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Tokyo court orders car owner to pay NHK fee

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Unwantrd and uninvited.

27 ( +27 / -0 )

Take the navigation system out and buy one that will not receive NHK. The easier things become for NHK, revenue wise, the more the company will slack on content. Now that they will not be beholding to their viewers things will go down hill.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

The whole thing with NHK is just a scam. I’ve lived in japan for the better part of twenty years and never watch Japanese TV. I have had many arguments with the scalpers that come around collecting NHK fees for nothing. Just because you have a device that is capable of receiving TV signals does not make you liable to pay extortion fees. NHK should be set up as a pay per view channel that you only pay for if you watch it. This is what makes the current system extortion. It’s difficult to believe the way the courts make people pay for something they don’t use. If people were only made to pay if they watch NHK, I’m quite sure it would start losing money hand over fist. I had one scalper tell me I had to pay because I watch DVDs. I just laughed at him and closed the door.

25 ( +27 / -2 )

First cellphones,then satnavs,next will be any device capable of going online.

Wow,not only are we having the government's propaganda forced on us at every turn we will soon have to pay for it as well even if have no intention of watching or listening to it.

I hear NHK salaries are very lucrative indeed and why not shift the HQ from some of the costliest land in Tokyo to a place where real estate is much more reasonable,helping to cut costs and to reduce the depopulation of the inane.

23 ( +24 / -1 )

Making the peasants pay for their brainwashing, how cynical can you get.

23 ( +25 / -2 )

Thanks to the passing of many fat Brown envelopes, anyone who owns something that has the capability to receive NHK, even if they never watch it, must pay the subscription fee according to the law. That same law provides no penalty at all for not paying the fee. So we just ignore the collector when he comes to the door.

22 ( +23 / -1 )

*Unwanted

19 ( +19 / -0 )

Do the hustleToday  07:23 am JST

NHK should be set up as a pay per view channel that you only pay for if you watch it.

The slush funds would run dry in no time.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

How come we get fined ¥6,000 for using a cell phone in a car when it's OK to watch TV while driving?

17 ( +20 / -3 )

Thanks to the passing of many fat Brown envelopes, anyone who owns something that has the capability to receive NHK, even if they never watch it, must pay the subscription fee according to the law.

That's exactly what it is. These judges are as corrupt as the politicians if not more.

NHK should be set up as a pay per view channel that you only pay for if you watch it.

The slush funds would run dry in no time.

exactly. its ridiculous.

17 ( +19 / -2 )

Don't talk to strangers, kids! Especially those with an NHK name tag!

16 ( +17 / -1 )

@sensei258 -  That same law provides no penalty at all for not paying the fee. So we just ignore the collector when he comes to the door.

Actually, this is not quite true. They introduced a ¥2,000 penalty for those who refuse to pay. However, there is no law to make you pay it.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Don't even open the door for the collector.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

inane should have said inaka,a Freudian slip by my MacBook?

13 ( +14 / -1 )

The other day it was reported that thanks to a couple of loony judges, NHK raked in an extra 20.9 billion Yen in revenues over fiscal year 2018, making the total amount they received in 2018 a whopping and a record amount of 712 billion Yen. Is that really necessary in order to sustain this company? If they have to receive fees from owning a TV or similar device, a few hundred Yen a month would more than suffice it seems. Time to check out that Outfit for all to see what they are doing with all that money.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

I have 3 cars and 4 TVs and 3 phones and 5 computers. I don’t watch NHK because it is controlled by Abe’s best friend and the weather is always wrong and the English translation has that annoying woman. I watch YouTube only.

my question is, do I have to pay the fee 15 times a month for not using it?

and, if go overseas for a month or two, do I still have to pay?

12 ( +13 / -1 )

For some reason, my Japanese skill really worsens whenever the NHK guy shows up.

Same here.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Insert meme: NHK holding a banana. "Is this a TV?'

11 ( +11 / -0 )

This is ROBBERY! When I buy a TV or a Nav for my car, I don't actively subscribe to NHK so why the hell should I pay for it? Thats like me saying, I charge people to speak to me, so every time you say something to me, you have to pay me.

You can't just charge people who didn't ask for your services. NHK needs make themselves a proper cable tv provider like Wowow or Star TV and provide services to those who WANT to subscribe.

