Notice: This page was initially generated with the assistance of AI and is pending human review. The information may contain errors or omissions. Amateur radio operators are encouraged to verify all technical details independently. Help improve this page by submitting corrections and additions. Learn how to contribute Remove this banner after human review is complete.
Japan has one of the largest and most active amateur radio communities in the world, second only to the United States in number of licensed operators. Amateur radio is regulated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), also known by its Japanese abbreviation 総務省 (Sōmushō).
Japan uses a four-class licensing system, numbered in descending order (4th class is the lowest, 1st class is the highest):
The 4th class is the entry-level licence. The exam covers basic radio regulations, operating procedures, and elementary radio theory.
Privileges:
This is the most commonly held licence class in Japan and is popular for handheld radio communication.
The 3rd class expands HF privileges and requires a somewhat more in-depth exam.
Additional privileges:
The 2nd class represents a significant step up in technical depth and operating privileges.
Additional privileges:
The 1st class is the highest Japanese amateur licence. The exam is rigorous and covers advanced electronics, radio theory, and regulations in depth.
Additional privileges:
Japan offers two ways to obtain an amateur radio licence:
1. National examination
The Japan Radio Association (JARD) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) conduct amateur radio examinations. Exams are held at various locations throughout Japan on a regular schedule. The exams are written (multiple choice and some written-answer questions) and are offered in Japanese.
2. Training course (講習会)
For the 3rd and 4th class licences, candidates can attend a training course (koshukai) instead of taking the national exam. These courses are typically two days long and include instruction followed by a qualification test at the end. This path is extremely popular in Japan and is how most new operators get licensed. JARD is the primary organisation offering these courses.
Japan offers a limited-scope English-language exam for the 4th class licence, though availability can vary. Foreign visitors can also operate in Japan under reciprocal licensing agreements (see Reciprocal Licensing).
Exam and training course fees vary by class level. Training courses are generally more expensive than the national exam but include all instruction. Fees are set by the examining organisations (JARD, NICT).
An important distinction in Japan is the separation between the operator licence (which certifies your competence) and the station licence (which authorises a specific station to transmit). After obtaining your operator licence, you must also apply for a station licence from the local Regional Bureau of Telecommunications. The station licence specifies your callsign, authorised frequencies, power, and the equipment you will use.
This two-licence system means that changing your radio equipment or power level may require updating your station licence.
Japanese amateur callsigns use the prefixes JA–JS, 7J–7N, and 8J–8N. The format is typically a two-character prefix, a single digit (0–9) indicating the region, and a one-to-three-letter suffix.
| Prefix digit | Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kanto (Tokyo area) |
| 2 | Tokai |
| 3 | Kinki (Osaka area) |
| 4 | Chugoku |
| 5 | Shikoku |
| 6 | Kyushu |
| 7 | Tohoku |
| 8 | Hokkaido |
| 9 | Hokuriku |
| 0 | Shinetsu |
For example, JA1ABC indicates a station in the Kanto region. The 8J and 8N prefixes are used for special event stations.
For more on callsign formats worldwide, see the Callsign Structure page.
Japanese amateur radio regulations are based on the Radio Law (電波法, Denpa-hō) and related ordinances. Key points include:
The Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) is Japan's national amateur radio society and an IARU member society. JARL operates the QSL bureau, coordinates contests, manages the JCC/JCG award programmes, and advocates for amateur radio interests. While JARL is not a regulatory body, it plays a significant role in the Japanese amateur radio community.
Study materials for Japanese amateur exams are widely available in Japanese, including official textbooks from JARD and CQ Publishing (CQ出版). English-language resources are more limited but can be found through international amateur radio communities and some online study guides.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC / 総務省) regulates amateur radio in Japan. The Japan Radio Association (JARD) administers exams and training courses.