LDP comes under fire over anti-newspaper comments

I found out Ryukyu Shimpo has an English webpage(about a page of newspaper info) - way too skimpy but worse a tad slanted as well... BTW in my earlier post that G was totally unintended, I assure you; just because I am a (former) Herald-Tribune subscriber does not mean I hate the Yomiuri, though I would want itself to identify itself as a sports rag rather than insisting it is general circulation...

@ Kazuaki Shimazaki JUN. 28, 2015 - 09:09PM JST

If they want to complain about a line he uttered, fine, but for the sake of even-handedness they might do well to point out the setting (which is one step away from a bar party) and context. Sure the context may or may not change our minds, but it'd be nice to at least know of it.

What makes you think that Okinawan news papers don't provide those informations? Both Okinawan news papers have had plenty of articles and even lengthy series about security issues, the geopolitical importance of Okinawa and about all the military strategies involved. You can be sure that the average Okinawan is way better informed about such issues then the average mainlander Japanese.

Okinawans are living with the reality of warfare since they were forced into WW2 and for them, other then for most Japanese, the war never really ended as there's hardly a day you can spend in Okinawa without seeing or hearing some form of military action.

I just took a look at the Yomiuri (Japan News).

It's HORRIBLE!

It reads like the late and unlamented Pravda (USSR).

This is the kind of propaganda that would be the only "news" source, if Benuto Abe and his right wing "friends and relations" had their way.

This might be the right time to subscribe to the Okinawa Times and Ryukyu Shimpo.

Think I'll give them a call tomorrow!

The little Okinawans have the big bad LDP running scared.The Ryukyu Shimpo and the Okinawa Times represent the views of most of the people of Okinawa and are closer to the truth than the LDP ever will be.

They have the LDP running for the hills. Pow. After 4 centuries of being messed around by Satsuma bakufu, the Japanese government, the U.S. Government, then the Japanese government again - they are standing up and saying "enough". Mr Abe is afraid that their example of defiance will inspire mainland Japan

Bam_boo, I don't want to get into an Okinawa discussion so soon after the last one, and I don't think it is the salient point in this discussion b/c my point is the less than even-handed reporting (which is all too common). If they want to complain about a line he uttered, fine, but for the sake of even-handedness they might do well to point out the setting (which is one step away from a bar party) and context. Sure the context may or may not change our minds, but it'd be nice to at least know of it. What good is non-censored media if it through omission steers us in a single, unthinking direction?

@kazuaki: the only real (not hyperbolic/exaggerated) threat to Okinawa and islands is not from China, but from Hyakuta and Abe themselves as they hammer Okinawans in such a fascist totalitarian manner worse than China. Heck, Abe and Hyakuta will sink Japan into a totalitarian endless nightmare...which is the last thing Japan can cope as she is already drowning in a widening economic, demographic and social mess. China is the last thing Japan should worry about...and Japanese people now realizing this more and more: Abe , not China, is the only major and main threat to their nation, peace and freedom.

According to government mouthpiece http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00084/ G Yomiuri has 9,240,000 circulation followed by Asahi at 7,210,000 and Mainichi at 3,300,000 (toshiko your math adds up at this level) but Sankei has 1,600,000 - if one were to count "left" or "right"... obviously not counting the Nikkei or specialized trade journals or Akahata or whatever then afraid there are some 330,000 readers reading center-right papers. Quoting primary sources's always better than just opinions no matter how well thought out...

@ Kazuaki Shimazaki JUN. 28, 2015 - 01:35AM JST

So what we have here is Hyakuta understanding the base burden, but thinking that National Security, and also the security of Okinawans comes first.

Meaningless platitudes! Who are you Shimizu that you believe you could tell Okinawans what is right for them? Neither you nor Hyakuta understand anything about the "base burden" and the situation in Okinawa. It is obvious though that you believe it to be opportune to have Okinawans suffer to protect your own interests.

From what you say it is clear that you share the patronizing and anti-democratic way of thinking with Abe and his cronies.

Okinawans know very well from painful first hand experience how the security of citizens and military are related to each other on a small island in an armed conflict. The military didn't care a s__t about civilian security and this won't be any different in the future.