Every time NHK tries to collect from me, I simply tell them, " hey, I don't know you. Your just some old dude in a hard hat, who shows up to my house soliciting money for services that I never purchased. If you wan't me to pay for this, do what the other services providers do. Send me a proper bill with my name and contract number printed on it, and I will happily pay it. Until then, stop harassing me by asking for money for something I never subscribed to"

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Hey the National Harassment Klan has struck again. Seriously, all they know is harassment for money. ANY other company who would do this would get sued.

Serious question, why does ONLY NHK force people to pay for subscriptions, no other cable tv channel does this. Why are they still allowed to harass the people for money.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

The Tokyo District Court on Wednesday ruled that the owner of a car with a navigation system capable of receiving television signals should pay the monthly subscription fee for Japan's public broadcaster.

hahzhahahahahahahahahahahahaha (inhales) hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

(wipes tears of laughter from my eyes) Oh.....wow!

This is as stupid as saying "Anyone with any form of mobility other than your legs must pay for using the road"

You can't charge someone for buying/owning that they use for their own purpose and ASSUME they are using it to use your useless services. I can already picture the NHK people on the freeway doing 80km/h pulling up beside my car talking about "I'm from NHK. You have to pay!" Can't wait to get my "No NHK" bumper sticker!

9 ( +11 / -2 )

There's no penalty for not paying.

Yeah, as long as you do not sign the contract. Once you sign it, you must pay.

Anyway, I just tell the guy I don't have a TV and I don't own a car. And say good bye.

For some reason, my Japanese skill really worsens whenever the NHK guy shows up.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Saiko,

I often wonder the exact same thing.They certainly haven’t spent it on the public schools.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Has anyone actually tried this?

Yes. When the country switched over to digital terrestrial, we hadn't yet bought a new telly and so were without a TV. At first we didn't bother, since we were intending to get a new set when we got around to it.

A few months later we still hadn't got a new telly (Son said he wanted to buy us one out of his first bonus, so we decided to wait).

I called NHK, told them we didn't have a TV and wanted to cancel our contract. The lady was very nice and polite, and sent us a form which we filled in with the details of when we stopped having a TV, sent it back, and I think it was about a week later we got a refund for the amount left on the contract, back-dated to the day digital started.

It couldn't have been easier.

And of course when we got our new telly up and running, we started paying again. We're not freeloaders.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

It might be helpful to know why the woman launched this case. She wanted to confirm that she didn't have to pay? Was her neighbourhood collector harassing her?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

zichi:

If I had a TV, I'd rather pay for subscription to BBC than to NHK. At least the former produces good quality programmes (sold throughout the world). I really don't want to watch a channel which has to follow the teachings of Abe.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

@Zichi, yes it is not "foreign" debt, meaning very little of Japan's debt is held by foreigners but, debt is debt. It does not make it any better just because it is not held much outside of Japan. Japan is $13 Trillion in debt... the USA, with almost 3 times Japan's population and a massive military with many wars is $22 Trillion in debt. Where has Japan spent all the money.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

What everyone needs to understand is that the Japanese government is broke.

It has one of, if not the largest foreign debt in the world.

Thus, the need to hound people to pay their fees, taxes & pensions.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

There is no video displayed when the car is moving, unless the owner has hacked the unit

Car dealerships will install an override toggle switch.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The ruling came after the Supreme Court in March ordered owners of cellphones with TV functionality to pay the subscription fee.

Well, you just gave cellphone manufacturers an idea to rake in more profits for the NHK. I really don't get why the NHK is overly keen on getting their subscription fee from any device with a TV function? What's next, a smart watch with a TV function would also be charged?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Navigation systems today, computers tomorrow.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Next time you are shopping for a car, phone, or any other product that contains communicaitions technology ask first: is this capable of receiving NHK? Yes? Ok, then find me one that doesn't.

There must be a Nav system manufacturer that would be willing to make one that can't get NHK. They could market it on that alone. And your car dealership should know that there is demand for exactly this functionality.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Pay the HNK fee and help support the country you live in!

We support it in many ways. There is no way the country is supported by the NHK theft!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

¥200,000? You are either wrong or someone is stealing from you. The NHK license fee is about ¥15,000 for Terrestrial Contract and ¥25,000 for Satellite Contract.

He's not wrong. They add on 'fines' and it mounts up very quickly! My ex wife was charged over ¥270,000 - we had no TV and won our case. But now with them going after cellphone users and car navigation system owners, they're bending the law to suit themselves!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Bullfighter,

Good points but at least the BBC puts out decent programs and is relatively neutral especially compared to NHK.

