The commemoration of television broadcasting

Today, and February 1st annually, is Television Broadcasting Day テレビ放送記念日. Because on this day in 1953 NHK’s Tokyo station launched Japan’s first official television broadcast. At exactly 2:00 p.m., the inaugural announcement—“JOAK‑TV, this is NHK Tokyo Television”—was transmitted from the Tokyo Broadcasting Hall in Uchisaiwaichō. 

At the time of its launch, very few people had a television. It was a high end luxury. Therefore, to celebrate the launch, seven locations with televisions around Tokyo opened their doors to the public, showing live coverage of the opening ceremony, stage performances, news, and films. Despite these limitations, the new medium quickly gained momentum. 

February 1st commemorates a major milestone in Japanese media history and the start of a new era. The anniversary is also a reminder of how much television has evolved and how the television went from an exclusive luxury to a common household item.