The US military is not in Okinawa to protect Okinawans, but solely to protect its own geopolitical interests. The US doesn't care about "collateral damage" and Okinawans are only nice people as long as they put up with the bases. If they oppose the bases then they are "communists", "anti-american", "people that too whacky to know what is good for them", etc. etc.

The Okinawan news papers will only change their tone if the Okinawans are treated with respect and gain equal democratic rights with other Japanese regions and prefectures and that is what makes those news papers relevant even on a national level.

YomiUri Group created YomiUri ShinBun to squash then popular Asahi and Mainichi. It is not censored by Japanese Govt. This is about two Okinawa newspapers this guy wants Japan to stop their business.

But Asahi and Mainichi still have more subscribers.

I thought it was funny claiming censored. Newspapers have ad incomes and papers are not expensive.

Toshiko

Admittedly I am not familiar with these 2 Okinawa newspapers, my comments were directed to big newspapers & tv which ARE & have been HEAVILY censored for many decades in Japan.

I subscribe to the daily yomiuri(now Japan news) & it is MASSIVELY censored. Lots of newsworthy stuff not in print, lots watered down & the out & out propaganda pieces spewed by this rag are incredible at times. Since 2014 when relations with SKorea really headed south the BS they write & spew has been at times hilarious & at time difficult to stomach the BS they write, truly disgusting

But that's WHY I subscribe, but after 2+ decades of BS & lies its becoming depressing watching Japan slide down & down & these dimwits of the ldp are major reason for Japans decline! They are wrecking the country!

The Ryukyu Shinpo and Okinawa Times are not the only newspapers available in Okinawa: the LDP propaganda rag the Yomiuri is also on sale, as are other papers. At the moment the Okinawan people are free to choose what to read.

The LDP, and Abe in particular, cannot stand any form of dissent. This is why Abe's friends, including nutcases such as Hyakuta, call for the destruction of any media that dares to publish opposing views to their own. It's worrying that Hyakuta was seen as a suitable person to serve on the board of NHK, yet it also explains why that organisation is little more than an LDP mouthpiece these days.

In theory the press are still free to publish what they like. In practice the LDP issues veiled threats to stifle criticism. Abe is learning from despots such as Putin that control of the media helps in achieving political aims. Next, the LDP will introduce some form of media licensing that will close down any opposing voices. It will be unconstitutional, but that won't stop Abe.

Toshiko Why don't you move to Okinawa and make a newspaper publishing company by yourself instead of depending Yubaru and Bertie if you can not formulate your opinion? Pay a lot of money to them for contributing to your business.

You obviously missed the last line where I said "all my oil wells are dry" - I would if I had the dough, though no one can make a proper newspaper alone, whether it be a former prince or Akahata leftover... ever hear of "Hito, Mono, Kane"? As for my opinion I have a full inkwell (I'd be "Bowdlerized" here though) as I said; I just mentioned the two posters as they seem to have the levelheadedness required in producing a proper paper that could fulfill market needs in Okinawa, offering alternatives to the two existing ones that apparently ignore English readers (and I don't mean the US presence there).

Good on the Okinawans for standing up for what they want. If Abe is so keen to progress the military's effectiveness he shouldn't worry about losing the US base as Japan will be more capable of taking care of itself. The criticism levelled at the two newspapers reinforces the need for freedom of the press. Now the rest of the Japanese public need to get motivated to involve themselves in the issue and be vociferous whatever their views!

I doubt Business that advertise in media will reduce or quit their advertisement. Ad is to put increase their market share up. Insurance companies, automakers, or any ods, they are not contributing to media/ Ad is the best mean to increase their sales.

Other lawmakers present suggested the government put pressure on the Japan Business Federation to urge members not to advertise in the two Okinawan newspapers.

According to Japanese newspapers this is not only about the two Okinawan newspapers but also mass-media in much broader sense. Let me translate what a LDP lawmaker said:

"The best way to put mass-media in place is cutting their advertising revenue links. Our influence on Japan Business Federation must be exercised for that purpose. Publicly name the TV programs that are harmful (in a LDP sense) and list the companies that provide financial supports to them."

This is evidently anti-democracy and it would be natural for LDP leadership to try to distance the party itself from this news.

