A proposal to decentralize Japan’s TV networks into seven regions, ensuring free choice, stronger democracy, and a redefined NHK.
A proposal from August 21, 2010, presenting the “Garagarapon” plan to disperse Japan’s Tokyo-centric TV stations to regional areas by lot. This bold reorganization aims to revitalize regional economies, break the centralization of information, and diversify viewer choices. It redefines the role of the public broadcaster, NHK, and outlines a vision for the future of media that pursues true intellect and freedom of speech.

Proposal to Decentralize Television Stations Across Japan
2020/8/21

And now, I believe it is my role to disperse the television networks into seven major regions—for the sake of their souls. This can be done in a very simple, democratic way, and it would be appropriate as a pioneering step for the twenty-first-century capitalism that Japan must create.

We should reshuffle the system and, by drawing lots, disperse the six major commercial networks across Japan. Since they are joint-stock companies, to ensure fairness, short selling should be prohibited, and a Price Keeping Operation should be carried out for these six companies. Advertising corporations should also cooperate by placing ads evenly across the networks. This is the kind of cooperation required for Japan to mature into a true democratic nation. (See also: “The television networks, above all, are the very culprits making our country worse.”)

The most important thing for democracy—the thing above all else—is freedom of speech and the cultivation of intelligence.

Each private broadcaster should be free to pursue its own preferences to the fullest. If a station wishes to specialize in light entertainment and comedy, it should go all out in that direction.

Rather than relying solely on advertising, they could also adopt subscription models. Citizens would then choose the stations that suit their own tastes. For those who want to watch all channels, a full package could be offered.

As for the pinnacle of freedom and intellect, Japan should maintain only one NHK channel—continuing to refine the highest standards of broadcasting, image quality, and sound technology, rivaling the BBC or France Télévisions.

NHK would no longer need to produce programs like those of the commercial broadcasters. Instead, it should uncompromisingly cut into Japan’s problems and the world’s issues with the sharpest intellect, while further polishing its world-class sports coverage.

Sumo can be left to the commercial broadcasters. Programs like the Red and White Song Contest can also be left to stations that enjoy producing such entertainment. In return, NHK should dedicate itself to introducing the finest bands and singers from around the world with superb images and sound.

Don’t you think this would be better?
After all, glamorous actresses and entertainers would end up living permanently in the capitals of your regions.