On July 29, 2025, Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, announced the launch of its new internet service, “NHK ONE,” set to begin in October 2025. This innovative platform promises to revolutionize how viewers access NHK’s content by integrating existing apps and expanding offerings, including the much-anticipated addition of local programming from regional bureaus. For foreign readers unfamiliar with NHK, this move marks a significant step into the digital age for Japan’s equivalent of the BBC or PBS, driven by recent legal changes and shifting media consumption habits. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what “NHK ONE” entails, explore its background, analyze its implications, and offer a unique perspective on its cultural, technological, and financial significance.
Background: Understanding NHK and the Digital Shift
NHK, officially the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, has been a cornerstone of Japanese media since its inception as a radio broadcaster in 1925. It expanded to television in 1953 and embraced digital broadcasting in the 2000s, consistently adapting to technological advancements. Unlike commercial networks, NHK operates as a public service broadcaster, funded primarily through a mandatory license fee paid by Japanese households with televisions. This model supports its mission to deliver impartial news, educational content, and entertainment to the public.
However, NHK faces challenges familiar to public broadcasters worldwide: declining TV viewership, especially among younger generations who prefer online platforms. To address this, Japan’s government amended the Broadcasting Act in May 2024, mandating NHK to provide internet streaming as a core service starting October 2025. This legislative shift reflects a global trend where traditional media must evolve to meet audiences in the digital realm. For NHK, “NHK ONE” is not just a new service—it’s a strategic pivot to remain relevant in an era where smartphones and computers often replace TV screens.
What is “NHK ONE”? A Comprehensive Streaming Solution
“NHK ONE” is more than an app—it’s a unified platform consolidating NHK’s digital offerings into one accessible hub. Unveiled at a press conference featuring prominent figures like former announcer Megumi Kurosaki (now an NHK board member) and popular personalities such as Nahoko Suzuki and Yoshitaka Arita, the service aims to enhance user experience and broaden content availability. Here’s what it offers:
- Live Streaming and Catch-Up Viewing: Watch NHK’s general TV channel, educational E-Tele, and radio programs in real time, with a one-week catch-up option for missed broadcasts.
- Integrated Services: Combines features from existing apps like “NHK Plus” (TV catch-up), “NHK News/Disaster” (real-time updates), and “NHK for School” (educational content) into a single app.
- Local Programming: For the first time, viewers can access programs from NHK’s regional bureaus, showcasing Japan’s diverse regions—a feature highlighted by announcer Nahoko Suzuki as a unique strength of NHK’s nationwide network.
- Additional Content: Includes news articles, videos, weather forecasts, disaster alerts, and detailed program guides, making it a one-stop resource.
The “NHK ONE” app will be available for download starting October 1, 2025. Existing apps like “Rajiru Rajiru” (radio) and “Gogaku” (language learning) remain separate and free, as they fall outside the license fee system. For smart TV users, the current “NHK Plus” app will be upgraded to include “NHK ONE” features.
NHK chose the name “NHK ONE” from 760 internal submissions, reflecting its goal to “unite all NHK programs and information into one service, becoming indispensable to daily life.” Current “NHK Plus” users—approximately 6.18 million—will transition to this enhanced platform, though total online access figures remain undisclosed.
Why Now? The Broadcasting Act and Beyond
The launch of “NHK ONE” stems from the 2024 Broadcasting Act amendment, which elevated internet program distribution from an optional to a mandatory duty for NHK. This legal change acknowledges that public broadcasters must adapt to how people consume media today. While “NHK Plus” already offers catch-up streaming on smartphones and PCs, “NHK ONE” takes this further by refreshing the app ecosystem and adding value through local content.
For a foreign audience, this shift mirrors transformations seen elsewhere—like the BBC’s iPlayer or PBS’s streaming platforms—but with a distinctly Japanese twist. NHK’s emphasis on regional programming taps into Japan’s cultural diversity, a feature less common in other nations’ public media strategies. It’s a response not only to technology but also to a societal need to connect urban and rural Japan in an increasingly digital world.
