The communications media of Japan include numerous television and radio networks as well as newspapers and magazines. For the most part, television networks were established based on the capital contribution from existing radio networks at that time. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the capital relationship between the media (such as the relationship between newspaper, radio and TV networks). This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Since around 70% of the country's terrain is mountainous, transmitting TV and radio signals proves to be a large challenge. Government regulations for broadcasting are also extremely complicated and strict. Nationwide there are about 89 FM stations and 215 AM stations. The other 855 stations are low power repeaters to reach valleys and secluded areas. With television this is even more so, with 211 stations and 7,341 repeaters. Japanese AM is the same as in many Western nations (530 to 1730 kHz with 9 kHz spacing), but their FM is from 76 to 90 MHz, resulting not only in a very limited number of possible stations, but that most FM radio receivers from outside Japan are all but useless. FM broadcasting is a broadcast technology invented by Edwin Howard Armstrong that uses frequency modulation (FM) to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. ... AM broadcasting is radio broadcasting using Amplitude Modulation. ...

For the most part, variety shows, serial dramas, and news constitute a large percentage of Japanese evening shows. Western movies are also shown, many with a subchannel for English.

There are all-English television channels on cable and satellite (with Japanese subtitles). In areas near U.S. military bases there is often the American Forces Network radio which anyone can tune in to. American Forces Network (or AFN) is the brand name used by the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) for its entertainment and command internal information networks worldwide. ...

TV networks

There are 6 nationwide television networks, as follows:

1. NHK (日本放送協会 Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai). NHK is a Japanese public service broadcaster. The company is financed through "viewer fees", similar to the licence fee system used in the UK to fund the BBC. Because NHK is a public broadcast network, the standpoint of NHK is impartial. In reality, NHK deliberately avoids making political comments. NHK has 2 terrestrial TV channels, unlike the other TV networks (in the Tokyo region—channel 1 ("Sōgō" (General)) and channel 3 ("Kyoiku" (Education)).
2. Nippon News Network (NNN) headed by Nippon Television (日本テレビ放送網/日テレ Nihon-Terebi/Nittere; NTV). Conservative. In the Tokyo region, channel 4. Affiliated with the Yomiuri Shimbun. In recent years, NTV has been plagued by a ratings bribery scandal, in which its Chairman, Seiichiro Ujiie, was forced to step down, and scandals over staging of news broadcasts.
3. Japan News Network (JNN) headed by TBS (東京放送 Tōkyō Hōsō, Tokyo Broadcasting System). Liberal. However, the famous news program Chikushi Tetsuya's News 23 is sometimes regarded as a "left-wing" program. The main anchor of this program, Tetsuya Chikushi, is the translator of David Halberstam's The Powers That Be. He is also influenced by the attitude of CBS News (e.g. 60 Minutes and Edward R. Murrow). In the Tokyo region, channel 6.
4. Fuji News Network (FNN) headed by Fuji Television (フジテレビジョン; Fuji TV). Right-wing or conservative. Affiliated with the Fujisankei Communications conglomerate, which includes the Sankei Shimbun. In the Tokyo region, channel 8.
5. All-Nippon News Network (ANN) headed by tv asahi (テレビ朝日). Left-wing or liberal. Affiliated with the Asahi Shimbun. It had a famous TV news program titled News Station led by main caster Hiroshi Kume for 18 years. It aired last on March 26, 2004. In the Tokyo region, channel 10.
6. TV Tokyo Network headed by TV TOKYO (テレビ東京). Focuses on economic news. Also known for its anime programs. Has ties with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper. In the Tokyo region, channel 12.