Having said that, somehow I feel this type of thinking can be found elsewhere in our society. Perhaps we should use this episode as a food for thought reflecting on our reality on free speech and their means.

@TexPomeroyJUN. 28, 2015 - 03:34AM JST I'd love to start a newspaper catering toward the Okinawan market, an English/local bilingual thing (not even a daily), which has Yubaru, BertieWooster and others involved in its operations! It'd be fun. I've got a "full inkwell" too

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Why don't you move to Okinawa and make a newspaper publishing company by yourself instead of depending Yubaru and Bertie if you can not formulate your opinion? Pay a lot of money to them for contributing to your business.

Abe said that freedom of the press is a fundamental part of democracy and called the remarks regrettable, if that is what was actually said. However, he said it was not up to him to apologize but the speakers, because the attendees at the gathering were just putting forward their personal opinions.

"The comfort women issue was regrettable, if that is what actually happened. I won't apologize for it, because it was supposedly done by people several decades ago. I'll instead go visit the Yasukuni Shrine to honor those said people, but don't worry, it's just a personal visit and not an official one".

I'd love to start a newspaper catering toward the Okinawan market, an English/local bilingual thing (not even a daily), which has Yubaru, BertieWooster and others involved in its operations! It'd be fun. I've got a "full inkwell" too - just too bad all my oilwells are dry...

@japan4today: Thank you for writing about newspapers in Okinawa. I thought it was funny claiming censored. Newspapers have ad incomes and papers are not expensive.

"...it is only human for Hyakuta and his kin to want to see the death of the Okinawan newspapers."

Um, democratic-minded people would normally want to think of ways to inform and counter views that they deem misleading or misinformed. There is nothing inherently "human" about wanting to shut down speech. In a democracy, we seek to counter not censor. Can you imagine Obama talking about shutting down Fox news or Bush thinking of closing the NYT? No sir.

Ryukyu Shinpo and Okinawa Times just got the most precious compliment that a democratic media channel could ever expect to get! Thanks to Hyakuta now many Japanese know that there is a small island in the south of this big country that is holding out against the nationalist, anti-democratic, hypocritical tendency of politics in Japan.

Other then Yubaru want's us to believe the Okinawan news papers are not spreading any propaganda or omitting important news. They are serving Okinawans with the news that they are interested in, nothing more and nothing less. And that news is critical of the central government and rather left leaning just as most Okinawans are. The two news papers, just as the large majority of Okinawans, feel there's something wrong with democracy in Japan and are fighting to change that.

Actually the reason that people like Hyakuta and others in the LDP get so upset about those two small insignificant news papers is that they are telling the truth about things going completely wrong in Japan at the moment and telling the truth can be very inconvenient for people who are trying to bend it all the time, like Abe and Hyakuta.

@Kazuaki: What you wrote sound like he scolded (commanded) Abe. like he is Abe's boss. Write exactly what he said. I don;t think he scolded Abe in front of junior lawmakers.

@toshiko: The Ryukyu Shimpo was founded in 1893 by Shō Jun, a former prince of the Ryukyu Kingdom and is still in publication today.Originally published every other day, it became a daily newspaper in 1906. The Okinawa Times started publishing on 1 July 1948. These papers are not censored.

@yubaru and Bertie Wooster: I would like to know what are the facts that the people of Okinawa are not being informed about that would make them change their minds and accept the moving of MCAS Futenma to Henoko.

I know JapanToday lives on this kind of news, but I wish they would at least have the fair mindedness to report Hyakuta's next sentence, which was apparently "あってはいけないことだが、沖縄のどこかの島が中国に取られれば、目を覚ますはずだ" - Though it can't be allowed to happen, Okinawans will wake up if China takes one of their islands.

He also apparently said regarding the base burden: "根が深い。苦労も苦しみも理解できる".

So what we have here is Hyakuta understanding the base burden, but thinking that National Security, and also the security of Okinawans comes first. Our two newspapers clearly are not explaining these realities of life and are mostly increasing the contradictions between the Okinawans and the mainland.

Freedom of the press is meant to inform, not agitate the public, and our newspapers are doing that latter. Under these circumstances, it is only human for Hyakuta and his kin to want to see the death of the Okinawan newspapers.

