The 69th "Newspaper Convention" Opens Yamagata Shimbun, celebrating its 140th anniversary, features diverse special editions.

The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association held the 69th Newspaper Convention at Yamagata Terrsa in Yamagata City on October 18th, as the central event of Newspaper Week (October 15th-21st). Representatives from newspapers, news agencies, and advertising companies nationwide, totaling 506 people, participated.

This marked the first time the event was held in Yamagata City. The local Yamagata Shimbun celebrated its 140th anniversary this year.
At the opening of the ceremony, Koji Sagae, President of the Yamagata Shimbun, delivered a welcome address.

Kojiro Shiraishi, Chairman of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association (Chairman of Yomiuri Shimbun Group Headquarters and Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters), stated in his address: "Legislation applying a reduced tax rate to newspaper subscriptions has been enacted. We understand this tax measure both reduces readers' burden, enabling easier access to accurate and diverse information, and institutionally positions the public role of newspapers. We must now contribute more than ever to the development of democracy and culture, fulfilling a role befitting a public good." Regarding the potential of newspaper advertising, he stated, "Looking at the winning entries of the Newspaper Advertising Awards, we see expansion through company-wide project development, the use of new printing technologies, and collaboration with other media. The newspaper industry should unite to promote these success stories and appeal to advertisers and advertising agencies about their appeal." He also touched on sales reform, ensuring free speech, measures for non-subscribers, and the critical role of newspapers during disasters.

Next, the conference resolution was adopted: "We pledge to contribute to the development of democracy and fulfill our responsibility as a public asset of society through on-the-ground reporting and multifaceted coverage" (summary).

Other events included the Newspaper Association Award ceremony, a commemorative lecture by industrial designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama titled "Designing the Next 100 Years," and a research symposium featuring representatives from various newspapers on "Challenges Facing the Newspaper Industry—Overcoming Adversity in Newspaper Management."

In preparation for the Newspaper Convention in Yamagata City, an event promoting the appeal of newspapers was held at the commercial facility "AEON Mall Yamagata Minami" in the city from October 14 to 16.
Stage events included "Let's Read Newspapers with AKB48 Team 8" and a concert featuring singer-songwriter Azusa Sato performing "The Newspaper Song."

Additionally, the Yamagata Shimbun featured diverse special sections in its October 18th edition.
The paper was wrapped in a 30-column spread featuring the full-page illustration "Illustrated Guide to Famous Places in Yamagata Prefecture" by Hasegawa Chikuba, held in the company's collection. The reverse side featured the paper's inaugural issue and other content, looking back on its 140-year history.
As a commemorative special edition for the newspaper convention, it published Volume 1: "Creating" and Volume 2: "Welcome to YAMAGATA Project Vol. 2." These highlighted the appeal of Yamagata Prefecture's industries, products, and tourism resources.