The political views of the networks can be summarized as follows: NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo NHK (, Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai), or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, is Japans public broadcaster. ... Public broadcasting is a form of public service broadcasting (PSB) intended to serve the diverse needs of the listening public. ... A television licence (or more correctly broadcast receiver licence, as it usually also pays for public radio) is an official licence required in many countries for all owners of television (and sometimes also radio) receivers. ... The British Broadcasting Corporation, which is usually known as the BBC, is the largest broadcasting corporation in the world in terms of audience numbers, employing 26,000 staff in the United Kingdom alone and with a budget of more than GB£4 billion. ... Nippon News Network (NNN) is a commercial television news network in Japan. ... Nippon Television Tower (headquarters) in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Nippon Television Network Corporation ) (TYO: 9404 ) is a television network in Shiodome area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan owned by the Yomiuri Shimbun. ... Yomiuri-TOKYO Office Yomiuri-Osaka Office Yomiuri YC The Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞 Yomiuri Shinbun) is a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities. ... Japan News Network ), or JNN, is a commercial television news network in Japan. ... Tokyo Broadcasting System, Incorporated ) (TYO: 9401 ) or TBS, is a television network in Tokyo, Japan. ... David Halberstam (April 10, 1934 – April 23, 2007) was an American Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for his early work on the Vietnam War, his work on politics, history, business, media, American culture, and his later sports journalism. ... CBS News is the news division of American television and radio network CBS. Its current president is Sean McManus who is also head of CBS Sports. ... Not to be confused with a BBC news magazine program of the same name. ... April 8, 1956: CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow talking to reporters during a stop in Wiesbaden, Germany. ... Fuji News Network (FNN) is a commercial television news network in Japan. ... Fuji Television Network, Inc. ... Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞 Sakei Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper. ... All-Nippon News Network ), or ANN, is a commercial television news network in Japan run by TV Asahi Corporation. ... TV Asahi Corporation ) (TYO: 9409 ), also known as EX and Tele-Asa ), is a television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. ... Asahi-OSAKA office Asahi is a common name in Japan, for other uses see Asahi. ... Hiroshi Kume is a Japanese journalist and a former news anchor of TV Asahis News Station. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year (86th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... TX Network or TXN is a commercial television network in Japan. ... The logo of TV Tokyo. ... The main cast of the anime Cowboy Bebop (1998) (L to R: Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Ed Tivrusky, Faye Valentine, and Ein the dog) For the oleo-resin, see Animé (oleo-resin). ... Nikkei headquarters in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nikkei offices in Osaka Nihon Keizai Shimbun lit. ...

N.B.: Opinion could especially be different on the absolute degree in respect to liberal or conservative. In this sense, this chart serves to show relative (political) position of the TV networks. This disclaimer could also apply to the charts for newspapers and magazines mentioned below. Definitions of liberal/conservative have been formed based on U.S. ideologies and may not conform to liberal/conservative – left/right boundaries in other countries.

In Japan, cable TV and multi-channel satellite TV are less popular than in the United States. Therefore, these six TV networks share almost the whole of the viewers in Japan (population 120 million, and 45 million households). As a consequence of this oligopoly, it is not unusual when a specific TV program gets 20% of audience appreciation rating. As well, advertisements and other messages are very effective at reaching citizens. In this sense, TV as a medium has a strong power.

Despite this, Japan does have both cable television (in many communities) and satellite television. The latter includes broadcasts by NHK, WOWOW, and SKY PerfecTV!. WOWOW was the first private satellite broadcasting and pay TV station in Japan. ... SKY Perfect Communications Inc. ...

Major network stations in Osaka are regarded as the secondary key station and source significant national programming in entertainment but it is Tokyo's stations that conrol programming and television news and journalism.

There are local TV stations. Most of them are affiliated or partially owned companies of the above-mentioned nationwide TV networks and most of their broadcast hours are occupied by nation-wide programming. The Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations (JAITS) members are more independent. As these local stations do not earn broadcast minutes or viewership, they are not of significant note. The Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations , literally National Independent UHF Broadcasting Forum), (abbreviated JAITS) is a group of Japans reception fee-free commercial terrestrial television stations which are not members of the major national networks keyed in Tokyo and Osaka. ...

