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Tokyo FM
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You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Japanese. (May 2009) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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Key Information
| Broadcast area | Greater Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 80.0 MHz |
| Branding | Tokyo FM |
| Programming | |
| Language | Japanese |
| Format | Contemporary hit radio |
| Affiliations | Japan FM Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. |
| History | |
First air date | April 26, 1970 |
| Technical information | |
Licensing authority | MIC |
| Power | 10,000 watts |
| ERP | 125,000 watts |
| HAAT | 307.5 meters |
Transmitter coordinates | 35°39′31.01″N 139°44′43.52″E / 35.6586139°N 139.7454222°E |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Radiko.jp/#FMT[2] |
Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (株式会社エフエム東京, Kabushiki gaisha Efu Emu Tōkyō) (abbreviation:TFM) is a radio station in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is the flagship station of the Japan FM Network (JFN).
Timeline
[edit]The station's forerunner, FM Tokai (FM東海, abbreviated FMT), owned by Tokai University, was launched on May 1, 1960 as an experimental station (call sign at the time of founding in 1958 JS2AO, changed in 1960 to JS2H. This station closed on April 25, 1970, replaced the next day by Tokyo FM, Japan's third commercial FM-radio broadcaster, after FM Aichi and FM Osaka. In 1985, the station's headquarters moved from the Kokusai-Tsushin Center (later KDD, now KDDI) buildings in Nishi-Shinjuku, where they had been since 1974, to the current location, Koujimachi in Chiyoda ward. The TOKYO FM Midtown Studio, a satellite studio, was closed down on January 15, 2017.
Broadcasting
[edit]JOAU-FM broadcasts at a frequency of 80.0 MHz from the Tokyo Tower.
| City of license | Identifier | Frequency | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niijima | N/A | 76.7 MHz | 100 watts |
| Hachijo | N/A | 84.3 MHz | 10 watts |
| Ōme | N/A | 83.6 MHz | 20 watts |
| Hachioji | N/A | 80.5 MHz | 10 watts |
| Hinohara | N/A | 86.6 MHz | 300 watts |
Programs
[edit]- Countdown Station (simulcast over all JFN Stations)
- Zen-Noh presents Countdown JP
- COSMO presents Pop's Best 10
- LAWSON presents SOUND IN MY LIFE
- Tatsuro Yamashita presents Rakuten Card Sunday Song Book
- Suzuki Talking FM (hosted by Masaharu Fukuyama)
- morinaga presents Ayaka Hirahara Healing Venus (simulcast over FM OSAKA and FM AICHI(@fm))
- Atsuko Maeda's Heart Songs
- School of Lock! (simulcast over all JFN Stations)
- J1 League FAN-SHOW with Deloitte
- Soccer Arena with Weiß Schwarz and Unisys
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ 『日本民間放送年鑑(Japan Commercial Broadcasting Yearbook)2015』, published by The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association, 2015, page 273
- ^ Available to listen outside Japan only with special third-party plug-in on Chrome and Firefox browsers
Tokyo FM
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Years
The predecessor to Tokyo FM was FM Tokai (FM東海), an experimental FM radio station owned and operated by Tokai University, which launched on May 1, 1960, as Japan's first private-sector FM broadcasting endeavor aimed at testing practical implementation of the technology.[6] This station conducted broadcasts focused on educational and experimental content, including early music programs like the jazz series JET STREAM starting in 1967, and operated until its closure on April 25, 1970.[5] FM Tokai's efforts laid the groundwork for commercial FM in Japan, demonstrating the potential for high-fidelity stereo broadcasting beyond the public NHK FM service. On March 17, 1970, Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (株式会社エフエム東京) was formally established as a private commercial broadcaster, marking the transition from experimental to full-scale operations.[7] The station's official first broadcast occurred the following day after FM Tokai's closure, on April 26, 1970, transmitting at 80.0 MHz from an antenna on Tokyo Tower with an initial effective radiated power of 10,000 watts.[7] This launch positioned Tokyo FM as the capital's pioneering commercial FM outlet, call sign JOAU-FM, with headquarters initially in Kasumigaseki and studios in Toranomon. From its inception, Tokyo FM emphasized contemporary music programming, such as pop and jazz hits featured in segments like the weekday corner FM・POP BEST 10, alongside locally oriented Tokyo content to appeal to urban listeners and distinguish itself from NHK FM's focus on classical and educational fare.[8] In the 1970s, the station navigated early challenges in FM adoption across Japan, where AM radio maintained dominance due to its broader coverage, affordability of receivers, and entrenched popularity for news and talk formats, limiting FM's initial audience growth despite its superior sound quality.[9] Tokyo FM later became a key affiliate of the Japan FM Network (JFN) upon its formation in 1981.[10]Key Developments and Milestones
In 1984, Tokyo FM played a pivotal role as one of the founding initiators of the Japan FM Network (JFN), a commercial radio network established to support the rational operations of private FM stations through program supply and collaboration among 38 member stations nationwide. As a key shareholder and central member, Tokyo FM solidified its position as the flagship station of JFN, enabling broader content distribution and operational synergies across Japan.[11] A significant milestone came in 1995 when Tokyo FM received the inaugural NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Award from the National Association of Broadcasters, recognizing its exceptional technological leadership and innovative listener services, including the introduction of Visual Information Radio to 33 affiliated stations and global broadcasts like an Earth Day concert involving over 25 countries.[12] The 2010s marked Tokyo FM's embrace of digital broadcasting, with the station integrating webcasting through radiko.jp, an internet radio service launched on March 15, 2010, that allows real-time streaming and on-demand playback of FM content for enhanced accessibility beyond traditional airwaves.