Finally, we must note that the meeting sounds very much like a de facto demi-private party among the like-minded, so making too much out of it would be like making a big fuss about the threat to kill your boss you made over a couple of beers in a pub after a hard day.

Yubaru, Okinawans are influenced by the Ryukyu Shimpo and the Okinawan TImes, it would be a lie to suggest that they aren’t. But if you mean to suggest that the anti US base sentiment in Okinawa is the product of these two newspapers, with all due respect, I think it is you who should get out more.

The bases inconvenience Okinawans in many ways. Some people have to go on a wide detour because a huge base such as Kadena is in the way. The drunkenness and violence still continues and anyone driving past Kadena sees the massive waste of space. Long wide gaps between buildings. And servicemen living off base in accommodation that seems like a hotel to Okinawans. "Only THREE garages!" "I like the house, but I couldn't possibly live in a poor area. (Not actually a poor area, there was an apartment building near the house in question. This lady took this to mean that it was a poor area). (These are actual comments, by the way, There are many more.)

My work brings me into contact with many Okinawans. Since this issue came up before, I decided to ask people I met if they thought they were influenced by these two newspapers. Very few of the people I talked to took newspapers OF ANY KIND.

Perhaps the biggest influence in this tightly knit community is relatives, especially those higher on the food chain.

Let's not forget that it wasn't these two newspapers who got Nakaima thrown out and Onaga elected, it was the Okinawan people. I agree with what you say, Yubaru. Okinawans need to have access to ALL the facts. While this is a pipe dream in a heavily censored society like Japan, the Okinawa Times and Ryukyu Shimpo often present opinion widely different from Abe's. It is necessary for people to see both sides.

If Abe's "friend" manages to put these two newspapers out of business and all that's left in the media is Abe's right wing slant, I think there is going to be a bit more than heckling at events.

If Okinawa times and Ryukyu Shimpo are already censored, how come this guy made such comment?

For a man who purports to hate China so much, Abe sure is trying to emulate it! Welcome to the new China!

Why the HELL is anyone surprised at the ldp trying to censor a few newspapers, ITS COMMON PRACTICE & has been for decades here!!

And DITTO for TV, HEAVILY CENSORED, don't toe the line KISS your sponsors good BYE! Be interesting to see if jt is affected by this

That said I am glad a rukus is being made, even if the Okinawan rags are a bit off the charts good for them pissing off Tokyo!

We might be witnessing some real %$%$^ storms that need to come to these isles!

Clearly some ldp heads need to roll & be trashed!

The people of Okinawa do not need newspapers, magazines, radio, TV or any other type of media to form their opinions, they have real life experiences from which to form their opinions. They have the experience of the Battle of Okinawa, the experience of having their people raped and killed by both the IJA and the　U.S. Military, the experience of being herded into concentration camps and having their lands stolen by the U.S. Military. The experience of being betrayed by the Japanese Govt. in WWII resulting in the battle of Okinawa, in being betrayed in 1951 when the Treaty of San Francisco allowed Japan to become a sovereign nation but placed Okinawa under U.S. control and betrayed again with the reversion agreement between the U.S. and Japan which allowed the U.S. to keep their bases on Okinawa and keep full control of them. The people of Okinawa base their opinions on real life experiences in dealing with the U.S. Military and the Japanese Govt., experiences which continue today.

Maybe the pro-base people should start their own newspaper and lets see how many subscribers they get. Why not have some pro-base demonstrations and see how many people participate.

Has NHK covered this story? I only saw the 8:45 newscast tonight (Saturday). There was nothing about it.

I do';t subscrive Okinawa times and Ryukyu Shimpo so I can not evaluate why this guy told like that. Yubaru explained but do any of you subscribe to let me know what kind of newspapers? All I can say is as usually Suga is busy to calm down other members and tries to appeal to Japanese public.

Other lawmakers present suggested the government put pressure on the Japan Business Federation to urge members not to advertise in the two Okinawan newspapers.

This is scary because it reinforces the belief that the "Iron Triangle" of the LDP, business leaders, and bureaucrats rules Japan, and is willing to walk all over citizens rights to keep it that way.

Abe said that freedom of the press is a fundamental part of democracy and called the remarks regrettable, if that is what was actually said.

