The 72nd "Newspaper Convention" held in Miyazaki

The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association held the 72nd Newspaper Convention at the Seagaia Convention Center in Miyazaki City on October 16th as the central event of Newspaper Week (October 15th-21st). Approximately 450 representatives from newspapers, news agencies, and advertising companies nationwide participated, along with about 90 invited university students from Miyazaki Prefecture.

The convention opened with a moment of silence for victims of Typhoon Hagibis.
In his address as the local newspaper representative, Yasuhisa Machikawa, President of the Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun, deliberately posed the question: "Are newspapers no longer necessary for this country's democracy, the sustainable development of our regions, and the advancement of culture?" He urged attendees, "Let's take this opportunity to think together about the future of newspapers."

Chairman Juichi Yamaguchi (President of Yomiuri Shimbun Group Headquarters) noted that with the consumption tax rate rising to 10% on the 1st, newspapers published at least twice weekly and sold by subscription would be subject to a reduced 8% tax rate. He stated, "This recognizes the role of newspapers as a public good." He further emphasized that amid structural changes driven by a declining birthrate, aging population, and shrinking population, "countermeasures targeting non-subscribers, particularly young people, are an urgent priority for the newspaper industry."

The conference then adopted a resolution stating: "In Japan, where rapid population decline and advances in information and communication technology are causing significant changes in social and economic structures and people's values, the role of journalism in providing accurate and reliable information and creating forums for discussion is now more important than ever. Even as we enter the Reiwa era, newspapers will continue to provide food for thought and support a society where people respect each other across regions and generations."

Other conference events included the Newspaper Association of Japan Awards ceremony, a commemorative lecture titled "The Power of Words: Newspapers and Literary Sections" by Miyazaki-based poets Kazuhiko Ito and Machi Tawara, and research panel discussions by newspaper representatives on "Nurturing Future Readers: Approaches to Young People" and "New Business Development for Newspapers."