NHK began digital television broadcasting in December 2000 through BS Digital , followed by terrestrial digital TV broadcasts in three major metropolitan areas in 2003 . Its digital television coverage gradually expanded to cover almost all of Japan by 24 July 2011 , when analog transmissions were discontinued ( except in certain areas affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami where it was discontinued on 31 March 2012 )
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
NHK