The “Inconvenient Truth” Behind Japan’s Toothless Media

April 29, 2016

Author: Okumura Nobuyuki

Categories: In-Depth with Nippon.com

Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Takaichi Sanae caused a stir in February with a comment that broadcasters continuing to air politically biased programs may be shut down. Pressure from the Abe administration continues to mount, but the media has been hesitant to fight back.

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The Roots and Realities of Japan’s Cyber-Nationalism

January 29, 2016

Author: Furuya Tsunehira

Categories: In-Depth with Nippon.com

The prevalence of anti-Korean and anti-Chinese hate speech on Japanese websites has raised concerns about the spread of a virulent strain of right-wing cyber-nationalism in Japan. Furuya Tsunehira traces the rise of Japan’s “Internet right-wingers” and dispels some myths about their identity and potential impact.

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The Polarization of the Japanese Media and the Need for Middle Ground

January 27, 2016

Author: Satō Takumi

Categories: In-Depth with Nippon.com

Japanese newspapers are said to have become polarized in their coverage of controversial issues like the recent national security legislation. How does their current approach compare with their stance in 1960, when renewal of the Japan-US security treaty split the nation? And what is their role in the age of the Internet, where people are unlikely to seek content that conflicts with their own opinions?

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