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Top Japanese Newspapers, Japan News Sites Online

Japan Japan’s media landscape offers a diverse range of newspapers and news sites online in English and Japanese languages. Leading national dailies like Yomiuri Shimbun (conservative, highest circulation) and Asahi Shimbun (center-left) dominate with in-depth coverage of politics, economy, and culture. Regional papers such as Hokkaido Shimbun and Nishinippon Shimbun provide hyperlocal insights, while business-focused Nikkei Shimbun is essential for financial news.

For English-language readers, The Japan Times and Nikkei Asian Review deliver comprehensive updates on Japan and Asia. Sports enthusiasts can explore Nikkan Sports or Tokyo Sports, while Kyodo News serves as a leading wire agency. Digital platforms like Japan Today and SmartNews aggregate trending stories for mobile-savvy users.

Table of Contents:

Japanese-Language Newspapers (日本語)

  • Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞)

    Tokyo-based national daily (founded 1874), the world's largest circulation newspaper. Best known for its conservative stance and comprehensive coverage of politics, business, and sports (especially baseball).

  • Asahi Shimbun (朝日新聞)

    Tokyo/Osaka-based national daily (founded 1879) with liberal leanings. Famous for its investigative journalism and cultural reporting, including the prestigious Asahi Prize for academic achievement.

  • Mainichi Shimbun (毎日新聞)

    Tokyo/Osaka-based national daily (founded 1872), Japan's oldest newspaper. Best known for its centrist views and human rights-focused reporting.

  • Nihon Keizai Shimbun (日本経済新聞)

    Tokyo-based financial daily (founded 1876), often called "Nikkei." Renowned for its economic analysis and the Nikkei 225 Stock Average index.

  • Sankei Shimbun (産経新聞)

    Tokyo-based national daily (founded 1933) with right-wing editorial stance. Best known for its nationalist perspectives and criticism of China/North Korea.

English-Language News Sources

  • The Japan Times

    Tokyo-based English daily (founded 1897), Japan's oldest English-language newspaper. Best known for its balanced coverage of Japanese politics and culture for expats.

  • NHK World-Japan

    Tokyo-based international broadcaster's English service (founded 1926). Famous for its reliable news and cultural programs about Japan.

  • Kyodo News (English)

    Tokyo-based news agency's English service (founded 1945). Best known for breaking news and official announcements from Japan.

  • Japan Today

    Tokyo-based online news (founded 2000). Known for its digestible format and trending stories about Japanese society.

  • GaijinPot Blog

    Tokyo-based expat-focused site (founded 1997). Best known for practical living guides and cultural insights for foreigners in Japan.

Regional & Local Newspapers (日本語)

Business & Financial News

Politics & Investigative Journalism

  • Shukan Kinyobi (週刊金曜日)

    Tokyo-based weekly magazine (founded 1993). Famous for its progressive stance and criticism of Japanese government policies.

  • Aera (アエラ)

    Tokyo-based weekly news magazine (founded 1988). Best known for its in-depth features on social issues.

  • Shukan Bunshun (週刊文春)

    Tokyo-based scandal weekly (founded 1959). Famous for exposing political corruption and celebrity gossip.

  • Tokyo Reporter

    Tokyo-based English crime news site. Best known for coverage of yakuza and unusual crimes in Japan.

Arts & Culture

  • Nippon.com

    Tokyo-based multilingual culture site (founded 2011). Best known for introducing Japanese traditions to global audiences.

  • Spoon & Tamago

    Tokyo-based English art blog. Famous for showcasing contemporary Japanese design and creativity.

  • Tokyo Art Beat

    Tokyo-based art event calendar (founded 2005). Best known for its comprehensive exhibition listings.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

  • SoraNews24

    Tokyo-based English odd news blog. Famous for quirky stories about Japanese pop culture.

  • Grape Japan

    Tokyo-based English lifestyle site. Best known for trending topics and viral content from Japan.

  • Time Out Tokyo

    Tokyo-based English city guide. Renowned for its event listings and restaurant reviews.

Sports (日本語)

Technology & Gaming

  • ITmedia

    Tokyo-based tech news site (founded 1996). Famous for its coverage of Japan's electronics industry.

  • Famitsu

    Tokyo-based gaming magazine (founded 1986). Best known for video game reviews and industry news.

  • 4Gamer.net

    Tokyo-based gaming news site. Renowned for its esports and indie game coverage.

Additional Notable Outlets

  • Jiji Press (時事通信)

    Tokyo-based news agency (founded 1945). Best known for quick official news bulletins.

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

    Government's official international news portal. Famous for diplomatic statements about Japan.

  • Japan Forward

    Tokyo-based English news site (founded 2017). Best known for conservative perspectives on Japanese society.

  • Zenbird

    Tokyo-based English sustainability magazine. Famous for covering Japan's environmental initiatives.

Newspapers and news media list by Continent

Note: This is an online newspapers and news media directory. All information is reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified personally.