Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I knew that sooner or later this was going to happen.

Yesterday, September 22, 2026, on a cold, sunny morning, I was in Porto Alegre doing my usual radio listening when I thought of tuning in to 16971 kHz to download one of Kyodo News’ news bulletins via radiofax. No signal. It sounded strange, so I did some research. I found a post on Reddit:

“Kyodo News Radiofax service (JJC) has been discontinued.”

I didn’t see any other mention of this fact anywhere on the Internet, but I believe the information is correct, since I haven’t listened to the signal on this frequency anymore, even though the agency’s website still lists the service as available.

I sent a message to Kyodo News requesting information, but honestly? I don’t expect a reply. If and when I do get one, I’ll post it here.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been tuning in to and receiving Kyodo News radiofax transmissions.

There were countless posts on the SWLing Post. I have nothing to complain about; I made the most of it while I could. I even started an illustrated diary with the printed radiofax pages, which unfortunately I was unable to complete.

Even though it’s a Japanese company, and the Japanese remain firmly attached to their traditions, Kyodo News has just embraced modernity, practicality, and cost reduction, because after all, maintaining shortwave transmitters and radiofax costs money, and the vast majority of its audience receives Kyodo News reports over the Internet. One of the reasons the news agency was still using radiofax was the fact that the Internet does not reach the crews of Japanese vessels, but this is changing, with new technologies allowing ships to receive reports, whether news or weather bulletins, via satellite.

The fact is, the new always comes along, and no matter how nostalgic we may be (and I am very nostalgic!), there’s no way to stop changes. A sad day for me and for the many people who, like me, became used to receiving Kyodo News radiofax transmissions.

Kyodo News was the last company on the planet still sending bulletins by radiofax. With the discontinuation of this service, an era is coming to an end as well. Radiofax’s days are numbered. Enjoy the few services that still exist before they disappear.