Number of Amateur Radio Operators in Japan Continues Declining

/

The number of amateur radio stations in Japan continues to decline. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced the latest numbers for the first quarter of 2026, showing a steady reduction of 1,000+ stations each month. Over the last 10 years, Japan's station count has reduced by more than 100,000 from 435,969 in January 2016 to 332,120 in January 2026.

While an explanation for the decline was not given, Japan has seen significant population loss over the last several years, including a reduction of 3 million citizens over the past 5 years.

HAMSCI asks Canada to Reconsider Shortwave Shutdown

/
HAMSCI asks Canada to Reconsider Shortwave Shutdown

Canada, where the popular shortwave time service, CHU, has been marked to go off the air later this month. A major citizen-science organisation has asked officials to change their minds.

The citizen science investigation organisation HamSCI has asked Canadian officials to halt their planned shutdown later this month of its shortwave time-signal station CHU, saying it has unique and irreplaceable value to researchers and the international scientific community.

A statement on HamSCI's website praises CHU for its longstanding role as a resource in auroral research. Its unprecedented citizen-science study of the 2024 solar eclipse over North America also relied heavily on CHU's capabilities.

Read More

Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Volunteers for Emergency Preparedness

/
Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Volunteers for Emergency Preparedness

Senator Ted Cruz, in a strong pre-Memorial Day message, publicly highlighted the critical role that Amateur Radio Service volunteers play during disasters, praising and thanking ham radio operators who provide essential communications when storms and emergencies knock out power and cellular networks and communities are cut off. Sen. Cruz observed that in these emergencies, it is ham radio operators who step forward, bringing with them the tools, expertise, and commitment to reconnect people when it matters most. He noted this dedication was clearly demonstrated in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey’s catastrophic flooding devastated communities across Texas, and that it was demonstrated again more recently in the horrific Camp Mystic floods. He emphasised that as the Nation prepares for yet another summer storm season, ham radio’s role remains just as vital as ever.

Read More