Is The Asahi Shimbun required reading for Japanese society?

These are the kind of questions that we at The Asahi Shimbun Company ask ourselves as we prepare to enter a new era, in partnership with our readers. By doing so, we hope to refine our approach and to develop a new kind of journalism that is essential for Japan.

Since our inception as a newspaper on January 25, 1879, our fundamental mission has been to serve the public - to record history factually, pursue the truth and provide accurate information to the wide public. This principle has never changed right through to the present day when information and communications technology has made great advances and the forms of the media have become so diversified.

Nowadays, we are inundated with “information” in our daily lives. It is our goal to respond to our readers’ demands “to find out more” and “to get to the bottom” of matters. We endeavor to create content that satisfies our readers with thorough and in-depth investigative reporting and with new ideas.

We try to ensure smooth delivery of the newspaper through our extensive delivery network that stretches across the country.

The Asahi Shimbun Company comprises a wide spectrum of work. The company is supported by vibrant energy from the various fields of editorial work, production, circulation, advertising, cultural projects and business development, digital media and publications. One of our major challenges is to make reforms that enable the company to further enhance the strength of our newspaper business.

We recognize that in order for the newspaper to remain fresh and lively, both the news operation and the corporate organization must continue to pursue reforms.

We at The Asahi Shimbun appreciate the confidence our readers have entrusted in us and we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities as a member of the media, and as a leading organ of public opinion.