This tutorial will explain how to quickly obtain a Japanese amateur radio license.
If you want to engage in amateur radio activities in Japan, you must obtain an amateur radio license.
The main ways to obtain a ham radio license are as follows:
First category: Obtaining a Japanese amateur radio license by using an FCC license.
Second category: Obtaining a Japanese amateur radio license through local exams
This article will explain how to obtain a Japanese Level 3 amateur radio license through local exams.
It took me 57 days to complete the process from applying for the program to obtaining my license.
Prerequisites: Must have a long-term residency status in Japan and possess a my number card.
The classification of radio operator licenses in Japan is as follows:
If you hold a 3rd-grade "Sou Tou" license, you can directly exchange it for a 2nd-level amateur radio operator license ("Ama"). If you hold a 1st or 2nd grade "Sou Tou" license, you can directly exchange it for a 1st-level amateur radio operator license ("Ama").
Level 1Hobby radio operators toLevel 4Amateur radio operator licenses can all be obtained through national testing.
Level 2Hobby radio operators toLevel 4Amateur radio operator licenses can be obtained through completing a course.
A Level 1 amateur radio operator license is equivalent to a domestic Class C super-enhanced license, allowing operation of radios with a maximum power output of up to 1 kilowatt.
A Level amateur radio operator license is equivalent to a domestic Class B Super Enhanced license, allowing operation of radios with a maximum power output of 200 watts or less.
A Level 3 amateur radio operator license is equivalent to a domestic B-class, reduced version, and allows operation of radios with a maximum power output of 50 watts or less, frequencies above 18 MHz or below 8 MHz.
A fourth-level amateur radio operator license is equivalent to the domestic A-class enhanced version, allowing operation of radios with a maximum power of ten watts or less, frequencies below 8 MHz or between 21 MHz and 30 MHz, and radios with frequencies above 30 MHz and a power of 20 watts or less. However, it does not allow operation of CW (continuous wave) mode.
The power limit for mobile units is 50 watts.
The abbreviated designation for a Class 0 amateur radio operator is: 0-Ama.
Obtain a ham radio license through self-study courses.
The JARD-organized course is an online learning program. It allows students to study for the amateur radio exam at their own pace and convenience.
Currently, licenses for levels four to two can be obtained through courses organized by JARD, and it is possible to directly skip the level three exam after completing level four. I have personally verified that the registration fee for level three is 26400 Japanese yen. After paying the registration fee, you will receive materials from JARD, including textbooks, application forms for operating licenses, course accounts, and a user guide.
This textbook, which measures 7mm thick and has a B5 size, is priced at 2200 yen.
Once you receive the materials, please fill them out as soon as possible.Application for Wireless Service Provider LicenseSend the application form and return envelope to JARD. After taking the exam, if you choose to apply for both the exemption certificate (equivalent to a domestic radio operator's license) and the exemption letter (equivalent to a domestic radio license), JARD will return the materials to you, and you will need to submit them again yourself.
Learning and exams must be completed within 3 months. The learning is divided into 8 modules, consisting of four legal and regulatory modules and four radio engineering modules, followed by a final assessment test. To pass the assessment test, all eight previous modules must be successfully completed. If any module fails, you must wait one hour before retaking it. Once passed, you can take the test repeatedly. The passing standard for the assessment test is to score 60% or higher in both modules, with each module containing 10 questions. Both the assessment test and the final exam have a time limit of 60 minutes. After successfully completing the assessment test, you can book an appointment at any CBT (Computer-Based Testing) center to take the final exam. After completing the final exam at the CBT center, you will receive a notification letter, but this letter will not contain any exam results information. The final score will be sent to you by JARD via email within a few days.
Once you receive the passing notification, proceed with registration.General Affairs Department - Radio Utilization & Electronic Applications Use the qualified notification system to register. After a few days, the system will convert your account into an official account, at which point you can apply for both the exemption certificate and exemption letter through the electronic application page.
Of course, if you're in a hurry, you can simply send the documents to the relevant communication authority via mail.
The price for an electronic waiver application is: ¥2,900 for up to 50 watts, and ¥5,500 for over 50 watts. The price for an electronic reissue application is: ¥1,950.
The price for applying for a paper-based exemption is: ¥4,300 for 43 watts or less, and ¥8,100 for more than 50 watts. The price for reprinting applications is: ¥3,050. Replacement copies cost ¥1,300.
Fixed and mobile stations must be applied for separately, and two sets of frequency usage fees must be paid simultaneously.
When applying, simply provide the machine's technical code. Machines without a technical code must be submitted to JARD or TSS for warranty before being submitted to the Ministry of Finance.
When submitting paper documents, foreigners must submit copies of their residence cards or passports; otherwise, they will be rejected.
When submitting your documents, remember to include the JARD, a stamped and addressed envelope, and send it to the relevant administrative office. After approximately 1 to 2 months, you will receive both the permit and the exemption letter together in the envelope.
The initial version will be printed on standard A4 paper, but from October 1, 2025 onwards, it will be available as an electronic version and must be printed by the user.
Within a few days of receiving the non-consent notice, you will receive a notification regarding payment for frequency usage fees (a "Radio Usage Fee Payment Notice").
Appendix: Fees for using radio frequencies in Japan (by level) Source: Ministry of Finance
Note: Models such as UVK5, K6, etc., have not obtained Japanese Type Approval codes. Launching them in Japan carries legal risks (the receiver is irrelevant). Please be aware of this.
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