The media system in post-war Japan (selected issues)

Iwona Merklejn

The Japanese media system is one of the most highly developed in the modern world. Its cultural distinguishing characteristics include unique geographic location, homogeneity of the population, harmony, violence, sexual discrimination, urbanization, centralization and concentration of ownership, loyalty, education and sport. The status of the printed media is also unique when compared to other countries. The total circulation of the three largest newspapers (Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun) exceeds 22 million copies. Another unique phenomenon is the popularity of the comic book (manga). The Japanese television system exhibits many characteristic traits of the American model with keeping a strong position of public television (NHK). A surprising fact is Japan's backwardness in the development of new media

KEYWORDS

media system, Japan, manga, American model