Request Day (Request no Hi)

What Is Request Day?

October 25 is "Request Day" (Rikuesuto no Hi) in Japan. It is said that on October 25, 1936, a radio station in Berlin, Germany, aired the world's first "request program," playing songs chosen by listeners. It marked a shift from radio where listeners simply heard whatever the station decided to one that took their voices into account — an early step toward two-way media.

The History of Request Programs

Requests changed the relationship between radio and its audience.

• The era of postcards and phone calls: After the war, music programs in Japan that invited listener requests became common. Listeners mailed postcards with a song title and a message, then tuned in hoping theirs would be read on air.
• Email and social media: Today requests arrive by email, social media, and station apps, and real-time reactions during a broadcast are the norm. The idea of listeners taking part in making the show continues.

Little Stories About Requests

• "Radio names": Japanese radio has a culture of sending requests under a pen name called a "radio name." Regular listeners recognize familiar names, creating small communities around each show.
• Add a story: It is often said that a request with a memory or anecdote attached is more likely to be picked, because the story behind the song resonates with other listeners.

Request Trivia

• Streaming recommendations: Subscription music services now commonly suggest songs based on listening history — expanding from "responding to requests" to "anticipating preferences."
• Karaoke requests: Queuing a song at karaoke is also called a "request" in Japan, and request rankings compiled by venues and machines are a handy gauge of what is popular.
• Requests in business: Many companies collect customer requests to improve products. Feedback forms and surveys are request windows in another form.
• How to ask well: When asking someone for something, being specific about what, by when, and why makes it easier for them to act — a useful tip at work too.

Ideas for Request Day

• Send a request to a radio show for the first time in a while, along with a memory tied to the song.
• Ask coworkers or family, "Is there anything you'd like me to do?" Knowing what others want is the first step to a good relationship.
• Share one request you have been holding back, while considering the other person's situation.
• Thank someone who responded to your request.

It Starts with Speaking Up

October 25 recalls the moment when listeners' voices — "I want to hear this" — began to shape a program. A request conveys what you want and is also a way of taking part in creating something together. Today, try requesting a favorite song or listening to the wishes of people around you. A small word may be what moves things in a better direction.