Loads the app and then the app says "The app is currently unavailable" etc, etc.

That doesn't work. Just tried it. NHK has a statement out pointing at a ROKU issue. If you can't fix it... there are other alternatives to ROKU

Same here. Tried removing and reloading app, but it didn't change anything.

grumpyoldgeek As the NHK app states when loaded, the app is "currently unavailable" and if you want to continue using the app you need to use an alternative platform as listed @ their website (if you go to the website, it lists FireTV, AndroidTV, and AppleTV as alternative app platforms - I can confirm the FireTV and Android TV apps are still available/working).Its not clear if this is a temporary or permanent situation, as most apps/services utilize a Roku-provided "app stub" placeholder app when they become deprecated (no longer available/working) for RokuOS that clearly states the app/service is no longer available (and what if any alternative platforms/services to use) when loaded, and this doesnt utilize that, though its heavily implied that it is permanent.You'll need to contact NHK-World-Japan to confirm this is a permanent unavailability going forward for the RokuOS app: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/contact/

MaK12 grumpyoldgeek Babadata The RokuOS NHK app is apparently temporarily disabled:https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/thumbnails/en/information/nhk_world_japan_app_currently_unavailable_on_roku_20250930.pdf"As of September 30, 2025, the NHK WORLD-JAPAN app is unavailable on thestreaming service Roku. NHK is currently unable to update the app, as thecorresponding procedures have not yet been processed on Roku’s end. We are lookinginto this as a matter of urgency and hoping to have the issue resolved soon."You can temporarily use a different device including a browser or another streaming platform (FireTV, Android/GoogleTV, Apple TV), or attempt to mirror it to your Roku via a phone/tablet/PC.NOTE: This may in fact be due to a carriage dispute (between NHK & Roku) involving advertising and/or streaming rights for certain content/events - until the dispute is resolved the app wont be updated/able to stream content.

Thanks for that link. I contacted NHK. Seems the problem is on Roku's end. The app works on my Google Tv in my bedroom so I have been watching it there. I also sent feedback to Roku.

NHK World app not loading: Error "The app is currently unavailable"

32 Replies

mrsondheim
Channel Surfer
23 days ago
The app is down again on Roku. Mine has been stuck buffering at 33%. It came back for about 5 minutes and then just stopped and my screen went back to the Roku home screen. Also, since it has been back, the schedule panel has been glitchy (On both Roku and Google tv's). Not showing up, not showing the actual programs that were live and not showing past programs. The mobile app on my phone seems to be fine. The app is running on my Google TV.
- Pompey
  Roku Guru
  23 days ago
  I am not seeing the stalling out to home screen that you are experiencing. The Roku app is just a little bit slow to load the live stream today. Perhaps it's a temporary rate-limiting issue with the Roku servers .
  I also see the issue where the live, linear schedule does not always show up at all, or takes some minutes to show up in the Roku app. The Google TV app with the slightly different UI always works well for me; as do the mobile apps.
mrsondheim
Channel Surfer
30 days ago
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WayneWA
Reel Rookie
30 days ago
The app is back!
- mrsondheim
  Channel Surfer
  30 days ago
  It is!! There seems to still be a glitch with the live schedule list. I get the square that pops up but it just says live. When I click "Down" I see what is currently on and a few shows before it in the list for about 3 seconds and then it switches to what is currently on. You can't click back to see what was on previously. But glad it is back. Building "My List" back up again.
Ralf8274
Channel Surfer
31 days ago
Ended up replacing all my Roku’s with FireTV sticks (killer deals on currently). Sorry Roku, but couldn’t wait for this issue to get resolved, if ever.
JuanCasas25
Reel Rookie
2 months ago
- fydie
  Binge Watcher
  2 months ago
  Roku......NHK.....let's get this fixed can we all agree by the November SUMO tournament!
JuanCasas25
Reel Rookie
2 months ago
We want NHK.
I reached out to NHK and Roku and they're playing blame tennis.
Can I get news for adults? I watch NHK more than once a day.
I get my American news from late night tv. US news is trying to compete with social media.
Thank you
Ralf8274
Channel Surfer
2 months ago
When can we expect resolution on this issue? NHK and Roku finger pointing at each other isn’t helpful. It’s very easy for us to plug in one of our other brand devices if that’s what’s Roku wants. It will be very hard to regain those lost customers.
RokuSuzyL
Community Moderator
2 months ago
Hey everyone,

We understand that you are experiencing an issue with the NHK app that is currently unavailable. We recommend contacting the NHK World support team directly for further support.

Roku Community Team
- CharWarley
  Newbie
  2 months ago
  We just checked ROKU and NHK is still not available. This is our main reason to subscribe to ROKU is the NHK program. We will cancel ROKU subscription and go with Apple app if not resolved in next week.
efchou
Newbie
2 months ago
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/thumbnails/en/information/nhk_world_japan_app_currently_unavailable_on_roku_20250930.pdf
NHK is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Give it a few days.
mrsondheim
Channel Surfer
2 months ago
Thanks for that link. I contacted NHK. Seems the problem is on Roku's end. The app works on my Google Tv in my bedroom so I have been watching it there. I also sent feedback to Roku.
- NHKWatcher1027
  Newbie
  31 days ago
  Does anyone know when the problem with NHK will be resolved? It’s so frustrating not being able to use it.
  My mother is Okinawan (though we live in Texas) and I like to watch NHK shows with my husband a lot—Journeys in Japan, Trails to Oishii Tokyo, Dine with a Chef, etc. to feel connected to my heritage (also to show my husband where all my grandfather made sure we saw/experience while I was growing up) and so my husband can experience my heritage through the NHK shows. It would be nice to know if Roku is actively working to resolve the issues with NHK so us viewers can watch it on Roku as usual.
- RokuHaz-M
  Community Moderator
  2 months ago
  Thanks for chiming in! mrsondheim
  
  It seems you're experiencing the same issue with the NHK World app on your Roku. Have you already tried any steps to troubleshoot the problem? Also, is this issue happening with other apps on your Roku, or is it only affecting the NHK World app?
  
  Looking forward to your response!
  
  Roku Community Team
  - Zzoom8
    Reel Rookie
    2 months ago
    As other mentioned previously, all other apps work just fine on Roku. Plus, the NHK app is also working fine on other platforms like FireTV, etc. Please help bring it back.
    
    Thanks!