It would be difficult (or almost impossible and statistical scholarship would be necessary) to measure the degree of conservatism of Japanese media in general (especially, TV networks), but it would be safe that conservative networks, conservative casters, conservative programs and conservative stances to the political issues are not rare (symbolizing by Yoshiko Sakurai, Ms http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AB%BB%E4%BA%95%E3%82%88%E3%81%97%E3%81%93). In this regard, the people working in mass media are not generally regarded as liberals although the word "journalist" linguistically implies its liberal tendencies (Ms Yoshiko Sakurai considers herself as "journalist" in her webpage http://blog.yoshiko-sakurai.jp/profile/). Perhaps, it stems from (1) that Japanese people respects the government (especially, legislative and executive branches) passively, and lack the concept to check the government by journalists, and (2) that the values of Japanese people are not so much liberal nor progressive at national level taking into the country sides of Japan.

See also

• Japanese television programs
• List of Japanese language television channels

Japanese television programs are mostly broadcast in Japan, although satellite and cable services outside Japan offer TV shows selected to fit local tastes. ... // (Analog Channel / Digital Channel [Digital Remote Button]) VHF1 / UHF27[1] - NHK General TV - public VHF3 / UHF26[2] - NHK Educational TV - public VHF4 / UHF25[4] - Nippon TV - commercial, NNN VHF6 / UHF22[6] - TBS TV - commercial, JNN VHF8 / UHF21[8] - Fuji TV - commercial, FNN VHF10 / UHF24[5] - TV Asahi - commercial, ANN VHF12...

Radio networks

AM radio

1. NHK Radio 1, NHK Radio 2
2. Japan Radio Network (JRN)—Flagship Station: TBS radio (TBSラジオ)
3. National Radio Network (NRN)—Flagship Stations: Nippon Cultural Broadcasting (文化放送) and Nippon Broadcasting System (ニッポン放送)
4. Radio Nikkei is an independent shortwave station broadcasts nationwide in two content channels.

NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo NHK (, Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai), or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, is Japans public broadcaster. ... Japan Radio Network or JRN is a commercial radio network in Japan. ... TBS Radio & Communications, Incorporated (TBS R&C, 株式会社TBSラジオ&コミュニケーションズ) is a radio station in Tokyo, Japan. ... National Radio Network (NRN) (全国ラジオネットワーク) is a commercial radio network in Japan. ... Nippon Cultural Broadcasting, Incorporated (QR, 株式会社文化放送, Kabushiki Gaisha Bunka Hoso) is a Japanese radio station in Tokyo, amd broadcast in the Kanto area. ... Nippon Broadcasting System, Incorporated (株式会社ニッポン放送, Kabushiki Gaisha Nippon Hōsō) (TYO: 4660) is a Japanese radio station in Tokyo. ... Radio Nikkei ) is Japans domestic shortwave commercial radio broadcasting station headquartered in 9-15 Akasaka 1-chōme, Minato-ku, Tokyo. ...

FM radio

1. NHK-FM
2. Japan FM Network (JFN)—Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co.,ltd.
3. Japan FM League—J-Wave Inc.
4. MegaNet—FM Interwave (InterFM)

Japan FM Network or JFN is a commercial radio network in Japan. ... Tokyo FM Broadcasting Co. ... J-WAVE is an Japanese FM radio station based in Tokyo, Japan. ... Megamodem attached to a Mega Drive The Sega Meganet was a network service in Japan for people using the Sega Mega Drive. ... InterFM (JODW-FM 76. ...

Internet Radio

1. Bible Broadcasting in Japanese [1]

See also

• Lists of radio stations in Asia

This is a list of radio stations in Asia. ...

Magazines

Weekly magazines

1. Aera (アエラ).
2. Friday (フライデー). Photo magazine.
3. Josei Jishin (女性自身). For women.
4. Nikkei Business (日経ビジネス). Economic magazine.
5. Shuukan Asahi (週刊朝日). Liberal.
6. Shuukan Economist (週刊エコノミスト). Economic magazine.
7. Shuukan Kinyoubi (週刊金曜日). Strong liberal.
8. Shuukan Bunshun (週刊文春). Conservative.
9. Shuukan Diamond (週刊ダイヤモンド). Economic magazine.
10. Shuukan Gendai (週刊現代).
11. Shuukan Josei (週刊女性). For women.
12. Shuukan Post (週刊ポスト).
13. Shuukan Shinchou (週刊新潮). Conservative.
14. Shuukan Toyo Keizai (週刊東洋経済). Economic magazine.
15. Spa! (スパ!).
16. Sunday Mainichi (サンデー毎日). Liberal.
17. Yomiuri Weekly (読売ウィークリー).

