[qmarchi]

It's interesting that they're choosing to do this broadcast in Japanese considering that everyone living in that region (that's Japanese), would likely speak Arabic or English, and they could help more people by broadcasting that those languages.

Glad to know my tax dollars are doing something better than just harassing people to pay fees.

[Fwirt]

While the idea is noble, the press release states:

"This measure is based on NHK’s mission as an international public service media to provide essential information to Japanese nationals residing in or traveling in the region."

Broadcasting in English or Arabic isn't going to be of much use to Japanese nationals.

[sinuhe69]

In general, Japanese are not very comfortable in using English. Thus for safety and critical information, broadcasting in their native language would feel much more trustworthy, reassuring and connected than any other language.

[echoangle]

That’s what they were talking about:

> everyone living in that region (that's Japanese), would likely speak Arabic or English

And I think I agree, how many Japanese citizens are going to be in the area that don’t speak English?

[kelnos]

Living in that region, probably, but that's far from certain for Japanese people merely traveling in that region.

[jitl]

the point is, some.

[HoldOnAMinute]

Couldn't they just send that user a fax instead?