To Everyone who has a TV etc.
The Receiving Fee System
NHK is funded by the receiving fees. They make up nearly 96% of the corporation’s total income.
The receiving fee system ensures NHK’s financial independence, which guarantees NHK’s editorial independence and impartiality.
NHK’s mission as a public service media organization is to deliver impartial, high-quality programs. Programs should never be influenced by the government or private organizations. NHK considers it to be its responsibility to provide a wide range of programs that are balanced, without the influence of ratings or third-party interests.
NHK was established under the law as the Japanese public broadcaster to be funded equitably by means of a receiving fee paid by all households in Japan with a reception device, regardless of nationality. Every household and business in Japan that has TV sets, mobile phones and/or PC’s that can receive NHK’s broadcasts are required to make a contract with NHK and pay. We do not ask to pay for access to specific programs, but rather to support the operations of NHK as a whole.
The Broadcasting Act stipulates that the fees shall be paid equally by every household and business in Japan with a reception device.
Information Video Of NHK’s Receiving Fee System
Information on NHK’s Receiving Fee System English version
Information on NHK’s Receiving Fee System Easy Japanese version
Which reception devices are subject to the receiving fees?
Anyone who has installed equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts, such as TV sets, mobile phones and PC’s, are required to pay the receiving fee by entering a contract with NHK.
What types of receiving contracts are there?
There are two kinds of receiving contracts.
- The Terrestrial Contract(for terrestrial broadcasts only)
- The Satellite Contract(for both terrestrial and satellite broadcasts)
Owners of TV sets etc. that can only receive terrestrial broadcasts apply for the Terrestrial Contract.
Owners of TV sets etc. that can receive satellite broadcasts apply for the Satellite Contract.
How much is the receiving fee?
| Type of contract | Fee per month | Pay every 2 months | Pay every 6 months | Pay every 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial Contract（terrestral only） | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ |
| Satellite Contract（terrestrial & satellite） | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ |
※Consumption tax included
※Different rates apply in Okinawa
Payment can be made at intervals of 2, 6 or 12 months. Discounts apply to the 6 and 12 monthly payments.
How can I pay the receiving fee?
You can pay by:
- ・Credit card
- ・Bank transfer
- ・Invoice
You can pay by credit card or directly from your Japanese bank account. Alternatively, you can pay at banks, post offices or convenience stores by settling the invoices posted to your address.
※Available in Japanese only
※Available in Japanese only
How can I obtain my receiving contract?
Please call the number below. NHK will send you a contract form by post. Fill in the form as explained in the PDF document below and post the completed form back to NHK.
If you move away from Japan or cease to own a relevant reception device, please be sure to contact NHK to cancel the contract.（The receiving fee will not be charged from the month after the contract has been cancelled.）
PDF download (How to fill in your contract application form)
Receiving Fee Contract
