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Anime fans in Japan might soonmiss a particular radio service. Anime seems to be booming like never before, but apparently the radio days are indeed gone now.
In the last decade, many things have changed in how we consume media. Streaming platforms — for video and audio — have taken the market. If, in the 2000s, people discovered new songs through radio and TV, today they might useSpotifyor even TikTok. Maybe it’s not as different as we imagine, but there are at least some differences in the way new generations consume content.
Anyway, Nippon Cultural Broadcasting (JOQR) has announced thatCho! A&G+, also known asSuper! A&G,will cease operations on July 01, 2025. Actually, what will end is the regular broadcast, and some programs will move to other platforms.
They also posted a video about it on their YouTube channel (in Japanese):
What exactly is Super! A&G?
Super! A&Gis an onlineradio servicespecializing in anime and games, launched in 2007 in Japan. According to data disclosed to media buyers, it reaches over 4 million listeners a month, most of them aged from 20 to 39 years.
There have been some signs JOQR could be considering ending the service, since they cut broadcast time from 20 to 10 hours in 2023, according toAnimenomics.
What Will Happen From Now On?
Apparently, most programs will be moved to a streaming platform titled QloveR, specializing in live broadcasting (but also with on-demand content). QloveR launched in 2024, distributed by Dwango (the operator of Niconico), currently a partner of JOQR.
According to Dwango, the partnership allows JOQR to rely less on traditional revenue sources (like ads), since QloveR is more subscription-based (although it’s apparently possible to use it for free) — considering advertisers are spending more money on social media and less on radio nowadays, that might be better for JOQR.
Other programs will move to a terrestrial radio station operated by JOQR, and some may simply end. Until the service ceases operation, each program will inform the audience about what will happen to them in April.
While there are other Japanese radio services focused on the anime niche, likeOnsen, such a major change regarding this service might make it seem like things are changing too fastfor radio lovers.
