Overview of the Centennial Activities

Because “normal” is just boring — together toward the next 100 years

On June 12, 2026, the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) will mark the 100th anniversary of its founding.
Then, in September 2027, amateur radio itself in Japan will celebrate its own centennial milestone.

To honor this historic moment and to open the door to the next 100 years, we have designated the 16-month period from June 2026 through September 2027 as our Centennial Celebration Period, during which a wide range of commemorative activities will be carried out.

One hundred years ago, radio communication was not yet “normal.”
Pioneers of the time, driven by passion for technology and a spirit of exploration, ventured into an entirely new world and shaped its future.
Today, we ask ourselves once again:

Because “normal” is just boring.

This message embodies the spirit of amateur radio operators—never bound by conventions, always continuing to challenge what lies beyond.

The Centennial Anniversary projects are an open invitation to everyone:
to carry this spirit forward to the next generation and to unlock new possibilities for amateur radio in the years to come.

Centennial Celebration Period

June 2026 – September 2027 (16 months)

June 2026 — 100th Anniversary of the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL)

September 2027 — 100th Anniversary of Amateur Radio in Japan

Throughout this 16-month period, we will share this commemorative moment together with amateur radio operators in Japan and around the world.

Overview of the Centennial Activities

To celebrate the centennial from multiple perspectives and carry its legacy into the future, we will implement the following initiatives.

1. Anniversary Logo & Message, and Centennial Website

We have established a commemorative logo to serve as the symbol of the centennial, along with the message Because “normal” is just boring.

Both the logo and the message embody the spirit of amateur radio operators—never confined by conventional thinking and always continuing to challenge what lies beyond.

As the central hub for sharing information on all Centennial initiatives, we have launched this dedicated Centennial website.

Through this site, we will provide unified updates on each project, including announcements, progress reports, and ways to participate.
The site also features a community submission section that gathers voices from our members, as well as historical content that looks back on 100 years of amateur radio in Japan.

Community Posts ー Coming Soon

• ① Share Your Ideas That Go Beyond “Normal”
• ② Voices for the future

2. Centennial Ceremony

We will hold an official ceremony to formally celebrate the centennial.
While reflecting on the past 100 years, the ceremony will also serve as an occasion to express our commitment to the next 100 years.

More than a moment of celebration alone, it is positioned as a milestone where we come together to discuss the future of amateur radio and take a new step forward.

3. Centennial Publication

We will publish an official commemorative publication documenting 100 years of the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL).
This publication will be preserved as an archive for future generations.

4. Centennial Operations (June 2026–September 2027)

During the Centennial Celebration Period (June 2026–September 2027), commemorative operations will be conducted across Japan.

These operations will be organized into two categories:
Public Call Operations, primarily on the HF bands, and Event Operations, which will take place on the VHF and UHF bands in conjunction with various events.

The Public Call Operations will provide amateur radio operators in Japan and abroad with opportunities to make contacts with all Japanese prefectures (WAJA).

The Event Operations will be on the air during a variety of events held throughout Japan.

5. Centennial Contest ー Coming Soon

6. Centennial Award ー Coming Soon

７. Crowdfunding ー Coming Soon

８. Ham Fair (2026 & 2027)

During the Centennial Celebration Period, the Ham Fair will be presented with content befitting the 100th anniversary.
It will serve as a platform for announcements and progress updates on the Centennial initiatives, as well as demonstrations of commemorative operations, showcasing the appeal of amateur radio to audiences both in Japan and abroad.

The 2026 Ham Fair will mark the opening of the Celebration Period, while the 2027 Ham Fair will be held as a landmark event in the year that commemorates the 100th anniversary of amateur radio in Japan, making it a key occasion for celebrating the centennial.

An Invitation to Everyone

The Centennial initiatives offer a wide range of programs open to everyone—
from long-time members and those who have recently begun operating, to people who are considering starting amateur radio for the first time.

From making contacts through commemorative operations, to taking on awards and contests, sharing voices through the Community Posts, and supporting the next generation through crowdfunding—
there are many ways to take part. Participation is open and flexible.

Because “normal” is just boring

Just as the pioneers of a century ago once did, we too will continue to take on new challenges.
Together, let us open the door to the next 100 years.