The government is on the back foot in the wake of mounting global criticism to the effect that the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is threatening press freedom in Japan.
Two global organizations this week said press freedom is in danger in Japan, citing a state secrecy law that took effect in 2014 and a broadcast law that has drawn global attention after communications minister Sanae Takaichi noted the government can shut down broadcasters if it considers their reporting to be biased.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, by contrast, said Thursday that press freedom is very much respected in Japan.