6 Japanese commercial AM radio stations will switch to FM

From September 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026, the period designated by Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as the "Second Phase of Special Measures Period for Suspension of AM Station Operations" begins. During this period, AM commercial stations can suspend their AM operations. If no significant issues happen, they will be permitted to switch to FM broadcasting starting in the autumn of 2026 or later. 22 commercial AM stations have applied for this phase. The details are shown at https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/001028011.pdf  in Japanese

In these 22 stations, 6 stations, shown below, have already declared the complete FM transition, by suspending all AM broadcasting. The date indicates the suspension of AM broadcasting.

1) Aomori Hoso (RAB), Aomori  JOGR 1233kHz 5kW +5 AM relay stations  February 1, 2026  to  91.7MHz 1kW + 3 FM relay stations

2) Tochigi Hoso (CRT), Utsunomiya  JOXF 1530kHz 5kW +2 AM relay stations  December 1, 2025  to  94.1MHz 1kW + 3 FM relay stations

3) Yamanashi Hoso (YBS), Kofu  JOJF 765kHz 5kW +1 AM relay station  March 1, 2026  to  90.9MHz 1kW + 4 FM relay stations

4) Fukui Hoso (FBC), Fukui  JOPR 864kHz 5kW +2 AM relay stations  March 16, 2026 to 94.6MHz 1kW +5 FM relays stations

5) Shikoku Hoso (JRT), Tokushima  JOJR 1269kHz 1kW +2 AM relay stations March 23, 2026 (reducing power from January 16, 2026) to  93.0MHz 1kW +3 FM relay stations

6) Nankai Hoso (RNB), Matsuyama  JOAF 1116kHz 5kW +5 AM relay stations  February. 10, 2026 (reducing power from December 1, 2025)  to 91.7MHz 1kW +11 FM relay stations

Most of other commercial stations will preserve AM broadcasting in parallel with FM broadcasting, suspending all or part of AM relay stations, and/or reducing AM transmitting power.

(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan via WOR List)