The whole point of the license fee is to allow the channel to be impartial to outside influences.

NHK is far from impartial.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

YuriOtani,

I normally agree with most of your posts but not this time.

NHK has become a mouthpiece of the LDP and Abe.

The whole point of paying a license fee is so that NHK can remain politically neutral......not needing commercials and outside influences.

However,once Abe appointed one of his buddies as president we knew that both the game and neutrality was up.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Aly Rustom Today 08:35 am JST

That's exactly what it is. These judges are as corrupt as the politicians if not more.

Judges are only complying with the current law, which was approved in the National Diet. You can totally disagree with the current law, but you can't blame the judges for simply complying with the law.

You don't want a judge to hand down a sentence that's against the law. That would be an act of "prevarication" that could cost a criminal sanction against you. And the end of his professional career.

Unfortunately, the laws have to be obeyed. Like it or not. The good thing about democracies is that in the future there may be a change of power that can rectify these disproportionate and unjust laws.

But this work of modifying the current law. It belongs only to the legislators of the National Diet. No judge of any court can do that.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

YuriOtaniToday  09:32 pm JST

Spitfire, yet it is still Japanese law. 

A law that was drafted before there were mobile devices and car navigation systems that you can watch TV on, right? Then it's badly out of date and needs to be revised to set up some kind of pay-per-view system for devices not bought for the purpose of watching TV. However I suspect Abe's NHK lackeys will be allowed to charge anyone anything they like as long as they continue to tow the party line.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

BelrickToday  04:51 pm JST

The broadcast law obliges anyone who possesses a TV signal receiver to sign a contract with Japan Broadcasting Corp, commonly known as NHK.

This is not an obligation, this is a forced payment for something you don't want to buy!

But do you own a TV and have it set up to receive signals? If so they're within their rights to ask you to pay, even more so if you actually watch anything. That's why I only have my own TV connected to a DVD player or PC, so that even if I wanted to watch any of the execrable drivel they pass off as TV programmes I couldn't. I've deliberately avoided finding out how to watch TV on my smartphone.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The NHK fee is yet another non-tax tax.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

NHK does have research facilities.

https://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/vision/r1/r1-e.htm

However, they did not develop 4k and 8k singe-handedly, rather they seem to be more focused on improvements in equipment.

Quite a few cars have the car navi built in to the dashboards, they are not removable/replaceable. Alphards, most Lexus models, and others all have systems factory installed. Car owners should be able to opt out of NHK broadcasting on these devices.

NHK for regular channels is about 15,000 yen a year, 'simple color' is the option. I had them block BS, it's a waste. Say what you will about NHK's politics, when a disaster happens, they are on it, with reliable information, without the dramatics of the daytime shows. That's why I pay for NHK.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Every TV and DVR (HDD Recorder) has a smartcard for BS/CS. Why not extend that functionality to terrestrial. Don't pay the NHK fee? Then, you can't watch.

BTW, while the vast majority of non-Japanese on this site claim to never watch NHK, it is still quite popular with Japanese citizens, and has some of the highest rated shows in the country.

Personally, I enjoy some of their entertainment, documentary, educational, and lifestyle programming. Their baseball and sumo coverage is quite good, as well. They'll probably be the primary broadcaster in Japan for the Olympics, as well, if one is into that sort of thing.

As for their news being slanted, I don't watch it. And, other than in Russia, China, and North Korea, there is no news organization more biased and propagandizing than the US' own Fox News.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

NHK charges about 2,500 yen per month for terrestrial channels.

This information is not correct. It is 2,520 yen for 2 months.

https://pid.nhk.or.jp/jushinryo/multilingual/english/index.html

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I got my foreign & domestic debts mixed up - thanks for pointing it out.

my real point is that the government needs every penny it can scrounge up, & will use any excuse & any means possible to do so

3 ( +3 / -0 )

In Britain you will pay 154.50 pounds (about 22000 yen) per/year for a BBC licence if you have a television receiver. And, I mean you will pay. They don't play nice the way NHK does.

You can be fined up to 1000 pounds (140,000 yen) plus court costs. You can be jailed if you do not pay up.

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/detection-and-penalties-top5

The argument that "I never watch the BBC" does not get you off the hook. The argument that "All the programs are in a language I don't understand" does not get you off the hook.

I would suggest that anyone who as managed to avoid paying the NHK fee in Japan not try the same thing with the BBC fee in Britain.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

'Pay the HNK fee and help support the country you live in!'

