Words from the radio that catch your ear as they come through the speakers.
I think everyone has had the experience of being drawn in and listening closely to something on the radio, whether it’s a funny story about a mishap, a bittersweet tale of romance that brings back memories, or a heroic story that amazes everyone.
If you heard stories about the town where you live on the radio, surely many people would prick up their ears.
FM Kurashiki opened on December 24, 1996, as Okayama Prefecture’s first privately operated FM radio station, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 24, 2021.
At the milestone of its 25th year of continuing to share local information as a community FM station, we spoke with Kensaku Okubo, representative director of FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. at the time (now chairman and representative director), radio personalities Tomoya Maezawa and Toshifumi Otani, about the circumstances surrounding its founding and its outlook for the future.
Here we introduce the aspirations that Kurashiki’s community FM radio station broadcasts over the airwaves.
The information presented was current when this article was published in April 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is FM Kurashiki?
Overview of FM Kurashiki
FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. is a radio station in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.
Broadcasting at 82.8 MHz (megahertz), its coverage area includes all of Kurashiki City, Hayashima Town, and part of Soja City.
It opened on December 24, 1996, as Okayama Prefecture’s first privately operated FM radio station, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 24, 2021.
As of January 2022, it was operated by seven employees.
The value of community FM stations
FM Kurashiki explains the value of community FM in local society in terms of two situations: ordinary times and times of disaster.
Its guiding principle in ordinary times is: “Professionals who know everything about the town.”
By covering small news stories that larger media outlets cannot, it helps create a lively town together with local residents.
Meanwhile, its guiding principle during disasters is: “Local professionals who protect residents’ safety and peace of mind and strengthen the town’s resilience in everyday life.”
Resilience means the ability to recover or adapt, and to quickly bounce back even when faced with difficult problems or crisis situations.
Drawing on the expertise of local professionals who know the area inside out—including what is where and who lives there—the station works to support disaster response.
FM Kurashiki has also developed “Kokucchi,” an FM radio that can receive emergency alerts during disasters.
Initiatives for the SDGs — SDG Media Compact
In 2018, the United Nations announced the “SDG Media Compact,” a policy to promote action toward achieving the SDGs through broadcasting, and called on media organizations around the world to join.
Based on the SDG Media Compact, FM Kurashiki clarifies the connections between its programs and the 17 goals set out in the SDGs, promoting the achievement of the SDGs through community development.
On September 18, 2021, FM Kurashiki became the first community radio station in Japan to be approved for membership.
The following are programs produced by FM Kurashiki that are closely related to the SDGs.
| Program | Content and related SDG goals |
|---|---|
| Enjoin!! SPOxT | A program that discusses community development to encourage young people to participate in local activities (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities (17) Partnerships for the Goals |
| What You Need to Know! Developmental Disabilities ※No longer broadcast | A program in which pediatricians from Kurashiki Central Hospital introduce types of developmental disabilities and related cases (3) Good Health and Well-Being (4) Quality Education (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities |
| Exploring Japan Heritage in Kurashiki on the Radio | A program in which staff from Kurashiki City’s Japan Heritage Promotion Office introduce Japan Heritage sites in Kurashiki City (4) Quality Education (17) Partnerships for the Goals |
| Mabi: “Now” and “What’s Next” ※No longer broadcast | A program introducing the recovery of Mabi, Kurashiki City, which suffered extensive damage in the heavy rains of July 2018, through conversations with members of civic groups and others (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities (17) Partnerships for the Goals |
FM Kurashiki shares information with the understanding that raising awareness among local residents is also a role of community FM in achieving the SDGs in Kurashiki.
As a media organization rooted in the local community, FM Kurashiki aims to be a community FM radio station that leaves no one behind.
For the station’s 25th anniversary, we spoke with Kensaku Okubo, representative director of FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. at the time (now chairman and representative director), and radio personalities Tomoya Maezawa and Toshifumi Otani about the circumstances surrounding its founding and the aspirations behind the information they have shared over the years.
FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. Information
| Organization name | FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Representative | Masanobu Izawa |
| Year established | Established May 16, 1996; began broadcasting December 24, 1996 |
| Address | 520-28 Hakurakucho, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-430-0600 |
| Website | FM Kurashiki |
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