Aera is a Japanese weekly magazine, printed in gravure, published by Asahi. ...

Monthly magazines

1. Bungei Shunjuu (文藝春秋). Conservative, although some say this magazine is middle.
2. Chuuou Kouron (中央公論). Affiliated with the Yomiuri Shimbun. Conservative.
3. Gendai (現代). Middle.
4. Ronza (論座). Published by the Asahi Shimbun Company. Liberal.
5. Seiron (正論). Published by the Sankei Shimbun Company. Right-wing.
6. Sekai (世界). Strong Liberal.
7. Shokun! (諸君!, Gentleman!). Strong Conservative.
8. Ushio (潮). It has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai International.
9. pumpkin. It has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai International.
10. Dai San Bunmei (第三文明). It has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai International.
11. Todai (灯台). It has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai International.
12. Graph SGI (グラフSGI). It has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai International.

Yomiuri-TOKYO Office Yomiuri-Osaka Office Yomiuri YC The Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞 Yomiuri Shinbun) is a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities. ... Asahi-OSAKA office Asahi is a common name in Japan, for other uses see Asahi. ... Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞 Sakei Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper. ... Ushio may refer to: Japanese destroyer Ushio, a World War II IJN ship, Ushio (magazine) (潮), a Japanese magazine which has a strong connection with Soka Gakkai. ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ... For the film, see Pumpkin (film). ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ... The Yasuda Auditorium on the University of Tokyos Hongo Campus. ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ...

Newspapers

1. Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞). Conservative. 1st ranked in daily circulation - around 10 million per day. The Yomiuri Shimbun, being very widely circulated, takes the most popular stance. The Yomiuri exchanged a special contract with British The Times. Affiliated with Nippon Television.
2. Asahi Shimbun (朝日新聞). Left-wing. 2nd ranked in daily circulation - around 8 million per day. Known for its preeminent writers as well as the frequency with which its articles are used for university admission examinations. Affiliated with TV Asahi.
3. Mainichi Shimbun (毎日新聞). Left-wing or Liberal. 3rd ranked in daily circulation - around 4 million per day. Affiliated with TBS.
4. Nihon Keizai Shimbun (日本経済新聞). Economic paper similar to the Wall Street Journal. 4th ranked in daily circulation - around 3 million per day. Affiliated with TV Tokyo.
5. Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞). Right-wing or conservative. 6th ranked in daily circulation - around 2 million per day. Known as the nationalist's newspaper and upheld formidably by the right. Affiliated with Fuji TV.

