Representatives from ARDC and JARL at JARL Ham Fair 2026. Front row, L to R: Taka Otsuka 7K2COL / K2COL, Rosy Schechter KJ7RYV, Ria Jairam N2RJ, Keith Packard K7WQ, Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP, Toshiyuki “Tom” Mabuchi JF3LGC. Back row, L to R: Bdale Garbee KB0G, Schuyler Erle N0GIS.

We had an amazing time attending the JARL Ham Fair last month and joining JARL in celebrating its 100th anniversary. Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to connect with amateur radio enthusiasts from Japan and around the world.

The Ham Fair kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by ARDC President Bdale Garbee KB0G. After the ceremony, Executive Director Rosy Schechter KJ7RYV gave a talk about how ARDC supports the next generation of hams. Her presentation highlighted work by grantees from the JARL Kyoto Club, as well as our recent grant to JARL, where JARL’s VP Toru Tanaka JR3QHQ joined Rosy on stage to share more about the grant and the work that it will support. At our booth, attendees could learn more about our programs and see 44Net Connect technology in action.

JARL President Koji Morita JA5SUD preparing to cut the ribbon, opening JARL Ham Fair 2026.

ARDC Executive Director Rosy Schechter KJ7RYV discussing work from the JARL Kyoto Club.

On Saturday evening, Rosy and Director of Technology Schuyler Erle N0GIS attended a VIP dinner, where they met delegates from multiple amateur radio clubs from around the world, including Australia, Korea, and Taiwan, who presented gifts to JARL in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Japan 44Net Regional Coordinator Toshiyuki ‘Tom’ Mabuchi JF3LGC talking to our booth visitors.

A special thank you to Taka Otsuka 7K2COL / K2COL of the 100th Anniversary Working Group, who went above and beyond to support us while in Tokyo, ensuring we had everything we needed while at the Ham Fair. We also want to give a special thank you to Toshiyuki “Tom” Mabuchi JF3LGC, our 44Net Regional Coordinator for Japan, for providing translation assistance at the booth and for helping demonstrate 44Net Connect to visitors. Their support was instrumental to our success at the Ham Fair.

Congratulations to JARL on 100 years, and thank you to JARL and everyone we met for the warm welcome and kindness throughout our time in Tokyo!