September 2026

From the Editor

David McNeill

Tension between journalists and politicians is an inevitable and welcome feature of liberal democracies. Whether elected representatives like it or not, political scrutiny is part of the media’s job. Journalists are expected by the public to question lawmakers rather than just take what they say at face value. Politicians mostly understand this but the interaction between both sides is increasingly hostile. Politicians are more likely to accuse journalists of being biased, sensationalist or politically driven. The MAGA movement in the US even brands journalists enemies of the public. 

In Japan, too, the old relationship between politics and the legacy media appears to be fraying. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi bypasses journalists in favor of aggressive social-media messaging. Her devoted lieutenant, Kimi Onoda, whose portfolio includes creating a society of “well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals”, also has a less-than-comfortable relationship with the press corps. Our cover story this week surveys this relationship, particularly as it pertains to the so-called “foreigner problem” in Japan. In an era when even the most honest political messaging can be twisted by rampant disinformation, the story profiles Onoda and questions whether her rhetoric matches reality. 

Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find Christopher Gerteis asking whether the media is getting it right on Japan’s military exports; Mark Schreiber’s account of his recent visit to Pearl Harbor; Tamaaki Wakata on the anniversary of the 3/11 attacks on New York and Eric Johnston on a long overdue apology to Hokkaido’s Ainu community. Ilgin Yorulmaz gives her account of a landmark press conference with former Justice Minister Masako Mori and our Q&A this month is with Teddy Jimbo of the pioneering online broadcaster Videonews.com.

This is my final issue as editor of Number 1 Shimbun. Next month I leave you in the very capable hands of Tim Horynak. Despite the deadline headaches, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to platform some of the best English-language writers in Japan for the past four months. As always, we issue our standard appeal to you the reader: send your pitches and help make Number 1 Shimbun a must-read.

Cover design by Julio Shiiki - Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno