating Expenditures 702.0 712.8 10.8 722.5 9.7 731.6 9.1

Surplus 9.8 4.0 △ 5.7 0 △ 4.0 0 0

Construction fund reserves 170.7 170.7 △ 0.05 169.4 △ 1.3 166.5 △ 2.9

Surplus carried forward for financial △ 15.6 63.5 60.6 △ 2.9

92.4 76.7 △ 13.2
stabilization(Cumulative)

This plan is subject to change in response to social, economic and other circumstances.
The annual plan for revenues, expenditures and operations for each fiscal year is subject to the approval of the national Diet.

5 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 6

 4K/8K Super Hi-Vision
4K/8K Super Hi-Vision Broadcasts Start in December 2018
Two new BS services will be added in December 2018: NHK BS4K in 4K and NHK BS8K, the world’s first 8K broadcasting
service. NHK is preparing to deliver the close-up passion and excitement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
to as many viewers as possible and is eager for visitors to Japan to experience these high-quality broadcasting services.

NHK BS4K will enhance the quality of T V viewing across the range NHK BS8K will bring viewers genuine experiences from Japan and
of nature, travel, spor t and other programs, including the 2 019 around the world in the music, art, entertainment and other genres
historical drama series. where the highest quality pictures and sound truly count.

NHK is pressing ahead with program production for Super
Hi-Vision, the 4K and 8K ultra-high definition video systems
which surpass current 2K HDTV. 4K uses four, and 8K uses
16 times as many pixels as HDTV to produce ultra-high
definition images. In addition to the beautiful, detailed visual
images they also envelop the listener with 3D sound. It is an
all-encompassing experience that makes you feel as if you are
really there inside the scene yourself.
http://www.nhk.or.jp/8k/index_e.html

Public Viewings of the 2012

Research Began London Olympics 4K /8K Satellite Broadcasting

4K Moribito Ⅱ: The Anguish of the Destroyers 8K Kyoto : The Colors of Autumn

Shown First Time at NHK 4K /8K Test Satellite Tokyo Olympics
STRL Open House Broadcasting

Ultra-High Definition
4K and 8K are super-high definition images
with, respectively, four and 16 times more HDTV 1,920 x 1,080
(about 2 million pixels)
pixels than conventional 2K Hi-Vision.

4K 3,840 x 2,160
(about 8 million pixels)

8K 7,680 x 4,320
(about 33 million pixels) 4K Lost Hokusai – The Challenge of the Men and the 8K Seiji Ozawa's Beethoven Symphony No.2
Grand Illusion Painting
Photo adjusted to represent the basic effect.

Multi-channel sound
5.1 channel sound for 4K and 22.2 multi-channel sound system for 8K

22.2 5.1
multi-channel channel
sound sound
9 upper channels Images des collections et des espaces du musée du Louve – Paris/
10 middle channels Coproduction 8K NHK-Musée du Louvre
3 lower channels 5 middle channels
Low frequency effects Low frequency effects 4K The Magical Moon That Calls Life to the Great Barrier 8K The Louvre: A Time Transcending Beauty
(0.2 channels) (0.1 channels) Reef – Giant Spawning

7 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 8

 NHK WORLD-JAPAN
NHK WORLD-JAPAN is the new name from April 2018, of NHK WORLD, NHK’s international broadcasting
R adio
NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts lucid Japanese
service on TV, radio and the internet, transmitting the latest stories from Japan and Asia to the world.
news and features worldwide in 17 languages by radio. The
broadcast slots and diverse transmission media – shortwave,
medium wave, FM, satellite radio, internet streaming etc. – are

