General Functions
of JARL
JARL links Japanese hams with their international counterparts. The Japan Amateur Radio League, Inc. (JARL) is the organization that represents Japanese radio amateurs in all domestic and overseas activities. After its inauguration in 1926, JARL approached the then Imperial Government for legal recognition of its status of amateur radio communications. We worked hard to achieve sound growth and to ensure that any aspirant could enjoy amateur radio communication. During World War II, these activities were suspended by order of the authorities, but immediately after the end of the war, JARL did not lose time in reorganizing itself. We resumed operations and once again achieved steady growth.
League's current domestic and international activities are as follows.
(1) Publication of Bulletins and Journals
JARL issues ( in Japanese ) a quarterly bulletin, JARL NEWS, ( 120 B5-size pages ) for distribution to its members. JARL also provides extensive information and promotional services, including the sale of books on amateur radio communications and the printing of application forms.
(2) Distribution of QSL Cards
Radio hams have a practice of sending QSL ( radio contact confirmation ) cards to their counterpart stations. When a ham has communicated with a large number of his counterparts and wants to send them QSL cards, he can forward such cards to JARL. Once a month, depends on the block, office transmits all such cards to the designated counterpart stations, whether in Japan or abroad. JARL currently handles an astronomical one million cards every month.
(3) Training Seminars for New Operators
JARL sponsors nationwide seminars for newly licensed fellow hams and several other technical seminars as well as a variety of contests across the country to upgrade radio communications techniques. Thus, it is to be remembered that, at all times, JARL unceasingly works to further promote and maintain friendly relations amongst its members and, at the same time, upgrade its technical skill.
(4) Rescue Operations
In the event of an emergency, alerted amateur radio stations immediately cooperate with each other to facilitate rescue operations and other much needed emergency activities. In order to more efficiently conduct such rescue operations, JARL participates in the Council of Emergency Radio Communications ( organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications ) and other organizations. In addition, we conduct training courses for emergency communications at various locations across the country.
(5) Public Relations
In order to familiarize the masses with amateur radio communication, JARL distributes public relations releases, and promotes participation in such public international events, as the Olympics, International Trade Fairs, and Expositions. We also release amateur radio promotion films and distribute brochures and leaflets. In addition, JARL helps investigate the internal and external movements of amateur radio stations. We also collect literature and reference material, and hold public exhibitions of radio equipment.
(6) Member of IARU
An international group of amateur radio leagues organized the International Amateur Radio Union ( IARU ) which has its headquarters in the United States and of which JARL is affiliated as its representative of Japan sends a delegation to international conferences. JARL also supports IARU Region 3 secretariat and lends a helping hand to developing countries in an attempt to encourage amateur radio communications.
(7) Tie-ups with Overseas Organizations
Specific collaboration projects include: exchanging bulletins, sponsoring contests, and familiarizing hams with award rules. JARL also works to promote friendship between local amateurs and visiting foreign hams. We cover overseas topics and convey up-to-date information through our bulletin, the JARL NEWS.
(8) Helping Operations in Japan and Abroad
JARL helps applications procedures for foreign and Japanese radio amateurs to operate in and outside Japan.
(9) Guidance in Counteracting Interference
We are now living in the age of radio science and because Japan is dotted with about 10 million radio stations large and small, this inevitably results in high density and increases the possibility of radio interference. Under such circumstances, JARL provides guidance to amateur radio stations in an attempt to minimize disturbance of both radio and TV reception. JARL is a member of the Council for Radio Disturbance Prevention, along with: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, NHK Broadcasting Corporation, private broadcasting corporations, and the Electronic Industries Association of Japan. We cooperate closely with the Council in resolving radio interference problems.
(10) Filing of Proposals and Petitions
Amateur radio communications has been restricted by law. However, changing times and the development of new technologies exert continual pressure for institutional reform. JARL often sounds out the opinions of radio amateurs, and then files proposals and petitions the authorities. Through it is not our intention to act precipitously we are hopeful of improving the quality of amateur radio communications to the satisfaction of all amateurs.
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