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News Release (April 14, 2025) 6th floor, Otsuka HT Building, 3-43-1 Minami Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Japan Amateur Radio League, Inc. (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/English/0-2.htm |
at Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 site
The Japan Amateur Radio League, Inc. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President: Koji MORITA, JA5SUD), hereinafter "JARL,” is proud to support "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” as an official Site Operation Supplier. In this role, JARL is operating a special commemorative amateur radio station, 8K3EXPO, at the Expo venue to promote the event.
JARL’s Contribution to the Expo
By operating an amateur radio station at the Expo site, JARL will promote the event not only across Japan but all over the world through the global amateur radio community. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and excitement on the Expo, and to foster international exchange.
Details of the Special Commemorative Station
| Operation period | April 13 (Sun) – October 13 (Mon), 2025, 184 days (Full duration of the Expo) |
| Callsign | 8K3EXPO (for both fixed and mobile stations) |
| Frequency and Power | 1.8 MHz – 10 GHz, up to 1kW (planned) |
| Installation Site | Yumeshima, Osaka Parking lot for staff at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site (12 hectares reclaimed land southeast of the venue) Near Yumeshima-Naka 1-chome, Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-city, Osaka, Japan |
| Antenna System | 10-meter-high tower (elevator kit manual winch) 7-29MHz 4ele Yagi (7-RDP), 10/18/24MHz Rotary Dipole, 50MHz 6ele Yagi, 144MHz-10GHz GP, etc. (1.8/3.5MHz will be considered during the event) (Provided by Nagara Electronics Co., Ltd. (Nagara Antenna)) |
| Radio and Peripherals | IC-PW2, IC-7760(200W), IC-7300(100W), IC-7300M(50W), IC-9700(50W), IC-705(10W), IC-905XG(10W), TS-890D(50W) Accessories (headset, Morse key, etc.) Provided by Japan Amateur Radio Industries Association (JAIA) and CQ Publishing Co., Ltd |
| Operating Booth | 1F, "EXPO National Day Hall [Ray Garden]," East Gate Zone Official map E12, near No.73 of "The Grand Roof” All radio equipment installed at the installation site is remotely controlled via optical fiber lines. |
This is the first amateur radio station in history to be assigned a call sign starting with "8K” — a prefix symbolizing Kansai and Kinki —.
JA3XPO: A Mobile Commemorative Station
In addition to 8K3EXPO, JARL will also operate JA3XPO, a mobile commemorative station that will travel to each of the Kansai prefectures. This callsign, originally used for the 1970 Japan World Exposition in Suita, Osaka, has been revived after 55 years. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us.
How to Operate 8K3EXPO
The operation booth is staffed by volunteers mainly from JARL’s Kansai Regional Headquarters and branches. Licensed amateur radio operators are welcome to operate the commemorative station.
For those without a license, "trial operations” under supervision are available—everyone is welcome to try. Please don’t hesitate to speak with the staff on site.
Operating Eligibility for Overseas Visitors
Visitors with amateur radio license that was issued by countries that have a reciprocal license agreement with Japan may operate the 8K3EXPO station. For details, please refer to:
https://www.jarl.org/English/3_Application/Annex.htm
Even if you do not have such a license, you may still enjoy operating the station through a supervised trial experience.
For inquiries, feel free to contact JARL’s International Division at intl@jarl.org well in advance of your arrival in Japan.
Important Notice
Please note that "Radio communication equipment such as amateur radio equipment, specified low-power radio equipment, walkie-talkies, etc." are prohibited within the Expo site (excluding mobile phones, radios, PCs and tablets). While it may be tempting to use handheld radios inside the venue, we ask for your cooperation in not bringing such equipment, while only station staff are granted special permission to do so.
Opening Ceremony Held on April 13
The commemorative station opened on April 13, 2025, with an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. After the first QSO by JARL President Koji Morita (JA5SUD), 8K3EXPO made contact with many domestic and international stations.
 Opening Ceremony. From left Tohru TANAKA (JR3QHQ) Koji MORITA (JA5SUD） Masaco, JARL PR Ambassador (JH1CBX) |
 Chairman Morita (JA5SUD) makes the first call on 8K3EXPO. |
For Updates
For the latest news about commemorative stations 8K3EXPO and JA3XPO, please visit:
Official Website: https://jarl.gr.jp/jarl-kansai_expo2025/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8k3expo
About Amateur Radio
Amateur radio is a long-standing global hobby in which licensed individuals use radio waves to communicate across borders.
Before the internet, it was hailed as the "king of hobbies,” connecting enthusiasts around the world. Today, its appeal endures through technical experimentation, space communications, and fostering international friendship. In addition to its depth as a hobby, amateur radio is also characterized by its ability to play a part in contributing to society.
With hundreds of thousands of licensed operators in Japan, amateur radio continues to attract participants of all ages and backgrounds, driven by the unique power of wireless technology to connect people.
About JARL
The Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) is a general incorporated association promoting the healthy development of amateur radio and the advancement of radio science and culture, both in Japan and worldwide.
JARL will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, with Japan’s amateur radio licensing system marking its own centennial in 2027. A variety of commemorative events are planned in collaboration with partner organizations.
100th Anniversary Logo of JARL
<Contact for inquiries regarding this matter>
Japan Amateur Radio League
Chairman, the Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative Staten Committee,
Toru TANAKA, JR3QHQ
Email: jr3qhq@jarl.com
Public Relations bureau, General Affairs Department, JARL
Email: pub@jarl.org
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