Japan

【特集】2026年の課題と展望―人口減少社会と地域放送メディアの論点①―

Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research | Local Language | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedDemographics

In 2025, Japan marked the 100th anniversary of its broadcast media, coinciding with the appointment of its first female prime minister. The broadcast media landscape is undergoing significant transformation due to shifts like smartphone proliferation and video streaming, rendering traditional broadcasting insufficient on its own. Broadcasters face critical challenges in diversifying and expanding business domains to sustain operations, especially amid accelerating population decline. This demographic crisis has led to closures and consolidations, including the shutdown of eight community radio broadcasters in 2025, raising concerns about the disruption of local information flow and democratic connectivity.

To address these challenges, the article emphasizes a multifaceted approach combining broadcasters’ business innovation, industry restructuring, national support systems, and public-private partnerships with local municipalities. Regional broadcasters, constrained by limited budgets and resources compared to major Tokyo-based key stations, are gradually adopting new strategies such as aggregating localized video content through platforms like the Local Content Bank, and leveraging 4K content to target international markets, including expansions into FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) services. The national government supports these efforts with ambitious goals, such as achieving ¥20 trillion in overseas content sales by 2033, backed by policies and funding initiatives designed to strengthen the broadcasting and content industry.

Regional broadcast media business domains are diversifying into four key areas: content-related broadcasting and non-broadcasting businesses focused on both regional and national markets, and non-content regional businesses addressing regional revitalization and problem-solving. Beyond content, broadcasters are engaging in activities such as disaster prevention information, local product promotion, event management, e-commerce, childcare, nursing care, digital transformation projects for municipalities, and acting as intermediaries in business succession and startup investment. The potential survival strategy for regional broadcast media lies in becoming hubs that connect people and organizations locally and externally, provided these new ventures can be economically viable rather than solely charitable. The continuation of these efforts will be further examined in forthcoming essays focusing on specific segments such as cable television, which has demonstrated noticeable revenue growth and business expansion.

NHK | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Russia's Defense Ministry reported that Tupolev-95 strategic bombers conducted a flight over international waters in the Sea of Japan lasting more than 11 hours. The bombers were accompanied by Sukhoi fighter jets, and the ministry released video footage showing the aircraft in flight.

The Tupolev-95 bombers, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, regularly fly over international waters in various regions including the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Pacific. The ministry emphasized that these flights comply with international laws and cited similar missions conducted in January, August, and October of the previous year. Additionally, a joint patrol involving Russian and Chinese bombers took place in December.

【開催報告】ウェビナー「高市政権の財政・税制の検証と今後の課題」（2026年1月8日 開催）

Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research | Local Language | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTaxes

The Takai administration has positioned "responsible proactive fiscal policy" as the cornerstone of its economic and fiscal management strategy, unveiling its first budget proposal for Fiscal Year Reiwa 8 with a general account total of ¥122.3 trillion, the largest for the second consecutive year. Tax revenues are forecasted to hit a record ¥83.7 trillion, while debt-service costs surpass ¥30 trillion. In a webinar held on January 8, 2026, fiscal experts from the Tokyo Foundation debated the realism of maintaining debt growth within economic growth rates as a substitute for achieving a primary balance surplus, among other fiscal policy concerns.

The discussion focused on various aspects, including the evaluation of the primary balance on a general-account basis, problems with the fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio indicator, and the complexities of budget formulation under a small ruling party. Tax reforms received particular attention, including debates on income thresholds—specifically the ¥100 million threshold—and the review of burdens on extremely high incomes. The experts also assessed the expansion of investment tax cuts aimed at strengthening the economy, the clarity of priorities in the tax reform package, evidence-based policy making (EBPM) considerations, and the prospects for a Japanese version of DOGE (digital governance).

Further dialogue centered on the introduction and potential role of tax credits with benefits within the broader framework of tax and social security integration. Key issues raised included whether benefits should be allocated to family or individual units, the division of responsibility between national and local governments, funding mechanisms, and the digital infrastructure necessary for implementation. The webinar drew on detailed research and policy materials, emphasizing ongoing challenges and future directions in Japan’s fiscal and tax policy landscape under the Takai administration.