Equally as disturbing. First off, he says "freedom of the press is a fundamental part of democracy", which is just a platitude. Second, he calls the remarks "regrettable", instead of strongly condemning them. And, finally, he throws in the subtle denial "if that is what was actually said". Japan's citizens, and its democracy, really are under attack.

Firstly refreshing to read a provocative piece of political journalism from Japan Today.

The LDP certainly know how to kick each other effectively in the political dingle dangles. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga seem to be obvious to the actions of his junior parliamentary members....

Shinzo Abe and the LDP are a scourge on Japanese society and the Japanese people. The sooner they rise up and remove the LDP from office the better. Hopefully the sheeples are beginning to wake up.

The Ryukyu Shimpo and the Okinawa Times represent the views of most of the people of Okinawa

Actually the Shimpo and TImes create the views of the Okinawan people. They ONLY portray or give one side of a story, and if you or anyone thinks that is responsible media, then I suggest you move to North Korea or China.

It is a FACT that neither of the local press here are only reporting the news, they influence public opinion by only printing one side, which is irresponsible reporting. The people know no better, because they are not given the opportunity to make their own decisions based upon all the pertinent information.

Newspapers in Japan influence to a great deal, public opinion and thought, and people here trust almost implicitly whatever is written in their newspapers.

It is very much like the Education ministry or anything put out by the government, the people "BELIEVE" what is written, and take it all as fact, even when it is only one sided.

The "Liberal Democratic Party" is weirdly named.

If it's liberal, it's some strange and unusual definition of the word.

Dogmatic, yes.

Liberal, NOT.

Abe can't STAND anyone who has any kind of different idea to his.

Abe attacks Ryukyu Shimpo, the Okinawa Times and Asahi because they have the affront to contradict him.

Democratic?

Possibly in the sense of "People's Democratic Republic of Korea."

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has come under fire after a writer, who was a guest lecturer at a meeting of 37 junior LDP lawmakers, said two newspapers in Okinawa should be put out of business for their criticism of the central government’s policy on the U.S. base issue.

Japan's freedom of press seems to be very much 3rd world..

Abe doesn't think that is a problem? Those remarks go unpunished?

The little Okinawans have the big bad LDP running scared.The Ryukyu Shimpo and the Okinawa Times represent the views of most of the people of Okinawa and are closer to the truth than the LDP ever will be.

Freedom of the press is one thing, accuracy in reporting is another, and the Shimpo and Times have neither in reality.

Try to curb the freedom of the press? => Hyakutatakinokei! (Do let him off lightly first time, though likely he won't learn as obviously his parents didn't give him a good caning; second time, show him scenes of Nazi bookburnings digitally altered so they look like his books, for 100 hours; third time...)

In Japan, everyone must toe the LDP line or risk being sent to purgatory. Years ago, former Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma was sent away for voicing his " Opinion" , this was shortly before Abe resigned from his first stint in office.

Birds of a feather flock together, Hyakuta and Abe.

" I wonder how NHK is going to present this piece of news?"

Probably by getting a rather large container of dark sand and submerging their head right in the middle of it! In this current climate it would most likely be professional suicide for an NHK report to criticise the criticism made by these lackeys.

It's already started! NHK is now nothing but an LDP-mouthpiece. Other TV channels and newspapers are being pressured too. Free speech, my foot. It's only free speech if the LDP agrees with what you say. And reporters who down toe the line are barred from press conferences.

Talk about a democracy!! Not yo mention freedom of speech

LDP Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki called on both sides to keep a cool head. He said that it is OK for lawmakers to criticize the media and vice versa but said it should be done in a dignified manner.

yes, should be in a dignified manner like Abe has done, all channels as One Family NHK - with subtitles MBS TBS...!

All the tell tale signs of democracy being threatened. I wonder how NHK is going to present this piece of news?

Hyakuta is a freak and a warmonger. No surprise he's a close friend of Abe's.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has come under fire after a writer, who was a guest lecturer at a meeting of 37 junior LDP lawmakers, said two newspapers in Okinawa should be put out of business for their criticism of the central government’s policy on the U.S. base issue.

Par for the course under the Abe-regime