Large message on TV screen can reduce nonpayment by NHK viewers: panel

Wednesday 21st May, 03:18 PM JST

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Apsara at 07:53 PM JST - 21st May

I also use the video interphone to get a 100% discount- if I'm not expecting a delivery or anyone to visit then I don't answer the doorbell, especially if I can see on the screen that it's a guy holding a clipboard of some kind. Every 2 months I actually watch the sumo on NHK's satellite channel to get the English commentary, but the message on the screen doesn't really bother me, I forget it's there half the time.
MichaelJP at 09:29 PM JST - 21st May

Maybe we'll get something similar to the iPod tax, but on televisions and tuners? They can call it the "keep some old guys at NHK in token executive jobs" tax. Or the "support insider trading an NHK" tax.
Simon_Foston at 10:48 PM JST - 21st May

If anyone needs a reason not to pay for NHK, just consider that those collectors are getting something like 3 million yen a year and that the cost of getting the fees takes up about 12% of NHK's total annual budget. There was some discussion about finding ways to cut the costs, but I'm sure the geriatric nonentities in charge have quietly buried that idea.
VoXman at 11:44 PM JST - 21st May

Why can't NHK just simply become a fully commercial entity or go PBS? In addition, I have JCOM and I called them about this stupid message on the screen. I asked them if they pay this fee to NHK. They said "No". So I said then you are rebroadcasting their service illeglly? Doesn't NHK charge you fot this? Huh?!? So I called NHK, and told them I wanted to pay the fee, only if they can remove the message from my screen. They said they cannot remove it from TVs that go through Cable boxes....WTF?
ren_doi at 12:51 AM JST - 22nd May

I'd love it if NHK stopped sending their crap to my TV. I wouldn't even notice.
Badsey at 06:56 AM JST - 22nd May

I would like to see payment of the NHK fee added as a condition to all visas.
quato at 10:15 AM JST - 22nd May

Last time the guy showed up at my door I just started screaming "Chikan!! Chikan!!!!" and he bolted/
Sarge at 10:35 AM JST - 22nd May

Nessie, if your TV is perpetually off, you can't watch sumo. Turn it on, this basho is rocking!
Nessie at 05:16 PM JST - 22nd May

Guato, classic!
Nessie at 05:16 PM JST - 22nd May

Sarge, I can't escape sumo even if my telly is off. It's on everywhere.
Youdontknow at 11:06 PM JST - 22nd May

Badsey:

I would like to see payment of the NHK fee added as a condition to all visas.

I was going to flame you for this, but then I realised, it's the employers that have to pay it. Given that most of them never pay into the pension fund, instead pocketing the money for themselves, I would say yeah, do it. But then, that would mean you HAVE to have a TV when you get here. Personally, I hardly ever watch it, and when I do, I use the cable channels, which includes NHK in the package. So my question is: why aren't the cable companies paying NHK their dues if I'm paying for NHK in my contract?

I am happy to note one thing though, as the story says here, "There is no penalty for non-payment." Which is just as well, because I'll never pay those crooks a damn penny!
Badsey at 05:22 AM JST - 23rd May

I was going to flame you - until I realized that the only people that complain about the NHK fee are the ones that don't pay.

I must wonder (by their logic) How much happier they would be if they did pay?

As always: I am just trying to help and appease -appreciate that.
lipscombe at 10:39 AM JST - 23rd May

more BADsey logic.
cwhite at 11:41 AM JST - 27th May

they can black out NHK for all I care, just don't touch the other commercial terrestrial channels.
Blue_Tiger at 05:58 AM JST - 28th May

I had a gentleman one time show up at my door with a bill, demanding that I pay, since I have a television. When I asked where he was from, his response was, "Can't you see my uniform? I'm from NHK! You have to pay, because you have television!" My response was, "Don't I have to sign a contract and receive a bill in the mail, first, rather than just hand you some money?" He quickly left after that....