Implications: Who Benefits and What Changes?
For Viewers
“NHK ONE” democratizes access to NHK’s vast library. The standout feature—local programming—lets someone in Osaka watch a Hokkaido weather report or a Kyushu cultural documentary, bridging geographical gaps. This is a boon for expatriates, language learners, and Japan enthusiasts abroad who crave authentic regional content. The app’s all-in-one design also makes it a practical tool for news and disaster updates, critical in a country prone to earthquakes and typhoons.
For NHK
This service is NHK’s chance to modernize its image and reach beyond traditional TV audiences. With 6.18 million “NHK Plus” users already, “NHK ONE” targets the growing demographic of cord-cutters—those who rely solely on internet devices. It also strengthens NHK’s case for the license fee, proving its value in a digital context where free content abounds.
For the Media Landscape
Globally, “NHK ONE” could inspire other public broadcasters to integrate their services and prioritize local content online. It challenges commercial streaming giants like Netflix by offering free, high-quality programming tied to a public mission. In Japan, it may pressure private broadcasters to up their digital game, reshaping competition in the media sector.
A Unique Perspective: Cultural Preservation, Tech Innovation, and Funding Debates
Cultural Preservation
Japan’s regional diversity—think Okinawan dialects, Tohoku festivals, or Kansai traditions—risks fading in a globalized, urban-centric culture. “NHK ONE” counters this by bringing local programs to a national and potentially international audience. Imagine a Tokyoite discovering a Shizuoka tea ceremony or an American viewer tuning into a Kagoshima folk music show. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s a digital lifeline for regional identities, reinforcing NHK’s role as a cultural steward.
Technological Innovation
The app’s design sets a benchmark for media platforms. By merging live TV, radio, news, and educational content into one interface, NHK prioritizes user convenience. Features like personalized recommendations and robust streaming quality (even on slower connections) could influence how media apps evolve. For tech-savvy foreigners, “NHK ONE” showcases Japan’s knack for blending tradition with cutting-edge solutions.
Financial Questions
NHK’s funding model—rooted in a TV license fee of 1,100 yen ($7.40) monthly—faces scrutiny as viewership shifts online. “NHK ONE” is free for existing fee payers, but starting October 2025, online-only users will pay the same rate. This aligns digital and terrestrial costs but sparks debate: Will non-TV owners accept a fee for public content? Could it evolve into a mandatory internet tax? NHK must balance revenue needs with public goodwill, a challenge echoed by broadcasters like the BBC.
Public Reaction: Excitement and Skepticism
Feedback on platforms like X reveals a split response. Many applaud the access to local programming—one user enthused, “I can finally watch my hometown shows from afar!”—while others fret over costs. Concerns linger that the fee might extend to all internet users, though NHK insists it’s optional for streaming subscribers only. This tension underscores NHK’s task: delivering value that justifies its price tag.
Challenges Ahead
“NHK ONE” isn’t without hurdles:
- Data Security: User registration raises privacy concerns in an age of breaches.
- Cost Management: Expanding digital infrastructure demands investment—will fees cover it?
- Fee Fairness: Convincing online users to pay for public content requires transparency and quality.
Success hinges on NHK addressing these proactively, ensuring “NHK ONE” thrives as both a service and a symbol of public media’s future.
Global Relevance: A Model for Public Media?
While aimed at Japan, “NHK ONE” could ripple internationally. NHK World-Japan already beams English-language content globally—might “NHK ONE” follow suit with select offerings? Its success could nudge broadcasters like France Télévisions or Australia’s ABC to rethink their digital strategies, fostering a worldwide dialogue on public media’s role in the internet age.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
“NHK ONE” launches NHK into a digital frontier, blending its legacy with modern demands. By uniting its services and spotlighting local programming, it caters to a tech-savvy audience while preserving Japan’s cultural mosaic. For foreigners, it’s a window into a dynamic nation and a case study in media evolution. As NHK navigates funding and technical challenges, “NHK ONE” could redefine public broadcasting—not just in Japan, but globally—proving that tradition and innovation can coexist.
