Japan's media giants with direct links: the Yomiuri Shimbun — the world's largest-circulation newspaper — Asahi, Mainichi and Sankei, Nikkei for business, NHK broadcasting, The Japan Times in English and the Kyodo and Jiji agencies.
National Newspapers
Business and Finance
Digital and TV News
Sports
Regional Newspapers
News in English
News Agencies
Frequently asked questions
- What is the largest newspaper in Japan?
- The Yomiuri Shimbun is the largest-circulation newspaper in the world, followed by the Asahi Shimbun.
- Which Japanese newspapers publish in English?
- The Japan Times, founded in 1897, is the oldest English-language paper, alongside The Japan News, Kyodo News English and Japan Today.
- What are Japan's main news agencies?
- Kyodo News and Jiji Press are Japan's two national news agencies.
Japan has one of the world's largest and most respected newspaper industries, with a remarkable tradition of mass-circulation journalism that is unique globally. The Yomiuri Shimbun holds the record as the world's highest-circulation daily newspaper, and Japan's top five nationals together circulate more than 30 million copies daily. Japanese newspapers are known for their extraordinary quality, accuracy, and the tradition of balanced reporting that has made them among the most trusted media institutions in the world.
Japan's "Big Three" national dailies — Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, and Mainichi Shimbun — dominate national readership alongside the conservative Sankei Shimbun. For business, Nikkei is Asia's most important financial newspaper and Nikkei Asia serves international readers. NHK is Japan's most trusted public broadcaster. Sports fans follow the three major sports dailies for baseball and football coverage. The Japan Times is Japan's oldest and most respected English-language newspaper.
Looking for newspapers from other Asian countries? Explore our collection of South Korean newspapers, Chinese newspapers, Taiwanese newspapers, and our full global directory at Newspapers Online.