TV English Language Channel selected to match the characteristics and reception environment of
each region.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts news and 300 million households in about 160 countries as of March The service reacts flexibly in times of disaster and other
programs in English 24-hours a day delivering the latest 2018. On the internet, programs can be viewed simultaneously emergencies to deliver the latest news as it is needed. Programs
information from Japan and Asia to the world. The channel is to broadcasts on personal computers, smartphone apps etc. also share disaster-reduction knowhow that can be applied in
now available via satellite, cable and other services to roughly other countries and contribute to the safety and peace of mind of
listeners everywhere. Amid the rising interest in Japan as 2020
Improvements in 2018 approaches, the wide range of program topics from Japanese
culture and language to local industry and technology, as well as
regional issues, contribute to understanding of the country.
Richer Japanese Perspectives in News and NHK NEWSLINE
Programs / Fuller Asian News Gathering 28 minutes on the hour
Japan in all of its rich diversity comes into sharper focus every hour, Monday to Friday Broadcasts in 17 Languages
10 minutes on the hour
through the further enhancement of NHK’s fair, unbiased news every hour, Saturday and English Arabic Bengali Burmese Chinese French Hindi Indonesian Korean
coverage and increased reporting of distinctive regional topics Sunday Persian Portuguese Russian Spanish Swahili Thai Urdu Vietnamese
The core hourly news
from around Japan. Asian news coverage has been enhanced, service
too, in tandem with NHK’s overseas bureaus.

I nternet nhk.jp/world

NHK WORLD-JAPAN
New Programs for the Build-up to 2020 J-Arena Push Notification Service
Friday 13:30 – 13:58 etc.
disseminates TV and radio news
New programs looking forward to 2020 feature sports and programs on the internet both A push notification service for smartphones
born in Japan and others in which Japanese athletes are now simultaneously to broadcasts and on- and other mobile devices has been launched
competing at the global level. The multi-faceted attractions of demand. to provide Japanese domestic earthquake and
Japan are also presented, for example, through programs that tsunami information in English for the safety
focus on economic trends and other business information from and peace of mind of foreign visitors to Japan.
Japan and Asia.

Much More Multi-lingual 15 minutes
and Internet Content Wendesday 09:30-09:45 etc.
An experimental slot for
Multi-lingual, internet-friendly content is being developed for
development style, web-sized
a new, weekly 15-minute program slot. Short video versions programs optimized for smart-
of popular programs are being produced on a regular basis for phones, including anything
from Asian internet celebrities
social networking services. to Japanese culinary Bento
infuences.
Multi-lingual
Video Content
NHK WORLD-JAPAN is massively
expanding its subtitled and dubbed
VOD (video-on-demand) services
Users who download the special free apps can
in Chinese, Indonesian, Thai,
access the services easily, anytime, anywhere on
smartphones, tablets etc. Vietnamese and other languages.

Japanese-language services
Connecting Local Regions to the World Kids Meet N HK WORLD P REMIUM N HK WORLD RAD IO J APAN
A new program tie-up with local broadcasts features the the World
NHK WORLD PREMIUM is NHK’s Japanese-language The content of NHK Radio 1, ranging from news, current events,
preparations Japanese elementary and junior high school pupils Sunday channel for overseas viewers. Round-the-clock programming sports, music, and radio drama, is broadcast simultaneously
are now making to cheer on the athletes of other countries in 09:10 – 09:35 etc.
features a wide variety of content, including news, dramas, with domestic channel to bring you the latest about Japan. We
2020. Quality documentaries and other programs, too, are
music, kids’ shows and sports, drawn from the four NHK also provide safety and comfort to our listeners by delivering
being developed through closer linkage to domestic broadcasts.
channels in Japan. It reaches some 20 million households in international news and overseas safety information. This serves as
over 100 countries and regions. a lifeline for Japanese citizens living abroad.

