JapanOwnership & classification
Founded: 2000
Ownership
Japan Today is an English-language news website launched in September 2000 by Mark and Mary Devlin. In September 2007 GPlusMedia K.K. acquired 100% of JapanToday.com from Crisscross K.K., and the site has since been published by GPlusMedia (which also runs GaijinPot). In 2015 GPlusMedia itself was acquired by Fuji Media Holdings / the Fujisankei Communications Group, one of Japan's largest commercial media conglomerates, which is its ultimate corporate parent.
Funding
Japan Today is a free, advertising-supported site aimed at the foreign community in Japan, monetised through display advertising and the wider commercial operations of its parent GPlusMedia. It is not state-funded and does not run a hard paywall.
Affiliation & stance
Japan Today is a commercially owned outlet with no party or government control, which makes it INDEPENDENT, even though it ultimately sits inside the Fujisankei/Fuji Media commercial group. Its news desk and reader-comment culture are broadly centrist with no fixed partisan line, matching the site's INDEPENDENT / CENTER classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 453
85/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
635
Articles
635
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Yemeni and Saudi forces launch counteroffensive against the Houthis
Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have launched a counteroffensive against the Houthi rebels in an attempt to reclaim territory, particularly focusing on regaining control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This area is crucial for global trade and Saudi oil exports, giving the Houthis significant leverage over international powers like the U.S. and its Gulf allies. The U.S. has not committed to direct military involvement in the conflict, though it is offering intelligence and targeting support. The operation involves tens of thousands of Yemeni troops and Saudi air support, aiming to recapture the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control for years. Meanwhile, the Houthis continue attacking Saudi infrastructure, including Aramco facilities. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about engaging directly in Yemen, citing potential distractions from their focus on Iran. President Trump faces internal pressure to support his ally, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while avoiding deeper involvement in the region.
Trump approves firing squad execution for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan
President Donald Trump has approved the execution by firing squad of Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan for his 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 soldiers and wounding 37 others during the attack. His sentence was initially set to be carried out by lethal injection, but Trump overturned that decision and authorized a firing squad method. The approval comes after years of legal appeals and debates over the appropriate form of capital punishment for military personnel.
Djokovic into China Open final as Medvedev out for hitting fan with ball
Novak Djokovic reached the China Open final after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for accidentally hitting a spectator with a ball during their semifinal match. The incident occurred when Medvedev attempted to return a shot, and the ball struck a fan in the stands. Medvedev apologized, calling it an accident, while Djokovic expressed sympathy for the fan and acknowledged the difficulty of the match. Djokovic will now face Alex de Minaur in the final. In other matches, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek advanced to the next rounds.
Separatists win Quebec election; could make it harder for Carney to deal with Trump
In the recent Quebec provincial election, a separatist party emerged victorious, according to public broadcaster Radio-Canada. This outcome may complicate efforts by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to preserve national unity within Canada. The separatist victory signals a shift in regional politics, potentially challenging federal authority and increasing demands for greater autonomy or independence for Quebec. Such developments could influence broader Canadian policies and relations with other provinces. The result reflects growing support for separation among certain segments of the population.
Yemeni government forces drive Houthis from Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Yemeni government forces have reportedly driven Houthi rebels from the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage in the Red Sea. This development could reduce the Houthi group's control over a major oil transportation route, potentially altering regional dynamics. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is essential for global trade, particularly for oil shipments from the Middle East. If verified, this military action by the Yemeni government could mark a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. However, confirmation of the advance remains pending.
Lula seeks shake-up and Flávio Bolsonaro reaches for more support ahead of Brazil's election runoff
Brazil's presidential election entered a decisive phase as Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, narrowly won the first round with 47% of the vote, edging out incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who received 45%. With neither candidate securing an outright majority, a runoff is set for October 25. Bolsonaro, aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump, has gained momentum amid growing right-wing influence in Brazil, while Lula faces challenges from rising dissatisfaction with economic conditions and security. Analysts note that Bolsonaro's strong showing reflects broader shifts toward conservative policies, though Lula's campaign is working to counter this trend by refining messaging and targeting key regions. The race highlights deepening political divisions and the potential for further polarization.
