Job Discussion Forums

[gaijinalways]

At one point there were a number of people not paying thir NHK fees inj Japan as the scandals within NHK were breaking left and right in the media (misuse of funds, etc.). The government was considering making it mandatory to pay at one time since they had the problem of so many viewers not paying. Since then, things have settled down, so it's likely no legislation is forthcoming any time soon.

Personally since my wife watches it daily, and sometimes I watch it, we pay.

[markle]

For a second there I thought most of the old posters were back again.. then I checked the dates.
For me, well we had the guy come round a couple days after we arrived. My wife answered the door, didn't understand what was going on so told him to come back later. Later I told him that it wasn't my apartment (true) and I didn't watch TV (untrue). I asked at work and told not to worry about it just say you don't watch NHK. Moved twice since and never seen an NHK guy once. Funny I thought that the amount at the time was a lot but now I wouldn't totally be against the idea, I mean I do watch the bilingual news and my daughter watches some of the morning kids shows.

[Sour Grape]

I paid once, I think, years and years ago. The last time I saw one of these collectors, I talked to him like Vicky Pollard from Little Britain. Can't decide which character to use next - either Anne or Andy. It depends on whether screaming "Eh Eh Eeeeeh" or saying "Yeah, I know" to everything would be more effective.

[Apsara]

The best way to not pay the NHK fee is to live in a place with "autolock" and a screen which shows you who is ringing from downstairs (what's that called in English?), which most new buildings have these days. We don't tend to get unannounced visitors, so if I'm not expecting something to be delivered and I can see it isn't the Japan Post guy I don't answer- saves me from dealing with salespeople and other weirdos as well.

I feel a little bit guilty for not paying when I watch NHK, but most Japanese people I know strenuously avoid paying as well, and I have only seen one or two NHK stickers next to people's doors in this building, so I'm thinking everyone else uses the same tactics I do.

[flyer]

Btw
saying you don't speak Japanese (in regards to watching NHK) won't fly because some programs (few, I admit) are biligual, eg the 7 and 9 o'clock news

I made the mistake of paying once (many years ago)
again like most, I was the green gaijin and my J wife told me off

I haven't paid it for 6 years

[Apsara]

Pretending that you don't understand Japanese at all does fly though, I have found on a couple of occasions where I have been bailed up in the lobby.

[flyer]