Radio in Japan?

Posted by: JWinston on 20 July 2002

Hi all,

Another left-fielder:

I'm going to be in Japan for an extended period, and am wondering about my radio options. Interests are classical music and news in English. I hate the sound of radio via computer. So, should I get an FM radio, a shortwave radio, both? Any recommendations? Smaller and lighter is better as I will be travelling frequently. A cursory look at the sw offerings has me thinking a Sony SW-7600GR as the absolute largest (~8"x5"x1") I would consider carrying. Some of the small FM/AM Sonys are TINY and hence very appealing -- is the FM frequency range the same bandwidth as US radio (~87 to 107)? I have good phones, and even a little amp if necessary (Headroom thingie that I find I like to use only when absolutely necessary).

Any help greatly appreciated, and, no, at present I am not planning on cartridge shopping so easy on the requests for Koetsus and Lyras please!

Cheers,

John

Posted on: 21 July 2002 by --duncan--

I bought a radio in Japan. The FM dial was marked 76-92.5, thence 1,2,3 etc. with no indication of what these numbers meant. In practice I can get frequencies up to about 104. I think that these higher frequencies are used for TV transmission in Japan. Sounds like a US market radio might not cover the lower frequencies.

Wouldn't it be an idea to wait untill you got there before buying?

Have a great time there, I'm most envious of your opportunity

duncan

Posted on: 21 July 2002 by Rico

The ICF-SW7600G you mention will be suitable for use in Japan.

They use FM 76MHz-96 (or thereabouts).

The 7600's are cracking receivers, rugged, sound good, and keep one in touch with the world when travelling in foreign lands (given a nearby tree to string your antenna-line over). They can be thirsty on batteries - well worth the hassle, though.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

Posted on: 21 July 2002 by JWinston

Most helpful.

Not buying in Japan be because I'm flying into Fukuoka and am going to be away from obvious electronics shopping centers for the better part of the first month I'm there. Run-on sentence.

Supposedly prices are not much better in Japan - or so says Swedish Radio's site. Seems rather hard to believe.

John

Posted on: 21 July 2002 by dvdkeogh

John,

I'm not sure I'll be able to help with your radio problem just now. My current girlfriend lives near Nagoya so next time we speak I'll ask about English Language radio, but since for most of the year she's in the UK I have my doubts she'll know of any stations...

However, an ex lives in Fukuoka. I found Fukouka Nowto be a useful resource. I never got a chance to visit her in Fukuoka as something always seemed to crop up, but from what I can gather it sounds a wonderful place. Normally I would wish you fun, but knowing that Fukuoka is a party capital I think its almost guaranteed!

Enjoy your trip,

Dave

Posted on: 21 July 2002 by DJH

John ; I lived in Tokyo for two years - there are at least two excellent classical music stations which regularly brightened up my morning or evening. Classical music on television also fares well. For regular english language news, there are American Forces' channels, but you would probably be better off relying on the internet, to be honest. If at all possible, get your radio in Akihabara in Tokyo, where you will probably find a better selection than almost anywhere else. And as I'm still typing, I might as well mention Yodobashi in Shinjuku, which is without doubt the finest camera shop in the world. Have a great time - Japan is a wonderful place.

Posted on: 22 July 2002 by Edot

John,

I spent a year in Japan with a Grundig yact boy 400 (am, fm & sw). It's quite good for FM and fair on SW, but possibly better than the sony. By the way there is a book that is published yearly that reviews all the short wave radios on the market . The title escapes me though.

But that said there is not much on short wave and the reception can be lame. If I were to go back I would put my money into streaming and a small FM reciever.

Posted on: 22 July 2002 by i am simon 2

Rico,

does that stand make the radio sound better?

Posted on: 22 July 2002 by Rico

Well yes, as a matter of fact it did.

That was all I had left to listen to when packing up in London - the Naim kit was already boxed and packed, and this was taken before we boxed up the Mana.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

Posted on: 23 July 2002 by Edot

John

I just noticed that Tivoli, makers of that very cool table radio have just come out with a portable. I think it's called the Pal. Check it out.

Posted on: 26 July 2002 by Andy Moore

Where I lived in Japan (less than 2 hours south of Osaka)I was able to get...... 1 radio station.
NHK in fact. Which played a little bit of everything. Including some very intriguing Malaysian thrash metal.

Had I been allowed to own/drive/travel in a motor car I would have had the luxury of local AM radio as well (with its multitude of talk-programmes).

Needless to say I spent a fortune on CDs.

Andy.