Founded in 1991, Japan Media Communication Center (JAMCO) has long endeavored to promote international exchange through television content, aiming to increase mutual understanding between Japan and other countries and to contribute to the advancement of television broadcasting in developing countries around the world.

One of JAMCO’s primary activities is to provide gratis the international editions of Japanese television programs to broadcasting stations in developing countries in East Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Central and South America. As of March 31, 2015, JAMCO has supplied as many as 10,617 programs to some 90 countries in these regions, while also providing television programs at no cost to universities in developing countries to support education.

The international editions that JAMCO offers are foreign language versions of selected Japanese television programs considered both useful and relevant to overseas audiences, particularly in the developing countries, and these programs are available in various languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Arabic, as well as in music and effect (ME) versions. JAMCO’s library has presently grown to 1,635 programs, with genres ranging from documentaries, children’s and educational programs to dramas. We are pleased to report that the programs, which are translated into the local language before being broadcast, have proved practical in a wide variety of important fields, including disaster prevention, education, hygiene, technology and the environment, and in fostering a better understanding of Japan and its culture in the recipient countries.

This year’s JAMCO Online Symposium, an annual forum organized as part of our effort to foster cross-cultural dialogue, examines the theme entitled “The Current State and Challenges of Television Broadcasters in Asia.” The impact of digitalization, the development of high-definition capabilities, the growth of satellite broadcasting, and the distribution of TV contents via the Internet—indeed, technological innovations in television today are nothing short of remarkable. Transformation is also evident in television content heavily influenced by changes in society and viewer needs. What are the implications of these changes for broadcasters across Asia? What are the aspirations of Asian television stations? These are far-reaching questions for Japan, a country greatly interested in transmitting its culture to the world. Needless to say, their relevance is key to JAMCO’s work.

Television today has a profound impact on our politics, economy, culture and everyday life. Holding in-depth discussions to explore and learn about the state of television broadcasting offers an exciting opportunity immensely worthwhile in enhancing international mutual understanding.

The symposium welcomes the participation of all interested Internet users and is open to comments and questions on the articles or online discussions. In closing, allow me to express my sincere wish that this symposium will help promote friendship and goodwill between Japan and the world at large, including Asia.