The program is available on NHK's World Service television station, Radio Japan, Digital Educational TV and on its Domestic General Channel.

The program started broadcasting on October 7, 2005, and was hosted by Mai Takematsu, a Japanese harpist.

[1] In March 2007, Mai Takematsu left the show in order to pursue her medical career, and in April 2007, she was replaced by Japanese singer, melody.

The new J-Melo debuted in October 2008, with May J. along with Shanti presenting the program, with an updated set and website and a new opening billboard.

In 2009, J-Melo started a music project, a fictitious band called Rough-T with manga characters fronted by Takekawa Ai, produced by Marty Friedman, and with additional production by international independent artists kevn, Kirby and Crazy Dragon.

It counted down the countries where the show received the most e-mail from, as well as the year's top requested artists.