Many outsiders have supported those crooks and many other organizations over there, paying all kinds of taxes and other fees - For years! And what were they given in return,...!?? Deception, humiliation, and a murdered child.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

..... And before anyone argues the "National information bit" as they provide disaster alerts.... Can I , or my surviving members, sue them for an astronomical amount if they are late in providing the same level of detail that they provide in Japanese ?

I have todate, seen an absence of information, and even wrong information. So if the contract between myself and NHK can be clarified, and agreed upon with a clause for how much they are liable for mis-information, then fair enough. Other than that, its a Tax on goods that are not delivered.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I, dont read/write/speak Japanese,. why should I pay a corporation that does nothing for me_

Because you live in Japan, and if you can't be bothered to learn the language of the land, that's your problem, not theirs.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Today  11:24 am JST.

I friend of mine just told me that there are family ties between NHK and the govt.

I don't know about that but I think it's very easy to get some cushy sinecure at NHK if you're an aging plutocrat with the same right-wing nationalist views as the Dear Leader.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

NHK charges about 2,500 yen per month for terrestrial channels.

Really? That's more than I pay for Netflix and Prime combined.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Tooheysnew - What everyone needs to understand is that the Japanese government is broke.

It has one of, if not the largest foreign debt in the world

You mean public debt not foreign debt. And, it is the largest in the world. It is nearly double the US public debt. The liberal government has doubled Australia’s public debt in the last five years.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The broadcast law obliges anyone who possesses a TV signal receiver to sign a contract with Japan Broadcasting Corp, commonly known as NHK.

This is not an obligation, this is a forced payment for something you don't want to buy!

NHK are scum!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

So, the Tokyo court supports watching TV while Driving? That's what they've stated here.

No, it's not.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Pay the HNK fee and help support the country you live in!

We do with our income, city, and consumption taxes. Can I go to your house, clean your toilet, and expect you to pay? No, because you didn't ask me to do it.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Does this story mean that additional NHK licences should be bought for each device capable of broadcasting NHK - or that one licence covers one person (household) with an unlimited number of devices?

The story doesn’t say, so I’m presuming that the lady in question doesn’t have a licence for home use either (maybe she doesn’t have a TV).

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Raw Beer:

"my understanding is that you can always call NHK and tell them you no longer have a TV, and they will cancel the contract."

I would say your understanding is incorrect, but I guess you never know....maybe they'll refund fees if you explain you got rid of your TV a few years ago too?

Has anyone actually tried this?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Never sign a contract with them-nobody can force you to.....

2 ( +2 / -0 )

mmwkdwToday  12:59 am JST

I, dont read/write/speak Japanese,. why should I pay a corporation that does nothing for me_

You shouldn't, if you don't have any device that you're using to watch Japanese TV programmes, NHK or otherwise. Then again, if you're buying a phone or car navigation system you should also have the option of getting one that doesn't have a TV function. Or NHK should block access to content on such devices if you aren't also paying subscription fees for an actual TV.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"NHK didn't report anything about that."

Did the wide shows?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

In the first place, why this women filed the suit ? Did someone from NHK saw her watching TV in her car and ask for fee? Impossible, illogical.

Thousands of people can watch TV from their cars, starting with the official cars from the government. So NHK would or should first ask the government to pay.

A few years ago, an association fighting for the benefits of users filed the broadcaster about payment for cellphones viewers. I think the suit was filed by the responsible himself of the association in order to protect users and prevent NHK to start asking for fees. I do not think the responsible was himself a target. It did result in a court order in favor of NHK. My point is that as long as NHK does not require anything, just keep quiet. No need for any preventive action.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

i stupidly paid this for the first few years, then after a while i stopped and enjoyed watching my bill increase each time the guy came calling in the vain hope of collecting. it was about 200000円 last i remember.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Even though I hate the predatory system they set up and the ridiculous fees they charge, we do have to remember that NHK does not use all its money TV content.

Most people forget the HD format (back in the 80's) and Ultra-HD (both 4K and 8K) was researched and developed by NHK. Those technologies benefited everyone around the world and set the standards to what we now consider good picture quality. So some of those insane fees do go towards R&D, which is not necessarily bad, but that does not excuse those predatory charging systems.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

What was the result of the case that NHK fund cheating ?