9 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 10

 News Reporting
As the years passed since Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, NHK continues to build on the lessons of
Global Network
that calamity and carry out its mission to protect lives and livelihoods through coverage of natural disasters.
Conveying the world’s news promptly and comprehensibly
Footage from helicopters and remote-controlled cameras As globalization progresses, viewers’ interest organization to convey information about world events and
is very effective in immediately conveying the situation in international news is increasing more and more. issues promptly and in a manner that fosters understanding.
at the scene of a disaster. Helicopters and cameras
constantly provided real-time images of the tsunamis From the actions of the United States under President NHK has reporting bases in 30 locations throughout the
that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. NHK has Trump and his America-First policies, the actions of world, with 81 correspondents providing around-the-clock
15 helicopters, as well as remote-controlled cameras, North Korea, Japan’s relationships with South Korea and news coverage.
including simple web cameras, in about 700 locations. It China, and Syria’s increasingly chaotic civil war, to the In addition, to enable us to report promptly on major
is improving upon the relay links with its helicopters and prolonged issue of Rohingya refugees (an ethnic group incidents such as disasters overseas, NHK has “emergency
installing more cameras so that broadcasts can help to persecuted in Myanmar), the rise of anti-immigrant and deployment teams” comprising reporting and technical
reduce, even by a little, the damage caused by disasters. anti-EU movements in Europe, and the global economy, staff that are constantly on standby to head out to any
NHK has an important mission as a public service media location at any time and provide news coverage.
The corporation is also ensuring that back-up operations
The helicopter equipped
are in place, should the NHK Broadcasting Center in
Tokyo ever go off the air in the event of a major disaster.
with 4K camera Overseas General Bureau System 30 NHK overseas reporting bases
Current as of April 2018
Should this happen, NHK Osaka Station will be able to
Europe Middle East/Africa Asia/Far East Oceania South America
broadcast news nationwide in place of Tokyo. Systems
are being put in place and drills carried out to ensure  
Paris (Europe General Bureau) Cairo   General Bureau)
Beijing (China  
Manila Sydney Sao Paulo
London Jerusalem Shanghai Hanoi
that the metropolitan area would also be to send out Brussels Tehran Guangzhou Singapore North America
information. Berlin Dubai Hong Kong Jakarta New York (America General Bureau)
Vienna Johannesburg Taipei New Delhi Washington
Moscow Seoul Islamabad Los Angeles
Moreover, improvements are being made to the content Bangkok (Asia General Bureau) Vladivostok
of broadcasts to help save lives when disaster strikes.
If a warning is issued for a tsunami or major tsunami,
announcements urging people in the strongest terms to
evacuate without delay will be made. NHK has made
screen captions as concise as possible for the likes of
tsunami warnings. It is striving to report on disasters in a
manner that can be clearly and quickly understood when
seen or heard.
London Seoul
New York (America General Bureau)
Furthermore, NHK is taking steps to enhance its
capabilities in being able to deliver accurate updates
about disasters and evacuations, and other useful SNG (Satellite News Gathering) van
information, via not only television and radio, but
Europe
North America
also the internet and smartphone apps, as well as data
broadcasts. In particular, NHK regional stations are
working to establish systems to provide relevant and
Asia / Far East
detailed information to people in the community through
various means, such as special TV and radio bulletins, Middle East / Africa
news tickers, data broadcasts and webpages. South America
The screen of
Emergency Earthquake Oceania
Drills are conducted daily at the NHK News Center in
warning
Tokyo to facilitate prompt responses to an earthquake
or tsunami. Regional stations across Japan are also
implementing realistic disaster drills and establishing
emergency news reporting systems aimed at saving as
many lives as possible in the event of a disaster.

Johannesburg Los Angeles

11 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 12

 Programs
Gener al TV
As the main television service of NHK, General
TV aims to serve as the public media by adhering to reporting
on disaster prevention and reduction in the interest of the
safety and security of the public. We will also continue to
offer fair and unbiased news shows and programs that will
serve as a guideline to society. NHK will also create appealing
TV BS 1
The satellite television service aims to be an It will step up efforts to create program related to the
“information channel with a live feel” and strives to enhance Tokyo 2020 Oympic and Paralympic Games and will
coverage of such fields as sports, international affairs / respond to the fullest to the surging interest of the
economics and documentaries. viewers as we head toward the year.
programs in a variety of genres, such as entertainment, culture
and sports. Hoping to become a television channel that appeals “International
to by people of all ages, we will focus on offering local news News Report
2018”
nationwide and enhancing our service to the viewers, while
keeping in mind the diversifying style of television viewing.

