JapanOwnership & classification
Founded: 1897
Ownership
The Japan Times Ltd. is privately owned. It was launched in 1897 by Motosada Zumoto and was controlled from the mid-1980s by Nifco Inc., an automotive-fastener maker whose chairman Toshiaki Ogasawara also ran the paper. On 30 June 2017 Nifco sold The Japan Times to News2u Holdings, a Tokyo public-relations and digital-media firm led by CEO Minako Kambara Suematsu, a member of the Hiroshima Kambara shipping family. It remains a subsidiary of the privately held News2u group.
Funding
Financed commercially through subscriptions, newsstand/digital sales and advertising, plus content and PR-related revenue within the News2u group. It receives no Japanese state or licence-fee funding.
Affiliation & stance
Japan's oldest English-language daily, editorially independent and not tied to any political party or the government. Because it is privately and commercially owned by the News2u group with no party, state or church control, it is correctly classified as INDEPENDENT; its reporting is broadly centrist, though a 2018 wording change on wartime labour drew debate over owner influence.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 428
87/100
Factual
86/100
Objective
700
Articles
700
reports
Top stories
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Recent coverage
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Japan’s 2026 wage talks result in third year of gains above 5%
In 2026, workers affiliated with Rengo, Japan's largest labor union group, achieved an average wage increase of 5.01% across 5,368 companies. This marks the third consecutive year of wage growth exceeding 5%, reflecting ongoing efforts by Japanese labor unions to secure higher compensation for their members. The outcome highlights the continued negotiation power of organized labor in Japan and suggests a trend of sustained wage increases despite broader economic conditions. These results could influence future labor negotiations and contribute to discussions around inflation and living costs in the country.
Japan’s princesses face life-altering legal revisions
The article discusses potential legal changes in Japan that could allow princesses to choose whether they wish to remain part of the imperial family or leave it. This comes after years of debate about the future of the royal family and the rights of female members.
Tujiko Noriko’s new album is a feline tour de force
Tujiko Noriko, a France-based artist, is currently touring in Japan. She discusses how she channels her 'crazy cat woman' persona into her music, emphasizing themes of finding harmony through dissonance. The article highlights her creative process and the unique energy she brings to her performances.
Families mourn victims of 2021 Atami mudslide
On July 3, 2021, a severe mudslide occurred in Atami, Japan, caused by heavy rainfall. The disaster involved approximately 55,500 cubic meters of earth and sand, resulting in the destruction of over a hundred homes and other structures. Twenty-eight people were killed in the incident. Local families are mourning the loss of loved ones, highlighting the tragic impact of the natural disaster on the community.
Murakami says his novels are ‘different’ from AI literature
Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese author, discussed the distinction between his creative process and artificial intelligence-generated literature. He described how, during intense writing sessions, characters appear spontaneously, a phenomenon he believes cannot be replicated by AI. Murakami emphasized that this intuitive aspect of storytelling is beyond the capabilities of analogical reasoning used by AI systems. His comments highlight the unique human element in literary creation, contrasting it with the algorithmic nature of AI-generated content.
X Games returns to Chiba with new team format
The X Games have returned to Chiba with a new team-based format similar to Formula One. Athletes are competing for individual gold medals while also earning points for their teams. This marks the debut season of the X Games League, introducing a structure that emphasizes both personal achievement and collective success. The event brings together top athletes across various disciplines, combining competition with strategic teamwork.
Kyoto University to be third recipient of world-class research aid
Kyoto University is anticipated to receive certification as a University for International Research Excellence by the end of summer. This certification would qualify it to access funding from a ¥10 trillion support program aimed at enhancing global research capabilities. The initiative reflects efforts to bolster Japan's standing in international academic and scientific research. The funding is part of a broader strategy to promote high-level research and innovation within Japanese institutions.
Iran war exposed, but hasn’t changed, Japan’s reliance on imported oil
The article reports that Japan obtained more than 93% of its oil imports via the Strait of Hormuz last year prior to the strait being effectively closed. This highlights Japan's heavy dependence on imported oil, particularly from regions experiencing geopolitical tensions.
Portugal survives late drama to beat Croatia and reach World Cup last 16
In a tightly contested match, Portugal narrowly defeated Croatia in a dramatic finish during the World Cup group stage. The decisive moment came in the final seconds of the game when a controversial offside call was made, allowing Portugal to advance to the knockout rounds. This result sets up a highly anticipated last-16 matchup between Portugal and Spain. The outcome has significant implications for both teams' chances in the tournament, with Portugal now facing a strong Spanish side in the next phase.
Japan plans to sharply raise fees for residence permits from October
Japan has announced plans to significantly increase the fees for residence permits starting in October. Under the new system, fees will be determined by the duration of the permit, with the highest tier requiring applicants to pay at least ¥65,000. This change aims to adjust the cost structure for foreign residents, potentially impacting both short-term and long-term visa holders. The move reflects broader immigration policy adjustments, though specific motivations or expected outcomes were not detailed in the provided information.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Serena Williams calls anti-doping system 'grueling' and says 'I hate it'
Taiwan not 'provoking' China; hopes new U.S. arms sale package can be approved soon, president says
