Japanization Process of “Second-rate Newspapers” During thePre-war Showa Period

The Case of the Osaka Jiji Shimpo

Abstract

The question of why liberal discourse had changed into totalitarian and

nationalistic direction in the pre-war Showa era continues to be relevant. Much

research has been accumulated, but most of it is focused on “first-class newspapers,”

that is, the Asahi Shimbun or the Mainichi Shimbun, which established

the national paper model with their large circulations. References to “secondclass

newspapers” were rare, because they had been regarded as merely deteriorated

copies or imitations of “first-class newspapers.”

　　However, if “second-rate newspapers” could be defined as “prestigiouspapers who had fallen from grace,” its change in that period should suggest the

reason why media was forced to undergo a transformation for survival.

　　Osaka Jiji Shimpo was known as a Japanism-oriented newspaper in the prewar

Showa era, but was originally characterized by the neutral and moderate

tone of the Jiji Shimpo newspaper. The change in tone occurred in 1931, not

because of the Manchurian Incident, which broke out that year but rather with

the separation of management from the Jiji Shimpo newspaper. The Osaka Jiji

was denied supplies from Tokyo and was forced to renew itself to survive. Its

connection to the military was key and which led to the campaign to honor the

Santo Great Air Defense Day in 1931 and the campaign for the Meirinkai, one

of the military fascism movements launched in 1932. Its Japanism was maintained

and further developed by externally procured famous authors such as

Tadataka Ikezaki and Teiichi Muto.

　　The sharpening of Japanism, characterized by its criticism towards social

authority, succeeded in obtaining a certain amount of readership. However,

under the wartime restrictions on the freedom of the press, the authorities

gradually became disgruntled. From around 1940, the Osaka Jiji was frequently

banned. This signifies the change in the gaze of authority. Ultimately the Osaka

Jiji was suspended in 1942, during the process of newspaper integration.