The Japan Chronicle and its editors: reflecting Japan to the press and the people, 1891-1940

Abstract

In this paper, I use the Japan Chronicle as a reference point for the internal idea of Japan and the struggle to define it waged between the press and the government. In describing the underlying principles adopted by the Chronicle , I look back at some early moral and intellectual influences on Robert Young, its founder and first editor. I then compare the stance and behaviour of the k saka Asahi Shinbun and the Chronicle on issues of press freedom, with specific reference to the White Rainbow Incident ( hakk l jiken , also known as the k saka Asahi Incident). I then analyze the differences between the two papers in their treatment of political affairs following the Manchurian Incident and show the Chronicle , the Japanese government and a supine Japanese press at the height of their three-cornered struggle for the internal idea of Japan. I conclude with historical observations on the foregoing.