- July 17, 2025
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If you’re living in Japan, you may have heard about the NHK fee—a mandatory charge for anyone with a TV or device that can receive NHK broadcasts. This guide explains what the NHK fee is, who needs to pay it, and how to handle it as a foreign resident in Japan.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is NHK?
NHK stands for Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai, or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. It’s Japan’s national public broadcaster, similar to the BBC in the UK or PBS in the US.
Unlike commercial TV stations, NHK doesn’t air advertisements. Instead, it’s supported by viewer fees, which helps it stay independent and impartial.
NHK provides a wide range of services, including:
– TV and radio programs in Japanese and other languages
– News, documentaries, and educational shows
– Emergency broadcasts, such as earthquake and tsunami alerts
– Disaster updates, often faster and more accurate than other sources
– Some programs include English subtitles or use easy Japanese
NHK runs both terrestrial channels (like NHK General TV) and satellite channels (such as NHK BS1 and NHK BS Premium).
One of NHK’s most famous programs is Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a music show broadcast live every New Year’s Eve. The show features top artists divided into two teams—the red team (female performers) and the white team (male performers)—competing in a friendly music battle. Many families in Japan watch Kōhaku together as part of their New Year’s tradition, making it one of the most-watched programs of the year.
NHK plays an important role in Japanese society, not just in daily news and entertainment, but also in emergency communication and cultural traditions.
Chapter 2: What is the NHK Fee?
If you live in Japan and own a TV—or even a device capable of receiving NHK broadcasts—you’re expected to pay the NHK fee. This fee helps support NHK’s public broadcasting services.
1. Legal Basis
The requirement to pay the NHK fee is based on Japan’s Broadcasting Act. The law states that anyone who has equipment that can receive NHK signals must sign a contract with NHK. This applies to both Japanese citizens and foreigners.
2. Types of Contracts
There are two main types of NHK contracts:
Satellite Contract (衛星契約 / Eisei Keiyaku)
The Satellite Contract, which includes both satellite and terrestrial broadcasts.
NHK Fee Amounts (as of 2025 July, including tax)
| Payment Plan | Amount (in yen) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
|
Every 2 months |
¥3,900 |
– |
|
6-month prepay |
¥11,186 |
4.4% off |
|
12-month prepay |
¥21,765 |
7.0% off |
Terrestrial Contract (地上契約 / Chijō Keiyaku)
This contract covers only terrestrial broadcasts.
NHK Fee Amounts (as of 2025 July, including tax)
| Payment Plan | Amount (in yen) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
|
Every 2 months |
¥2,200 |
– |
|
6-month prepay |
¥6,309 |
4.4% off |
|
12-month prepay |
¥12,276 |
7.0% off |
Chapter 3: Who Is Required to Pay?
According to NHK, Japan’s Broadcasting Act (Article 64, Paragraph 1) states:
“Anyone who installs equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts is required to sign a reception contract with NHK.”
This means that even if you don’t watch NHK, you are still legally required to pay the NHK reception fee as long as you have a device that can receive NHK broadcasts—such as a TV.
What Counts as “Receiving Equipment”?
Based on NHK’s interpretation, receiving equipment includes:
– Televisions capable of receiving NHK channels
– Car navigation systems with TV functionality
– Smartphones, but only if you register to use NHK’s new internet-based service, NHK ONE, which will begin in October 2025
So in most cases, if you have a TV in your home in Japan, you are required to pay the NHK fee—regardless of whether you watch NHK or not.
Who Is Exempt from Paying?
Full Exemption
Your household may be exempt if:
– A household member holds one of the following:
Physical disability certificate
Intellectual disability certificate
Mental disability certificate
– And all members of the household are exempt from municipal residence tax
Half Exemption
You may receive a 50% discount if:
– You are the head of the household and the NHK contract holder, and
– You meet one of the following:
Are visually or hearing impaired (with an official disability certificate)
Have a severe disability, such as:
Grade 1 or 2 on a physical disability certificate
Marked as “most severe” or “severe” on an intellectual disability certificate
Grade 1 on a mental disability certificate
Student Full Exemption (for students living away from home)
Students living apart from their families may qualify for a full exemption, if they are still considered dependents. Some qualifying conditions include:
– Being a dependent under a health insurance plan
– Enrolled under a special category of National Health Insurance for students
– Receiving a scholarship or tuition exemption based on financial need
– Annual income is ¥1.3 million or less
– Qualify for the special payment deferral for National Pension premiums
– Your parents or guardians are exempt from municipal residence tax
– Your family receives public assistance
Chapter 4: Can You Refuse to Pay?
As mentioned in Chapter 3, Japanese law requires anyone with equipment capable of receiving NHK broadcasts to sign a contract and pay the NHK fee. This applies regardless of your nationality—if you live in Japan and have a TV (or similar device), you’re legally obligated to pay.
Still, in recent years, many people have questioned whether it’s fair to pay the fee if they don’t actually watch NHK. With more people turning to streaming services and using their phones or computers instead of traditional TV, this topic continues to spark debate.
Public Opinion on the NHK Fee
A 2022 survey by Plus One, conducted with 1,000 participants, found that:
– Around 70% of respondents said they pay the NHK fee
– However, 73.4% said they don’t agree with having to pay
So, while most people follow the rules, a large majority are unhappy about it—especially those who rarely or never watch NHK.
Source: PLUS ONE Co., Ltd.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Non-payment of the NHK fee occasionally makes the news. In a recent case in 2025, it was discovered that 6 out of 285 government vehicles in Numazu City, Shizuoka had car navigation systems with TV functionality, but no NHK contracts. The city later paid the overdue fees.
To prevent people from avoiding payments, NHK introduced a penalty system in April 2023. Under this rule:
If someone is found to have intentionally avoided paying by dishonest means, they must pay the unpaid amount plus a penalty equal to twice that amount.
In short, if you try to dodge the fee, you could end up paying three times more.
Chapter 5: How to Pay the NHK Fee
There are three main ways to pay the NHK fee in Japan:
1. Bank Account Withdrawal
You can set up automatic payments directly from your bank account or Japan Post Bank.
Once it’s set up, you don’t need to worry about due dates—it’s taken care of automatically.
2. Credit Card Payment
You can also choose to pay with a credit card.
NHK accepts most major cards, including:
– Visa
– MasterCard
– JCB
– American Express
– Diners Club
3. Payment Slip
If you don’t sign up for automatic payments, NHK will mail you a payment slip around the 20th of every even-numbered month.
You can use it to pay in a few different ways:
– With a mobile payment app (like PayPay or LINE Pay)
– At a convenience store
– With a credit card (by scanning the barcode)
This method gives you more flexibility, but you’ll need to remember to pay by the due date each time.
All three options are safe and easy to use. If you prefer not to worry about deadlines, automatic payments through your bank or credit card are the most convenient.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
The NHK fee is a legal requirement in Japan for anyone with a TV or device that can receive NHK broadcasts. Even if you don’t watch NHK, payment is still required under the Broadcasting Act.
For foreigners living in Japan, understanding who needs to pay, how to pay, and whether you’re eligible for an exemption can help you stay informed and avoid issues.
Knowing the basics about the NHK fee is just one small part of adjusting to life in Japan—but it’s an important one.
References; NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
