AFN Launches First New FM Radio Station In Japan In 70 Years
The American Forces Network launched its first new FM radio station in Japan in over 70 years last week, AFN Sasebo FM 93.1. This comes after a decade-long effort to restore broadcasting capabilities to the southern Japanese port city.
The milestone marks a significant communications upgrade for U.S. military personnel and Japanese locals who have relied on streaming services since 2017.
The new frequency represents an engineering feat in Japan's challenging mountainous terrain. AFN-Pacific deputy director Scott Williams noted that 'standing up a new FM frequency had not been done before by AFN-Pacific anywhere in the Pacific region.'
The push for FM capability began in 2014 when Sasebo's AM tower faced severe maintenance issues. Three years later, AFN dismantled the deteriorating structure entirely.
'Our AFN station in Sasebo has a long history of service in that community and has always been one of our most popular stations,' Williams said. 'Since losing their AM tower, the AFN Sasebo station had to rely on AFN's streaming radio service, AFN Go, to keep its audiences informed.'
Initial attempts to restore service proved frustrating. AFN-Pacific sourced 1.5-watt mini-antennas from the United States and placed them around the base, but building structures blocked the signals.
The technical team then embarked on months of testing with Japanese regulators. Kenneth Burton, who leads AFN-Pacific's technical services, described the unique partnership: 'Working with the Japanese government on getting this frequency has been a unique experience. Nothing like this has been done in the past 70 years.'
Japan's Ministry of Internal Communications conducted monthly inspections as AFN gradually increased broadcasting power. The team started at 50 watts and reached 300 watts by March 2025.
'Every step of the way required thorough planning and testing,' Burton said. 'We drove all over the area while testing and despite the mountainous terrain were able to establish a clear signal with a new FM transmitter.'
The station's popularity extends well beyond the base fence. Williams recounted how one Japanese listener drove nearly 100 kilometers from Fukuoka just to tune in during testing phases.
'We have a huge shadow audience of local Japanese listeners at each of our stations,' Williams said. 'The Japanese people really value AFN and love listening to our local broadcasts.'
Local military leadership championed the project throughout its development. Fleet Activities Sasebo commander Capt. Michael Fontaine emphasized the practical benefits beyond entertainment value.
'AFN programming has long been an important source of news, entertainment, and emergency information for listeners both on and off the base,' Fontaine said. 'The ability to reach the entire Sasebo area during an emergency will improve our readiness and response capability.'
Still, the achievement represents just the beginning. Williams revealed plans to expand FM capabilities to other installations across Japan.
'Our work is not ending here in Sasebo,' he said. 'We are looking to bring this great FM broadcast capability to other bases in Japan, and we've begun scouting sites at MCAS Iwakuni and Misawa Air Base.'
The new station will broadcast music, news, command information, and emergency alerts covering typhoons and safety issues. For a network whose motto is 'We Bring You Home,' the FM launch delivers on a long-awaited promise to reconnect with audiences in southern Japan.
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