[13][14] Facing a decline in traditional radio listenership driven by urbanization, an aging population, and the rise of digital alternatives—where user penetration for conventional radio is projected to fall to 30.8% by 2025—Tokyo FM has adapted by expanding into streaming and podcasting platforms. By the early 2020s, the station launched dedicated podcast series on AuDee and Apple Podcasts, featuring exclusive content like "Tokyo Midtown presents The Lifestyle MUSEUM" on design and "Dream HEART" on careers, alongside archives of popular shows to engage younger audiences amid shifting media consumption habits.[15][16][17] In 2025, marking its 55th anniversary since opening on April 26, 1970, Tokyo FM launched special programming and events, including an 11-hour live broadcast on April 26, the "TOKYO FM 開局55周年 × '九段下フォークフェスティバル'25" concert at Nippon Budokan on October 12 featuring Kuwata Keisuke, a half-year collaboration program "FM EVA 30.0" with the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and program modifications in April such as NiziU joining "SCHOOL OF LOCK!".[18][19][20]Ownership and Organization
Corporate Structure
Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. is a private company that operates the station as a commercial entity, distinct from the public broadcaster NHK, which is funded by receiving fees and operates separately from private radio networks. Japanese regulations prohibit cross-ownership between FM radio stations and television broadcasters, ensuring Tokyo FM's operations remain independent of TV entities.[21] The company maintains close ties to the Japan FM Network (JFN), a syndication service owned by 38 FM stations across Japan, with Tokyo FM serving as the flagship station and contributing to national program distribution.[3] As a private entity, Tokyo FM's major shareholders include educational institutions like Tokai University and media-related firms such as Nippon Television City Corp., alongside financial institutions, reflecting a diverse investor base as of March 31, 2015 (more recent disclosures unavailable). No single entity holds controlling interest, aligning with its status as an unlisted corporation. Financially, Tokyo FM generates revenue primarily through advertising and sponsorships in its broadcasting segment, supplemented by fees from JFN network affiliations and growing digital content initiatives. In fiscal year 2024 (ended March 31, 2025), consolidated revenue totaled 10.76 billion yen, with broadcasting accounting for the majority at 9.88 billion yen, though this marked a 5.1% decline from the prior year due to softer ad markets; IP planning revenue rose 42.1% to 809 million yen, driven by digital subscriptions.[22] The company projects similar revenue levels for fiscal year 2025 amid ongoing diversification into online audio services.[22]Leadership and Management
As of October 2025, Natsui Karashima serves as the president and CEO of Tokyo FM, leading the company's strategic initiatives following his appointment confirmed at the annual general meeting.[23] Under his leadership, the management team emphasizes digital transformation, particularly through content DX strategies that integrate audio marketing and expand podcast offerings to engage younger audiences via platforms like AuDee.[24] This includes initiatives such as the "DIGITAL VORN Future Pix" podcast series, which features discussions on emerging technologies and future societal trends, alongside collaborations with artists to produce exclusive audio content that blends music and storytelling.[25] The board of directors comprises a mix of internal executives and outside directors to ensure balanced governance, including representatives from major shareholders like Tokai University, which holds a significant stake and influences long-term educational and cultural programming directions.[22] Notable past leaders include Wataru Goto, who as president from 1997 to 2007 drove programming innovations that elevated Tokyo FM to the top FM station in Japan by introducing interactive youth-focused shows and expanding music variety to attract diverse listeners.[26] Tokyo FM's governance practices strictly comply with Japan's Broadcasting Act, mandating fair and impartial content delivery while prioritizing youth-oriented programming to foster educational and cultural engagement among younger demographics. This emphasis is evident in long-standing initiatives like the "SCHOOL OF LOCK!" program, which provides tailored advice and learning content for junior high and high school students, aligning with regulatory goals for public interest broadcasting.[27]Broadcasting Operations
Technical Specifications
Tokyo FM operates primarily on the frequency of 80.0 MHz in central Tokyo, utilizing a transmitter power of 10,000 watts and an effective radiated power (ERP) of 125,000 watts from its main antenna located at Tokyo Tower.[28] The station's antenna setup employs vertical polarization, which is standard for FM broadcasting in Japan to optimize reception in mobile environments such as vehicles.[29] This configuration provides an approximate coverage radius of 50-100 km across the Greater Tokyo area, depending on terrain and atmospheric conditions.[7] To extend its reach to remote and peripheral areas, Tokyo FM maintains several relay stations with lower power outputs, each assigned distinct frequencies to avoid interference. These include Niijima at 76.7 MHz with 100 watts, Hachijo at 84.3 MHz with 10 watts, Ōme at 83.6 MHz with 20 watts, Hachioji at 80.5 MHz with 10 watts, and Hinohara at 86.6 MHz with 300 watts.[29][30][31] All transmission facilities adhere to the standards outlined in Japan's Radio Law, enforced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, ensuring signal quality, frequency allocation, and electromagnetic compatibility.[32] In recent years, Tokyo FM has transitioned toward enhanced digital capabilities. Additionally, the station integrates internet streaming protocols, allowing global access via apps and web platforms that support protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) for on-demand and live audio delivery.[33] This hybrid approach maintains compliance with broadcasting regulations while expanding accessibility beyond traditional over-the-air transmission.[29]| Relay Station | Frequency (MHz) | Transmitter Power (watts) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niijima | 76.7 | 100 | SOUMU PDF |
| Hachijo | 84.3 | 10 | SOUMU PDF |
| Ōme | 83.6 | 20 | TFM PDF |
| Hachioji | 80.5 | 10 | TFM PDF |
| Hinohara | 86.6 | 300 | TFM PDF |