Any one know this?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

zichi

no, it's the monthly bill, accumulating over many years of not being paid.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Its really ludicrous to be maintaining the pretense that NHK fees are part of a contract (voluntary) rather than a tax (compulsory) at this point. If they want to charge everyone NHK tax then they should do that and save us the mockery of pretending everyone with a device that is technically capable of receiving a signal from NHK is an avid NHK viewer who decided they wanted to pay 2500 Yen a month for it.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

BTW, anyone who has signed (hankoed) a contract and wants to stop paying, my understanding is that you can always call NHK and tell them you no longer have a TV, and they will cancel the contract.

As far as I know, there is no way for them to check whether you have a TV or not.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Spitfire, yet it is still Japanese law. We do not get the luxury of picking what laws to follow.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Francisco Araújo :

Most people forget the HD format (back in the 80's) and Ultra-HD (both 4K and 8K) was researched and developed by NHK.

Wait... what? Who the hell told you these ridiculous lies?! Dude, stop listening the the NHK reps. Just run away.. And for the love of God, educate yourself. Both 4k and 8k were developed the combined minds of many University reasearch teams around the world. But, common sense should have told you this. NHK is not a scientific reasearch center that makes scientific breakthroughs. Instead they're a leech on society that has coerced authorities into supporting their outlandish claims. Probably by paying for them in regular installments. The courts in Japan are "ignorant puppets laying claims through their teeth, from a house made of straw".

1 ( +3 / -2 )

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157238201701948&id=776426947

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@zichi

Source - Forbes magazine.

The Japanese public debt exceeded one quadrillion yen or about US$10.46 trillion in 2013, more than twice the country's annual gross domestic product. By 2015, the figure rose to US$11.06 trillion.

Japan is the most indebted country in the world, carrying a substantial debt roughly 233% of GDP on its shoulders.

The ‘runner-up’ is Greece with 177%, which is still relatively small in comparison

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Don't connect the antenna ... you can't watch TV in your car, case closed.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

A lot of misinforming posts here!

The fee is for a household no matter how many devices!

If a family member possesses even one device that can receive TV signals the home is obliged to pay. If on top of that the home has BS antenna in use price rises to include BS reception.

Once signing NHK contract it's very difficult to get off the hook

Why NHK is not implementing subscription like the paid channels (Sky Perfect, Wowow) is because they are considered public broadcaster and obliged to assure reception of TV signal to all parts of Japan. They are the only channels that some distant regions rely on for hazard information, etc.

I'm sure they get funded by the state but also rely on the law for collecting fees. The problem is those fees are way too high and there is no punishable law before you sign a contract.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

even if I wanted to watch any of the execrable drivel they pass off as TV programmes

Actually NHK offers a wide choice of programs, not infested with irritating commercials, that I personally enjoy, such as wild life, nature, history, art, science, domestic science, stock market, economy, etc etc. But perhaps you have not progressed beyond what you label as drivel yet. I agree that watching TV on a smart phone is ill advised. TV watching is best done using monitors manufactured for that. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but please advise on better available TV programs without drivel.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

presto345May 16  10:45 pm JST

"even if I wanted to watch any of the execrable drivel they pass off as TV programmes"

Actually NHK offers a wide choice of programs, not infested with irritating commercials, that I personally enjoy, such as wild life, nature, history, art, science, domestic science, stock market, economy, etc etc.

That's nice for you if you personally enjoy the content. I am of the opinion that if NHK charge all TV viewers then in addition to allowing access to commercial networks they should also ensure that there's something on their network for everyone. Moreover I wonder how much of the NHK budget is spent on the sort of worthy programming you have cited - none of it sounds as if it would cost a whole lot to make. It does look, however, as if they are spending a lot of the subscription fees on expensive new headquarters, separate NHK services for every prefecture (the BBC seems to make do with just seven regional networks in the UK) and paying the subscription fee collectors quite nice wages.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Himajin,

.......'Say what you will about NHK's politics, when a disaster happens, they are on it, with reliable information, without the dramatics of the daytime shows. That's why I pay for NHK.'

Really?

I distinctly remember them not mentioning the 'M' word (meltdown) until at least a week had gone by after the 3/11.All of the local schools in my area had no warning about radioactive dirt........until about 1 year later when it was shown that the wind had brought a huge amount of radioactivity to where I live.

NHK didn't report anything about that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Don't connect the antenna ... you can't watch TV in your car, case closed.

Nah, you still got a TV, and you can always connect the antennae - pay up or I'll not step back and let you close your door! lol

0 ( +0 / -0 )

HimajinMay 17  03:28 pm JST

Say what you will about NHK's politics, when a disaster happens, they are on it, with reliable information, without the dramatics of the daytime shows. That's why I pay for NHK.

