Is Sankei Shimbun Politically Biased? Ownership, Funding, and Editorial Policy
Sankei Shimbun Overview and Political Bias
Observers describe Sankei Shimbun as staunchly conservative and nationalist. It is often criticized for historical revisionism, particularly regarding Japan’s wartime past and issues like 'comfort women.' The paper frequently advocates for constitutional reform and takes a hardline stance against China and North Korea, while championing traditional imperial values.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,300,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Israel |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Partisan / Conservative |
Sankei Shimbun History
Established in 1933 in Osaka as a business-focused daily, Sankei Shimbun expanded nationwide as a major national newspaper. Under leadership changes in the 1950s, it shifted toward a distinct pro-business and conservative editorial identity. It remains one of Japan's 'big five' newspapers despite declining physical circulation numbers.
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Who owns Sankei Shimbun?
Sankei Shimbun is owned by the Sankei Shimbun Co., Ltd., part of the Fujisankei Communications Group. This conglomerate includes Fuji Television and Nippon Broadcasting System. Its funding primarily relies on traditional newspaper subscriptions, digital platform revenue, and corporate advertising within the broader media network's ecosystem.