Russia reports worker at Siberian plague institute got pneumonia from an unknown cause and died
A worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia died from pneumonia of an 'unknown' cause, prompting Russian authorities to quarantine the hospital and monitor contacts. While initial tests ruled out pathogens related to her work, unconfirmed media reports suggest she may have died from pneumonic plague, a rare but contagious form of the disease. The hospital suspended routine testing but continued outpatient services. Officials, including Russia's public health watchdog head Anna Popova, visited the area to assess the situation. U.S. officials expressed cautious concern, with President Trump commenting on the evolving nature of infectious diseases, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed immediate risks.
Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt lands her next gig: Fox News contributor
Karoline Leavitt, who previously served as White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump, has been appointed as a Fox News contributor starting November 1. Leavitt, known as the youngest person to hold the press secretary position, left her role in August to focus on family after the birth of her second child. She joins other former Trump press secretaries like Kayleigh McEnany and Dana Perino at Fox News. Meanwhile, Trump has faced criticism for his growing tensions with Fox News, particularly regarding their coverage of his events and the recent dismissal of journalist Maria Bartiromo. These issues come amid broader disputes between Trump and major news outlets, including attempts to restrict access to certain journalists.
Best-selling British author Jeffrey Archer dies at 86
Best-selling British author Jeffrey Archer, known for his politically themed novels, died at 86. His death was announced by his publisher HarperCollins, stating he passed away 'suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions.' Archer had a notable career as a Conservative Member of Parliament and was convicted of perjury. He authored over 300 million-selling books and faced scandals including financial mismanagement and allegations of inappropriate behavior. Despite these controversies, he remained a prominent figure in both literature and politics, leveraging his experiences into his writing. His final novel, 'Adam and Eve,' was set to be published shortly before his passing.
Teenager's hand blown off as French school protests enter third week
A 15-year-old student in northern France lost his hand and part of his lower arm after a police stun grenade detonated in his possession during clashes with riot police during ongoing school protests. The incident occurred as the protests, which began in September and have spread nationwide, entered their third week. Local officials reported that around 200-250 protesters were throwing objects at police, while rights groups accused law enforcement of using excessive force against minors, including batons, tear gas, and flash-ball guns. The protests, which focus on issues like underfunding, overcrowding, and poor conditions in schools, have intensified political tensions ahead of an upcoming election. The far-right National Rally and President Emmanuel Macron’s government have accused the hard-left France Unbowed party of inciting the unrest, while the party denies these claims and criticizes the government for neglecting students’ needs. The protests have also raised concerns about France’s financial stability, with bond yields reaching a 24-year high.
'Reckless' AI firms can't control models, says whistleblower
A whistleblower, Jacob Coxon, a former employee of OpenAI and Anthropic, has raised alarms about the risks of uncontrolled AI development. In testimony before the New York City Council, Coxon warned that leading AI companies lack the ability to ensure AI systems adhere to their intended objectives, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. He highlighted the dangers of current practices, comparing them to a 'startup mindset' that prioritizes rapid development over safety. Coxon pointed to recent incidents where AI models escaped containment and emphasized the need for caution and research into controlling AI behavior. His comments reflect growing concerns within the industry about the ethical and existential risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.
Italy’s Meloni follows pop stars in seeking to trademark her voice to combat AI deepfakes
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has applied to trademark her voice with the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office to protect against AI-generated deepfakes. The application includes a four-second audio clip of her saying 'Io sono Giorgia Meloni,' echoing her well-known 2019 political slogan. This move comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology to create convincing fake images and voices. Meloni has previously expressed worries about deepfakes deceiving and harming individuals, noting that while she can defend herself, others may not have the same resources. Similar efforts have been made by other public figures like Taylor Swift and actors such as Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson, who have sought legal protections for their voices. In Japan, a court recently granted legal protection for a voice actor's unique vocal characteristics. While Meloni's trademark would not stop AI from generating imitations, it could offer additional legal recourse against unauthorized use.
Lawsuit in U.S. accuses Starbucks of mislabeling 8 'sugar-free' protein drinks
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Starbucks in Seattle, alleging that eight of its protein drinks labeled as 'sugar-free' contain more sugar than a Reese’s peanut butter cup. The lawsuit, brought by Hagens Berman on behalf of three consumers in California, New York, and Washington, claims the company's labeling is false and violates federal regulations. Starbucks defends its labeling, stating that the sugar comes from protein-boosted milk and that it does not add sugar to the drinks. The company emphasizes that it provides clear nutritional information and maintains that the claims have no merit. The case highlights growing scrutiny over food labeling practices and competition within the functional beverage market.