“Paralympics, We'll All Get There!” "BS World documentaries”

BS Premium
"News 7" Serialized morning drama “Mofumofu mofumofu”
The satellite television service strives to become programs that provide an exclusive feel with a sense of scale,
“Hanbun, aoi” an “exhilarating genuine-oriented entertainment channel”. good laughs and deeply-felt emotions.
True to its name, we will offer glamorous and colorful

Annual historical drama series
“Segodon”
“Producer Arita entertains the guest" “Don’t Sleep Through Life!”
Vir tual girl Chiko turns miscellaneous
facts in life into quizzes.
"The world is full of things we desire" “New common sense about beauty and "E xquisite! Magical sweets" "Visiting places: Travel by running 10 km"
youth: Secrets of the body"
The program focuses on the latest trend
of the field and discovers unknown
charms of places around the world with
following top buyers.

Award- Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki Synopses

・Prix Italia 2017/　
Dogs and Cats: The Hidden Victims of War
・ABU Prizes 2017/ Radio Documentary "ABU Prize"
Educational TV Winning T V: Performing Arts "Special Mention"

In addition to addressing key issues such

Programs
as education and welfare, the channel offers a variety of
programs focusing on language, culture, hobby and practical
knowledge to meet the desire of people of all ages to “know” When Caregivers Kill Within the Family
NHK keenly takes part ・Chicago International Film Festival Television
and “learn”. We will strengthen links between the programs
in many international MIRACLE BODY: Russia's Golden Mermaids Awards (2017 )/ T V Programs: Nonfiction Program
and the internet service to broaden viewership among children ・ABU Prizes 2017/ T V Sports Program "ABU Prize" "Gold Plaque"
competitions with a view
and the young. Our goal is to offer broadcasting that will ・The AIB International Media E xcellence Awards (2017 )/
Children’s program “With mother"
t o a c h i ev i n g a r i c h e r Science, Technology and Nature "AIB Award"
enrich and aid people’s lives. ・US International Film & Video Festival 2017/
broadcasting culture. It
Documentaries: Sports /recreation
has earned considerable "SILVER SCREEN"
acclaim and numerous ・World Media Festival 2017/ Documentaries:
awards for the subjects, Sports and Activities "intermedia-globe GOLD"
composition, quality of 88 Hours: The Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown
©Takuya Mitsuda・Shogakukan/NHK NEP ShoPro
its images, and so on, ・US International Film & Video Festival (2017 )/
"Major 2 nd " Documentary Docudrama
in its programs. The "The Best of Festival ( Documentary)"
T his is a sequel to the p opular
baseball manga series titled recognition has led to a
“ M a j o r ”. I t i s a c o min g - o f- a g e number of NHK programs
“Communicating to the world: stor y of boys and girls who are
“Naoki Matayoshi’s eureka!" English techniques in SNS" dedicated to baseball. being aired abroad.
The program takes an economic topic and expands it to cover culture in
general. W hat begins with a simple question will eventually s atisf y the The English-language program targets
viewers’ intellectual curiosit y. people who wish to communicate with See for more details: http://nhk.jp/awards
the world through SNS.