I would prefer to rely on taxpayer-funded emergency services for information about disasters. I mean, it should be available to the general public as a whole and not just subscribers to a broadcasting service, right?

JoeintokyoToday  08:40 am JST

But really a victimless "crime." 

I think that anyone who does watch TV should pay for it, just like you would pay for cinema tickets or to rent or buy a DVD. I don't pay so I don't watch. I wouldn't want to anyway.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

JoeinTokyo,

Great post.

i agree entirely.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I have a mental block on learning Japanese due to the Treatment of my own Family during WW2. I know enough to get by with, but I do not wish to cowtie to them period. Paying for something, that is state propaganda machine contrary to my beliefs is like forcing a Vegan to eat Meat. "Public Service" broadcasting should be free, otherwise pay for it if you want, which is what I do, through Cable.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Is anyone going develop a line of products that blocks all NHK signal? I think its about time! It will sell like hotcakes I'm sure!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I would say that they are providing something for you but you refuse to make use of it.

I agree with this. NHK provides a public service that you are entitled to use - even if you don't want it, it's always there when you need it, and you need to pay your fair share to keep that up. Like other public services. I doubt many people posting here, if any, have had cause to call the fire department in Japan, but we're happy to pay our taxes because if we ever did need the fire department, we'd be happy that we can call on them any time.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I watch NHK sometimes here in the UK, ok boys come and collect your revenue in person if you want to.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

yes it is not "foreign" debt, meaning very little of Japan's debt is held by foreigners but, debt is debt. It does not make it any better just because it is not held much outside of Japan. Japan is $13 Trillion in debt... the USA, with almost 3 times Japan's population and a massive military with many wars is $22 Trillion in debt. Where has Japan spent all the money

Abe gave Ivanka US$50million of our hard earned taxes with no strings attached abd u say the government is broke.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

If they want to support a national broadcaster they need to adopt a less cumbersome and flawed system. Just impose a legally enforceable fee on any household with a device capable of accessing NHK content. Simples.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So. it is more like the aggressive version of CBC in Canada then.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Never sign a contract with them-nobody can force you to...

Not according to this -

The broadcast law obliges anyone who possesses a TV signal receiver to sign a contract with Japan Broadcasting Corp, commonly known as NHK.

I just gave the NHK man one of my looks, told him I'm not paying and shut the door. He didn't come back.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

My level of Japanese, was perhaps an understatement...

I guess I am sensitive... to Japanese Nationalistic ideals, from a Personal perspective, and see little change happening locally, so regionally I can sympathize with those from other Countries who maintain their "Gripes" with Japan - particularly with the Abe Government under which Foreign Permanent Residence can't exercise any democratic say. But them, should they do so, we'd just be adding to their problems.

In terms of Disaster advice - NHK, etc puts Foreigners in 2nd/3rd+ place - of that, I have evidence (observed over the years through my rather limited Japanese). The same is true within daily activities such as the local Metro system - non-Japanese information is wildly out of date with Japanese, from experience.

I think, many of us who were here during the TEPCO disaster will recount how the Government contradicted via NHK, the many independently verified reports of Caesium levels in Water supplies and Radioactivity spikes within the environment.. so Trust is where ?

Personally, I find even the spoken English on NHK World so painful to listen to, that I no longer bother to strain myself, unless it's really an important issue... but I've yet to hear something of interest.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Similar to the BBC, except that they use covert surveillance, a fleet of draconian TV detector vans to detect if households have a TV but have no licence. However they do reduce fees by 50% for the registered blind people (severely sight impaired)!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

So, the Tokyo court supports watching TV while Driving? That's what they've stated here.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I, dont read/write/speak Japanese,. why should I pay a corporation that does nothing for me_

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Hmm... I purposefully avoid anything related to NHK because their a disgraceful organization, but do they provide all of their services with an English option? Maybe someone should sue NHK for forcefully charging them for services that cannot be understood by non Japanese speakers. But then again, your not Japanese so you'll probably loose the case before the filing even takes place. I friend of mine just told me that there are family ties between NHK and the govt. Not sure if that's legitimate but as far as Japanese corruption goes, that makes complete sense.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

How come we get fined ¥6,000 for using a cell phone in a car when it's OK to watch TV while driving?

There is no video displayed when the car is moving, unless the owner has hacked the unit.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Pay the HNK fee and help support the country you live in!

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

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