1981 Good Design Radio National RF-U5

This is a National 2-band model released in '81.
National radios with RF are known for their good sensitivity and are still used by enthusiasts today for long-distance reception.
It features a relatively powerful 66mm ferrite speaker and a high-frequency amplifier. Although priced at ¥9,500, which was quite high, its performance and sophisticated design were its selling points at the time.
With an output of 420mW, it's larger than its size would suggest, likely positioned as a competitor to Sony's series of small, high-performance radios.
In addition to this silver version, there was also a black model, both featuring a clean and attractive design.
Its compact size fits in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a hand strap, making it ideal for travel. Furthermore, it's a wideband radio that could receive analog TV broadcasts, and now it can also receive FM supplementary broadcasts, which is a significant advantage.

The main issue with this particular unit is the missing tuning knob. I tried various knobs I had on hand, but few were the right size. Ultimately, I used a volume knob from a 1960s stereo radio from the same company. Anyone who can identify the model name just by this knob would be a true radio enthusiast, and I'd be very impressed.
The lettering on Sony and National radios from around this period is often of poor quality and has faded, and this unit is no exception. The silver exterior also had some peeling, so I repainted it with silver paint.
As a radio, its performance is excellent. The sound is powerful and enjoyable for any genre.
The only drawback is that its high sensitivity, performance, and output require four AA batteries, making it slightly heavy.

Considering its performance, the price is reasonable. I saw it online, and I believe it's much better than comparable radios available today.