The Receiving Fee System
NHK is funded by the receiving fees. They make up about 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. Every household and business having a TV set or any other reception device capable of receiving NHK broadcasts in Japan or receiving NHK streaming or other distribution service on the internet are required to make a contract with NHK and pay the receiving fee, regardless of nationality.
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 every household and business having a reception device or receiving NHK streaming service on the internet is required to make a receiving contract.
In what case is a reception contract required?
Anyone who has installed equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts or started receiving NHK streaming service is required to pay the receiving fee by entering into a contract with NHK.
For details on NHK ONE (NHK streaming service)
What types of receiving contracts are required?
There are two kinds of receiving contracts.
- The Terrestrial Contract(terrestrial broadcasts・internet)
- The Satellite Contract(satellite + terrestrial broadcasts・internet)*
A terrestrial contract is required if your television set can only receive terrestrial broadcasts or if you start using NHK’s streaming services on the internet.
A satellite contract is required if your television can receive satellite broadcasts.
*Those who have a TV set or any other device capable of receiving satellite broadcasts are required to make a satellite contract, even if they have started receiving NHK streaming services.
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（terrestrial・internet） | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ |
| Satellite Contract（satellite+ terrestrial・internet） | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ | ￥ |
※Consumption tax included
※Different rates apply in Okinawa
※Even if you do not have a TV set or similar devices, a terrestrial contract is required if you start using NHK’s streaming services on the internet.
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
- ・Payment slip
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 using the payment slips posted to your address.
※Available in Japanese only
※Available in Japanese only
How can I get a receiving contract form?
Please call the number below. NHK will send you a contract form by post. Fill in the form 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.）
Receiving Fee Contract
