When was the Asahi Shimbun founded and where did it start?
The Asahi Shimbun was founded on the 25th of January 1879 in Osaka. It began as a small four-page illustrated paper with a circulation of 3,000 copies.
Common questions about The Asahi Shimbun
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the three founding officers of the Asahi Shimbun?
The three founding officers of the Asahi Shimbun were Kimura Noboru, Ueno Riichi, and Tsuda Tei. These individuals established the newspaper's legacy that would span over a century.
What happened to the Asahi Shimbun leadership after World War II?
On the 5th of November 1945, the president and senior executives of the Asahi Shimbun resigned en masse to assume responsibility for wartime compromises. This collective resignation marked a significant moment in Japanese journalism history.
What major scandals affected the reputation of the Asahi Shimbun?
The Asahi Shimbun faced significant controversies including the 1989 coral article fabrication and the 2014 retraction of articles regarding comfort women testimonies. The newspaper also faced scrutiny over its reporting on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011.
What is the political stance of the Asahi Shimbun in the 21st century?
The Asahi Shimbun maintains a political stance that is considered left-leaning and progressive. This position has been a subject of debate among critics who argue the newspaper has lost its way under political pressure.