Trusted, but Not Read: Japan’s Household Newspaper Subscriptions Hit Historic Low

A recent survey in Japan has found that home subscriptions to daily newspapers have fallen below 50% for the first time, marking a historic low. Despite this decline, newspapers are still considered one of the most trustworthy sources of media, ranking second after NHK television. The Japan Press Research Institute's survey of 5,000 people found that newspaper subscriptions have dropped from 88.6% in 2008 to 49.8% in 2026, with the steepest decline occurring among younger age groups.

The survey also revealed that 70.4% of respondents primarily get their major news from commercial television, while the internet, NHK television, and newspapers rank third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Among those without a monthly newspaper subscription, 73.7% said they get their news from other sources, citing high subscription costs and personal reading habits as reasons for not subscribing.

Despite the decline in readership, trust in traditional media remains strong, with newspapers ranking second in credibility behind NHK television on a 100-point scale.

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