The Japan Times
The Japan Times launched on the 22nd of March 1897 with a clear purpose. Founder Yukichi Fukuzawa wanted Japanese citizens to read and discuss news in English. This goal aimed to help Japan participate more fully in the international community. The first issue appeared as a broadsheet newspaper printed in Tokyo. It offered daily coverage of current events for readers seeking global perspectives. Fukuzawa believed that understanding foreign affairs was essential for national progress during this era.
In 1906, Yukichi Zumoto accepted an invitation from Itō Hirobumi to lead The Seoul Press. The two newspapers began selling subscriptions across borders between Japan and Korea. Both publications wrote critically about Korean culture and civilization at the time. They actively advocated for Japan's colonial control over the Korean peninsula. Editors argued that imperial rule would civilize the local population. These operations created tight operational ties between the two papers throughout the early twentieth century.
Government pressure mounted against editors starting in 1931 when Hitoshi Ashida became chief editor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed him directly to oversee editorial policy changes. During World War II, the paper served as an official outlet for Imperial Japanese government communication. Successive name changes reflected political pressures including The Japan Times and Mail until 1940. Later it became The Japan Times and Advertiser before transforming into Nippon Times from 1943 through 1956. This temporary renaming occurred during a period banning English language sentiment in wartime Japan.
Shintaro Fukushima took presidential leadership in 1956 after decades of family management. He sold shares to Toshiaki Ogasawara who chaired Nifco automotive fastener manufacturer. Fukushima renounced his management rights in 1983 allowing Nifco to acquire full control. Staff changes followed as new traditions replaced those established since 1897. Yukiko Ogasawara succeeded her father as chairman in 2016 after serving as president from 2006 to 2012. News2u Holdings Inc purchased the newspaper on the 30th of June 2017 ending the Ogasawara era.
The newspaper began printing alongside The New York Times International Edition starting the 16th of October 2013. A responsive web design update optimized the site for all digital devices that year. Readers gained access to online archives containing printed stories from previous decades. Comments sections appeared below articles enabling direct reader engagement with published content. Social media presence expanded through Twitter and Facebook accounts launched by 2007. Three distinct periodicals now include an English daily broadsheet plus weekly tabloid formats targeting different audiences.
News2u Holdings changed editorial stances following their acquisition of the newspaper in 2017. An editor's note announced in November 2018 redefined terms regarding wartime laborers and comfort women. Articles would refer to "women who worked in wartime brothels" instead of using previously established terminology. This shift drew immediate criticism from readers and staff members concerned about political alignment. Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's administration faced accusations of influencing these policy decisions. The paper issued an apology on the 7th of December 2018 admitting the editorial note undermined trust relationships built over years.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did The Japan Times launch and who founded it?
The Japan Times launched on the 22nd of March 1897. Founder Yukichi Fukuzawa established the newspaper to help Japanese citizens read and discuss news in English.
What was the relationship between The Japan Times and The Seoul Press during the early twentieth century?
Yukichi Zumoto led The Seoul Press starting in 1906 after accepting an invitation from Itō Hirobumi. Both newspapers sold subscriptions across borders and advocated for Japan's colonial control over the Korean peninsula.
How did The Japan Times change its name during World War II due to government pressure?
Successive name changes reflected political pressures including The Japan Times and Mail until 1940. Later it became The Japan Times and Advertiser before transforming into Nippon Times from 1943 through 1956.
Who purchased The Japan Times in 2017 and when did the acquisition occur?
News2u Holdings Inc purchased the newspaper on the 30th of June 2017 ending the Ogasawara era. This acquisition marked a shift where News2u Holdings changed editorial stances following their purchase.
When did The Japan Times begin printing alongside The New York Times International Edition?
The newspaper began printing alongside The New York Times International Edition starting the 16th of October 2013. A responsive web design update optimized the site for all digital devices that same year.