Freedom of the Press - Japan (2002)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 22 April 2002 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Japan (2002), 22 April 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/47345062c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1
Political Influences: 7
Economic Pressures: 9
Total Score: 17
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 81
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Japanese (99 percent), other (1 percent)
Capital: Tokyo
The press is independent and highly competitive but informal alliances persist between exclusive press clubs and certain government ministries. The clubs tend to avoid or weaken critical analysis of official policies. An exception in 2001 was the prime minister's visit to the Yasukuni war shrine. Some papers praised him, others were harshly critical and included the angry reactions of other Asian countries. Journalists often self-censor rather than report difficulties of financially troubled companies and banks. The media expressed concern about the provisions in a personal data protection bill that was submitted to the Diet in April.