Is The Yomiuri Shimbun Reliable? Full Review of Bias, Ownership, and Credibility
The Yomiuri Shimbun Overview and Political Bias
The Yomiuri Shimbun is often described as center-right and conservative, frequently aligning with Japan's Liberal Democratic Party. Critics argue it maintains a pro-government stance, while observers note its nationalist leanings on historical issues. Some suggest its reporting favors institutional stability over radical reform or investigative challenges to established authority.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 6,600,000 |
| Israel support | Balanced / Follows Japanese government diplomacy |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Low |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
The Yomiuri Shimbun History
Established in 1874, The Yomiuri Shimbun grew significantly in the 20th century under Matsutarō Shōriki. It became the world's highest-circulation newspaper through aggressive marketing and diversification. Today, it remains a pillar of Japanese media, famously associated with the Yomiuri Giants baseball team and the Nippon Television Network corporation.
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Who owns The Yomiuri Shimbun?
The paper is owned by The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, a private conglomerate. Revenue is primarily generated through subscriptions, advertising, and its diverse business interests, including professional sports, theme parks, and broadcasting. Unlike many Western outlets, it remains largely independent of external venture capital or foreign corporate ownership structures.