13 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 14

 Programs RADIO
The use of the internet radio is growing along with the popularization of smartphones. NHK will create new
programs that interface with the internet and lead to winning new listeners.
Radio 1
As the main radio service of NHK, we will
expand news programs and programs offering local-based
information useful in life; and offer findings that protect lives
and improve people’s everyday life. By clarifying the target
audience of each program and time slot, we will meet the
expectations of people of all ages by offering a wide range of
programs, as well as locally-based broadcasting. NHK will
Radio 2
The radio service supports lifelong learning and
offers programs that satisfy people’s wide-ranging appetite for
knowledge. We will enrich our language programs as we await
FM Radio
NHK’s FM Radio meets listeners’ expectations
by offering balanced contents that cover a wide genre of music
and entertainment. By appointing a number of appealing
personalities to navigate the evening programs on weekdays,
we will try to increase the number of people of all ages
Inter net Radio
Radiru ★ Radiru is our internet radio offering
the content of NHK’s Radio 1, Radio 2 and FM Radio online.
It was launched in September 2011 to improve the poor
reception of radio broadcasting inside buildings, in mountains
and areas with interference problems. In November 2016, we
started a service that offers listeners access to programs aired
by local radio outlets that they missed. It covers programs of
about 20 local broadcast stations that are not delivered via
Radiru ★ Radiru.
We have also been conducting an experimental distribution
through “radiko”, the internet radio of commercial radio
stations, since October 2017. We expanded the service
nationwide in mid-April of this year.
15 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019
Internet Services
As the use of the smartphone and tablet devices continues to spread, NHK, while committing to broadcasting as our key
service, will also offer a broad range of accurate, fair and just information as well as versatile contents of good quality
online. In particular, we will offer highly public services with a focus on information on disaster prevention and reduction
that will protect people’s lives and everyday life and also sports-related contents that are of strong interest to the public.
NHK Hybridcast
facilitate the spread of the internet radio Radiru ★ Radiru Launched in 2013, NHK Hybridcast is a television
and digital broadcasting to improve our services further. service that integrates broadcasting and telecommunications
services, enabling viewers to enjoy even clearer image quality than
with conventional data broadcasting.
In addition to being able to see the latest news 24-hours-a-day
on “NEWS WEB”, viewers can enjoy the worldviews of dramas
through images bursting with realism, such as the “360° Gallery”,
"N Rad i" which can pan around the entire image of location sets used in the
filming of dramas, as well as videos introducing various programs.
Data Broadcasting
Tokyo 2020 and offer opportunities to study “whenever” and
“wherever” by coordinating with the internet services. With “data broadcasting”, viewers can see Internet, as well as services with interactive functions, such
news and weather information, earthquake and tsunami as a feature that enables viewers to answer quiz questions by
information, and information on various programs at any time pressing buttons on their remote control.
simply by pressing the “d button” on their remote control. Data broadcasting services are also available for NHK
Moreover, viewers can also access weather radar pictures General TV and E Tele (NHK Educational TV) 1seg
and other services by connecting their television to the broadcasts.
who come into contact with our broadcasting. In case of
emergencies such as disasters, we will offer information on the
essential utilities and bring detailed findings as a broadcaster NHK NHK Online (for personal computers) was launched in 1995 as NHK’s “face” on the internet. It
underwent a major redesign in the spring of 2017 and has also become tablet-friendly. To foster
of local information.
Online better understanding of our programs and services, we also use outside social networking services
(SNS). In addition, NHK Online serves as the gateway to simultaneous online broadcasting that
https://www.nhk.or.jp/ makes disaster information in emergencies accessible to people anytime and anywhere.
Reinforcing news and disaster Enhancing the viewing Responding to the viewers’ wish to “know
information experience of sports-related and enjoy more”
topics
We will aggregate and improve Through a variety of sports and In conjunction with NHK’s broadcasting programs
http://nhk.jp/netradio our disaster- and weather-related news programs, NHK will also on food, home, health, hobbies, childcare
websites that protect people’s lives offer a wide range of sports- and more, we will offer services centering on
We hope that radio will become part of people’s lives once and everyday life and redesign them related information online. We information and videos that address the viewers’
into an online portal that will be will foster momentum among our problems and questions. As for health-related
again through smartphones and personal computers. NHK
useful in emergencies. The “NHK viewers by offering information information, we will improve convenience by
Radio will enhance the online services further to this end. nyusu / bosai (NHK News / Disaster on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and making data searchable by the areas of the body
Prevention)” application will be Paralympic Games. and symptoms.
improved by letting it guide the
users to related
news and en-
hancing the
coordination
with NHK’s
other websites.
"NHK News “NHK Tokyo 2020 information site” “Health Channel” “NHK 1.5 Channel”
/ Disaster
Prevention" https://www.nhk.or.jp/tokyo2020/ https://www.nhk.or.jp/kenko/ https://www.nhk.or.jp/ten5/
application
NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 16
 NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL)
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL) Internet Technology for Broadcast Services
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories, Various services are being developed based around
founded in 1930, is Japan’s only research institute dedicated to H y b r i d c a s t C o n n e c t , u t i l i z i n g t h e c o nve rg e n c e o f
the survey, research, and development of broadcasting technology broadcasting and the internet, which will connect program
from program production to transmission and reception. The many content with the everyday lives of viewers. For example,
technologies developed by STRL have given birth to satellite information about a sightseeing spot that has been seen
broadcasting, HDTV, and other broadcasting services. STRL has on television will be delivered to a viewer while they are
been performing a pioneering role in broadcasting technology, not driving in the area. In this way, viewers can expect services
only in Japan but globally, contributing greatly to the development whereby the topics of programs will interact with aspects of
of broadcasting culture. their lives and connect with their activities and interests.

NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories

Collaboration between broadcasting and car services

NHK STRL Open House

STRL also displays its research findings to the public. The achievements of the research Automatic Sign-Language CG System
and development are showcased at the annual Open House. This unique event attracts
more than 20,000 visitors, from experts to family groups. Apart from the displays, STRL is conducting research on the use of computer
visitors can also experience new technologies and join guided tours led by research staff. graphics (CG) to convert spoken Japanese into sign
Every effort is made to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit to the full. language in order to implement the technology for wider use
in broadcasting. A CG dictionary is available on the STRL
website for sign language users to evaluate the technology.

Resea rch & Development

Integral 3D Television Sign language CG

Integral 3D television is a system which reproduces 3D

images for simple, natural viewing without the use of Transcription System using Speech Recognition
special glasses. The 3D effects work vertically as well as
horizontally, making the images appear solid and real. NHK We are developing speech recognition technology to quickly in tasks such as creating broadcast manuscripts and editing
is targeting development of a practical system by around and accurately transcribe comments in collected program video footage based on the content.
2030. footage. This technology supports rapid program production

Integral 3D image using 13.3-inch 8K OLED display

Large Sheet-type Displays

Spear heading Standardization
Television sets with large sheet-type displays are being
pursued through the development of longer lasting, energy- The format of audio and video signals needs to
saving organic electroluminescence suited for large and be standardized to enable any TV set to pick up broadcast
flexible ultra-thin, lightweight screens. This research is programs. Internationally recognized standards can
aimed at developing sets suitable for the home in the future. facilitate exchanges and co-productions of programs with
broadcasters in other countries.
NHK is pursuing the international standardization of
technologies through participation in organizations
such as the International Telecommunication Union
Prototype of a flexible OLED display
Radiocommunications Sector (ITU-R). In 2016, the High
Dynamic Range (HDR) image format jointly developed
together with the BBC was adopted as an international
standard. The use of the formats developed by NHK as a
common standard not only in Japan, but abroad as well
will help reduce the costs of broadcasting equipment and
promote broadcast content to broadcasters and related
organizations internationally.

