July 17, 2025 Authorization of Changes to Exemption Standards of the Receiving Fees of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) submitted today an inquiry to the Radio Regulatory Council (chaired by SASASE Iwao, Professor Emeritus of Keio University) on changes to the exemption criteria for reception fees of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (also called NHK and hereafter referred to as “NHK,” headed by INABA Nobuo, President), as applied under Paragraph 2, Article 64 of the Broadcast Act (Act No. 132 of 1950). Then MIC received a report from the Radio Regulatory Council stating the appropriateness of the approval as inquired.
　In response to this report, MIC has decided to approve this matter effective today.

1. Overview of the changes

　The Act to Partially Amend the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 36 of 2024) will be implemented in October 2025. This act adds the distribution of NHK's broadcast programs and program-related information to essential operations of NHK. In response, changes to Exemption Standards of the Receiving Fees of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) will be made.
　The scope of exemptions will be expanded to include educational institutions established under legislation other than the School Education Act (Act No. 26 of 1947), provided they offer degree courses as defined under the School Education Act. Specifically, students who are enrolled in such courses, live apart from their parents, don’t receive salary from such educational institutions, and are in a state of having an annual income below a certain amount will be eligible for exemption from receiving fees, as they are considered to be in serious financial circumstances comparable to those of general students.

2. Date of enforcement

　Wednesday, October 1, 2025