There are also regional newspapers like the Tokyo Shimbun (東京新聞) in Kantō, Chunichi Shimbun (中日新聞) in Chūbu, Nishinippon Shimbun (西日本新聞) in Kyūshū, Hokkaido Shimbun(北海道新聞) in Hokkaidō, Kahoku Shimpo (河北新報) in Tōhoku, and English versions of the 5 major newspapers. Business newspapers like Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (The Business & Technology Daily News) are also widely read. The Japan Times is the only newspaper exclusively for English speakers. Seikyo Shimbun (聖教新聞) is the daily newspaper issued as a bulletin for Soka Gakkai International, a newly risen religion in Japan. As with other countries, surveys tend to show that the number of newspaper subscribers is declining. This trend will probably continue for some time. Yomiuri-TOKYO Office Yomiuri-Osaka Office Yomiuri YC The Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞 Yomiuri Shinbun) is a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities. ... Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞 Sakei Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper. ... Yomiuri-TOKYO Office Yomiuri-Osaka Office Yomiuri YC The Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞 Yomiuri Shinbun) is a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities. ... See also The New York Times, The Times of India, or The Irish Times. ... Nippon Television Tower (headquarters) in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Nippon Television Network Corporation ) (TYO: 9404 ) is a television network in Shiodome area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan owned by the Yomiuri Shimbun. ... Asahi-OSAKA office Asahi is a common name in Japan, for other uses see Asahi. ... TV Asahi Corporation ) (TYO: 9409 ), also known as EX and Tele-Asa ), is a television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. ... Headquarters in Tokyo Osaka Office Newsagents shop in Higashi-osaka Printing plant in Settsu The Mainichi Shimbun , lit. ... Tokyo Broadcasting System, Incorporated ) (TYO: 9401 ) or TBS, is a television network in Tokyo, Japan. ... Nikkei headquarters in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nikkei offices in Osaka Nihon Keizai Shimbun lit. ... The Wall Street Journal is an influential international daily newspaper published in New York City, New York with an average daily circulation of 1,800,607 (2002). ... The logo of TV Tokyo. ... Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞 Sakei Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper. ... Tokyo Shimbun (東京新聞 Tōkyō Shinbun; literally Tokyo newspaper) is a Japanese language daily newspaper. ... Kantō region, Japan. ... Chunichi Shimbun (中日新聞 ChÅ«nichi Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper published in mostly Aichi Prefecture and neighboring regions. ... Chubu region, Japan Mount Fuji is the ChÅ«bu regions most famous landmark. ... Nishinippon Shimbun (西日本新聞 lit. ... KyÅ«shÅ« region of Japan and the current prefectures on KyÅ«shÅ« island KyÅ«shÅ« ), literally Nine Provinces, is the third largest island of Japan and most southerly and westerly of the four main islands. ... Hokkaido Shimbun (北海道新聞 Hokkaidō Shinbun) is a Japanese language daily newspaper published mainly in Hokkaido, Japan. ...   literally North Sea Circuit, Ainu: Mosir), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japans second largest island and the largest of its 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. ... Tohoku region, Japan The Tōhoku region (東北地方; Tōhoku-chihō) is a geographical area of Japan. ... Nikkan Kogyo head office in Tokyo Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (日刊工業新聞, The Business & Technology Daily News), one of the leading daily newspapers in Japan, specializes in business and industrial affairs and is published by The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan). ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ... Soka Gakkai International (International Value-Creation Society; also, SGI) is the international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai-affiliated lay organizations in over 190 countries. ...

Advertising agencies

These play an important role in the Japanese mass media. There are two big advertisement agencies in Japan.

1. Dentsu (電通). Largest Japanese advertising agency (4th worldwide). It has an enormous presence, especially in TV media. This company went public in November 2001. This company also has a strong connection to the legislative branch of Japan. Website: Dentsu
2. Hakuhodo (博報堂). 2nd largest Japanese advertising agency.

Dentsu Building in Shiodome, Tokyo Dentsu Inc. ... Hakuhodo (博報堂) is Japans second largest advertising agency with gross sales of approximately 700 hundred million yen. ...

Wire service

1. Jiji Press (時事通信).
2. Kyodo News (共同通信).

Kyodo News (共同通信社 Kyōdō Tsūshinsha) is a nonprofit cooperative news agency based in Minato-ku, Tokyo. ...

See also

• Cinema of Japan

Japanese cinema (映画; Eiga) has a history in Japan that spans more than 100 years. ...

External links

• Unofficial Guide to Japanese mass-media
• Japan Media Review
• Companion website to the book A Public Betrayed: An Inside Look at Japanese Media Atrocities and Their Warnings to the West (ISBN 0-89526-046-8)
• Media Intimidation in Japan, discussion paper by David McNeill in the electronic journal of contemporary japanese studies, 27 March 2001.
• Media and Communication in Japan, discussion paper by Barbara Gatzen in the electronic journal of contemporary japanese studies, 17 April 2001.
• Brief history of TV Technology in Japan by NHK