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.

3/17、2026年版九州経済白書説明会「食･農の未来」【久留米会場】

Kyushu Economic Research Center | Local Language | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

On March 17, 2026, a briefing session titled "The Future of Food and Agriculture" was held in Kurume City, focusing on the challenges and prospects for Kyushu's agricultural sector. The session addressed issues such as the decline and aging of the agricultural workforce, increasing abandoned farmland, and unstable yields due to climate change-related factors like abnormal weather and natural disasters. The briefing aimed to discuss strategies for enhancing agriculture's appeal, maintaining and strengthening production bases—including people, land, and technology—and adapting to changing consumer demands.

The 2026 Kyushu Economic White Paper was the basis for the briefing, covering topics such as food security, current production and distribution challenges, structural changes in Kyushu agriculture, labor securing in local communities, changes in food distribution, and environmental responses related to food production. The event was held at the Chikugin Bank Head Office with a capacity of 60 participants, free of charge, and featured Hideyuki Okano, Executive Managing Director of the Kyushu Economic Research Association, as the presenter.

Participants were encouraged to purchase the 2026 White Paper at the venue for a discounted price to enhance their understanding. The event was organized by Chikugin Bank, the Chikugin Regional Economic Research Institute, the Kurume Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Kyushu Economic Research Association. Attendees were advised there was no parking available and entry was on a first-come, first-served basis without issued admission tickets.

外国人への訪問支援費補助 共生実現、自治体に入管庁

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

The Immigration Services Agency will launch a grant program to subsidize outreach activities where municipal counselors visit locations with high concentrations of foreigners, such as apartment complexes and companies employing many foreign workers. This initiative, included in the FY2025 supplementary budget, aims to promote community coexistence by proactively addressing issues faced by foreigners through direct engagement.

In addition to existing support for consultation offices, outreach visits may extend to Japanese language schools and restaurants, where counselors will provide guidance on daily life matters such as garbage disposal rules and Japanese social systems. The program may also utilize social networking sites and involve foreign community leaders to improve communication and support. Foreigners serving as interpreters could participate as counselors alongside municipal employees.

The Immigration Services Agency plans to notify municipalities of the grant details soon, aligning the initiative with the government’s comprehensive measures on foreigner acceptance expected in early 2026.