17 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 18

 Global Partners
Connections with Broadcasting Organizations Around the World
Coop eration with Overseas Broadcasting Unions
– Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) –
The A BU was for me d i n 196 4 u nder t he
i n it iat ive of N H K a nd ot her s, a nd a i m s to a dva nce
broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region that is home to over
4 billion people. As of March 2018, it has more than 270
member broadcasting organizations in 69 countries and
regions. As a key member of the group, NHK cooperates
in the a reas of progra ms a nd tech nology to promote
international contribution through broadcasting. ABU’s
activities include the ABU Robocon (ABU Robot Contest)
that was launched under NHK’s initiative; Asiavision,
a program where member broadcasters exchange news
footages; co-production and exchange of children’s dramas
and documentaries; as well as technological assistance and
coordination on international standards.
NHK also serves as a key member of Public Broadcasters
International (PBI) and its conference organizer. It also
engages in exchanges with the European Broadcasting Union
(EBU).
The JAPAN PRIZE
International Contest for Educational Media
Established by NHK in 1965, the JAPAN PRIZE is an international
competition for recognizing excellence in educational media content.
By awarding outstanding works submitted from around the world
and supporting the realization of ideas for educational television
programs, the JAPAN PRIZE aims to contribute to enhance quality
of educational content around the world as well as international
understanding. The 2018 contest will take place from November 2 to 9.
http://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/
Inter national Co-operation / Acceptance of Trainees
In addition to technological cooperation through
dispatching broadcast experts overseas and accepting foreign
trainees, NHK pursues co-production and provides programs
and news materials based on agreements concluded with
overseas broadcasters.
NHK welcomed 25 foreign trainees from 10 countries in
19 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019
Supp lying Programs
With the aim of promoting mutual understanding, The project is mainly based on the foreign ministry’s ODA
and assisting cultural and educational development in in the form of cultural grants and offers made by the Japan
ODA (Japan’s Official Development Assistance) recipient Foundation. In fiscal 2017, NHK supplied 2,701 programs, to
countries, NHK offers programs to broadcasters in the 12 countries around the world, including those in Asia, Africa
developing countries and others through NHK International. and Latin America.
Prog ram Sales and Acquisitions
NHK acquires wide-ranging media content and many other dramas have been offered. NHK has gained
including film, drama, documentaries, entertainment, classical global recognition for its nature and science programs, such as
music and animation from around the world for broadcasting in the “ Wildlife” series and “Nature Wonder Land XI ”.
Japan. NHK bought 1,334 programs during fiscal 2017.
Meanwhile, NHK sells a variety of programs, ranging from
ABU General Assembly in Chengdu
documentaries to dramas, overseas through NHK Enterprises
(NEP) and other entities. During fiscal 2017, NHK offered
7,428 programs to broadcasters in 33 countries and regions
worldwide. NHK serialized morning drama is popular,
especially in Asia, and “Beppin-san” and “Bloom (Hiyokko)”
"Bloom (Hiyokko)"
Inter national Co-Productions www.nhk.or.jp/co-pro/e/
ABU Robocon held in Tokyo
Since 1980, NHK has undertaken co-production NHK continues to open up a new horizon in the field of
projects with broadcasters, production companies and international co-productions. In an effort to create large scale
distributors from all parts of the world. programs with leading-edge technology and innovative style,
With nearly 1,000 programs in its co-production catalogue, NHK is constantly seeking co-production partners.
© JAMSTEC/NHK
"THE BODY": Miracles of Our Inner Social Networks "DEEP OCEAN" : Giants of the Antarctic Deep "DEEP OCEAN" : Descent into the Mariana Trench
with S4C, CuriosityStream and AI Arabiya Channel with ZDF/ARTE and National Geographic WILD with ZDF/ARTE
fiscal 2017. We have accepted 3,296 trainees from 146
countries and regions to date. NHK has signed cooperation
agreements, cooperation memorandums and memorandums
for exchanging news materials with 67 broadcasters in 48
countries and regions.
"Samurai Castle" "Eclipse : Secrets of the Sun" "Prodigies"
with CuriosityStream with Windfall Films with Boréales
NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 20
 NHK Public Relations
Service Our Audience
NHK Studio Park
NHK Studio Park is a facility offering visitors
