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This is an oral history recorded by Private Shelby Newhouse who served as one of the first announcers for the Far East Network Tokyo station in 1952. Newhouse recalls how he came to be a radio announcer and the conditions in post-war Japan. He describes Tokyo studios and several incidents from the early days of the network. Author: Army Private Shelby Newhouse. Playing Time: 16:09

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Merwin Smith was chief announcer, actor, and program director of FEN in 1952 when the station occupied studios in the NHK Radio Tokyo building in downtown Tokyo. This presentation serves as a summary of early FEN activities. Author: Merwin Smith. Playing Time: 23:45

Scope and Contents “Enjoy Japan” was a weekly featured series broadcast on the Far East Network designed as a cross-cultural exchange aimed at both American military personnel and Japanese nationals. The show featured music of Japan and discussed elements of Japanese culture. The show’s co-host was Hiroko Kubota who became a well-known writer in Japan. This particular episode features Jizo-san (a mountain named for a guardian deity), Japanese superstitions, and the practice of “moon viewing.” Author: Sgt....

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In 1970, James Hilbrink of FEN-Tokyo conceived the idea of a weekly, locally produced, children’s program to serve the dependents of personnel stationed in Japan. The first broadcast aired on August 29, 1970. Topics such as bike safety, the Boy Scouts, and even general safety tips were designed to fit comfortably within the “Sleepy Hollow” format. Author: James Hilbrink, Tim Huguenard, and Kay Coughlin. Playing Time: 38:30

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Donator Paul Keane was a British Merchant Marine who listened to FEN regularly while in and around Japanese harbors. He caught this country music show on his personal reel to reel tape recorder. Author: Tim Huguenard. Playing Time: 18:19

Scope and Contents This 1962 broadcast is typical of a series of Top 20 shows that aired, almost always on Saturday nights, over the users at FEN. Cashman’s notation at the end of the show that they were unable to present the number one Billboard song because they did not yet have it was a recurring problem at FEN. Records had to be reviewed and distributed through the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service headquarters in California thus ensuring a delay in distribution. Personal copies of records could...

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Programs aimed at teen listeners have been a mainstay on FEN throughout most of its history. This broadcast comes from the Grant Heights Teen Club, located just outside of Tokyo. With the cooperation of FEN, a full radio studio, known as “Radio T-E-E-N” was constructed in the teen club where regular Saturday morning broadcasts were originated. Author: Dave Robertson & Roy Goodwin. Playing Time: 1:07:40

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This edition of “Teenagers on Parade” features a show that was produced in the FEN Tokyo studios rather than on location. Author: Dave Robertson and Patty. Playing Time: 1:03:21

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Sports was an integral part of FEN programming. This 1972 clip features a background story and interview with Muhammad Ali the day before his fight with Mac Foster at the Tokyo Buddakan on April 1, 1972. Author: Marine Cpl. Tim Secker and Air Force Sgt. Art Burnett. Playing Time: 10:26

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This episode of “Teenagers on Parade” features two additional hosts. This is a “telescoped” rather than full version of a very poor quality tape. Author: Sandy Cooper, Dave Robertson, and Wayne. Playing Time: 10:40