Yomiuri Shimbun

Yomiuri Shimbun is Japan's largest and oldest newspaper, founded in 1871. It has a long history of conservative editorial stances and is widely read in Japan. Recently, it has been making headlines due to the online smear campaign against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with thousands of fake social media accounts posting malicious content about her since late January. This development highlights the growing influence of online disinformation in Japanese politics. The newspaper's editorial stance and its coverage of the prime minister's policies have also been under scrutiny. As Japan's first female leader, Takaichi is facing significant challenges, including a snap election called by her government to seek voter backing for her spending plans and other policies. The outcome of this election will determine the future direction of Japanese politics.