a behind-the-scenes look at NHK broadcasting. It aims to
enhance ties with the public and bring broadcasting closer,
and attracts around 550,000 visitors a year.
At NHK Studio Park, visitors can view 8K Super Hi-Vision
screenings, become the studio audience of real-time programs
and have hands-on experience as a newscaster.
Futur e Challenge with a Focus on the Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games
NHK will hold events nationwide that will foster momentum
for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “N
Spo! ”, a participatory event focusing on sports, introduces
the appeal and fun aspect of new sports through a mix of
video and technology. A project titled “Here Comes the
Paralympians! Interactive Lessons With Children” will
“N Spo!” (NHK Broadcasting Center)
Interactive Lessons With Children”
Effo rts in Social Contribution
Taking advantage of its nationwide network,
NHK focuses on broadcasting and campaigns that addresses
the challenges and needs of society such as welfare, disaster
prevention, environment and food. The NHK Heart Project
that focuses on welfare issues promotes the realization of a
society where everyone can “live together”.
It also collaborates with groups such as the Central
Community Chest of Japan and the Japanese Red Cross
Society and holds fundraising campaigns at year-end as well
as for overseas relief efforts.
21 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019
NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute www.nhk.or.jp/bunken/english/
This unique broadcaster-operated research The findings of the studies
center was established in 1946. The institute investigates and surveys conducted by
various areas of broadcasting and programming around the institute are published
the world, including, surveys of viewers’ opinions and in various media, including
tendencies, as well as research into the public aspects of The NHK Monthly Report on
broadcasting. The theme for 2018 is creating a research Broadcast Research, posted
facility based around creating a ‘Public Service Media’, online on blogs and Twitter,
with ‘discovering new broadcast and media services as well as via broadcasts.
that meet the needs of the times’, ‘development and
maintenance of a rich broadcasting culture’, ‘taking a
wide range of public opinion in the age of multiple media NHK Broadcasting Culture
outlets’ and ‘the definition of a new Public Service Media’ Research Institute and NHK
Museum of Broadcasting
as the basis for moving ahead with research and surveys.
NHK Museum of Broadcasting www.nhk.or.jp/museum/english/
The museum was established in 1956 as the
be offered at seven elementary schools in Japan to foster world’s first such institution dedicated to broadcasting.
understanding of para sports and to stir interest in the Exhibits include a zone tracing the history of broadcasting,
Paralympics. “Nippon Premium Theater” is an event that experiential attractions and the Mount Atago 8K Theater,
adds new twists to Japan’s representative media contents and these provide visitors with fun ways to learn about the culture
introduces them in Japan and overseas. This event aims to and history of broadcasting, and gain a better understanding
heighten the momentum in the cultural field. of it, while the museum also carries out research and studies.
It reopened in 2016 following refurbishment and in
New exhibits at the
2017 the total number of visitors in its history reached 5 NHK Museum of
million. Broadcasting
“Meet the Paralympians! “Nippon Premium Theater”
NHK Archives http://www.nhk.or.jp/archives/about/
NHK began radio broadcasting from inception of broadcasting, popular television dramas and
the Tokyo broadcasting station back in March 1925. animations, and travelogues that capture long-forgotten
Following the war, NHK began television broadcasting in sceneries. Additional programs that can be viewed are
1953 as Japan Broadcasting Corporation. NHK Archives made public each month. They may be enjoyed through
23rd Heart Exhibition
is a collective term referring to the programs produced special audiovisual terminals set up at 57 NHK facilities
Poem by Haruki Yamamoto
during more than 90 years of radio broadcasting and 60 including your local
(learning difficulties)
Artwork by Yoichi Takahashi years of television broadcasting; their scripts and records broadcasting stations.
(manga artist) concerning the programs; materials used to make the
programs; as well as the database system that preserves
them and the archive facility located in Kawaguchi City
in Saitama Prefecture.
The open program library is a charge-free service that
gives the public access to more than 10,000 representative
programs (including around 600 radio programs) from
among all programs aired by NHK in the past.
They include rare sound sources dating from the
NHK CORPORATE PROFILE 2018-2019 22