The 71st "Newspaper Convention" was held in Sendai.

The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association held the 71st Newspaper Convention at the Sendai International Center in Sendai City on October 16th as the central event of Newspaper Week (October 15th-21st). Representatives from newspapers, news agencies, and advertising companies nationwide participated.

At the opening of the ceremony, Masahiko Ichiriki, President of Kahoku Shimpo, stated: "Seven years and seven months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and children who did not experience the disaster are now entering elementary school. Newspapers play a significant role in passing on the memories and lessons of that time." He added, "To make this a 'conference open to all citizens,' we held a workshop beforehand with about 6,000 participants. Furthermore, as a new initiative, we invited a total of 300 students from 8 universities and 4 high schools in Miyagi Prefecture to this conference. We hope this will be an opportunity for them to develop their perspective on society and feel more familiar with newspapers."

President Ichiriki of Kahoku Shimpo

Kojiro Shiraishi, Chairman of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association (Chairman of Yomiuri Shimbun Group Headquarters and Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters), stated: "While the mutual aid agreements formed among newspapers after the Great East Japan Earthquake proved effective during disasters, issues like delivery methods have also surfaced. The Newspaper Association, centered on its Special Committee for Disaster Countermeasures, will organize lessons learned and challenges, aiming to share information." He also projected, "We are fully launching proposal activities centered on newspaper advertising, crossing over into digital media, television, and events. By proposing new solutions to advertisers and society, newspapers will increasingly contribute to society going forward." He further mentioned promoting PR activities for people with limited exposure to newspapers and the application of a reduced tax rate to newspapers following the planned consumption tax hike in October 2019.

Chairman Shiraishi delivering remarks

Following this, the conference resolution was adopted: "In today's world where diverse information flows freely, the role of journalism in delivering accurate and useful information and pursuing truth is growing ever more significant. We pledge to fulfill our public and cultural mission as a trusted media outlet and respond to the public's right to know." (Summary)

Other events included the Newspaper Association Awards ceremony, a commemorative lecture by Professor Noriko Arai of the National Institute of Informatics titled "Reading Comprehension Skills Required in the AI Era," and a research symposium featuring representatives from various newspapers on "Challenges Facing the Newspaper Industry: Management Strategies to Enhance Newspaper Power."

Commemorative Lecture by Professor Noriko Arai of the National Institute of Informatics