Contemporary Japanese Media Activism
Place: University of Tokyo, Hongo Campus.
School of Science Building #1: Rigakubu Ichigokan Room
710（ http://goo.gl/maps/H1jpt ）(The building has a Doutour coffee on the first floor.) December 6, 2012 (Thursday) 19:00-21:00
Language: Japanese
Inquiries: iii.media.studies@gmail.com
Admission: Free (All are welcome!)

Presenters:
Iwakami Yasumi : Journalist, Independent Web Journal Takashi Uesugi : Free Press Association / No Border Hajime Shiraishi : OurPlanetTV Yanai Hitofumi: Gohoo.org

Hosts: Elizabeth Rodwell Marks (Rice University) and Vinicius Fururie (University of Tokyo)
Moderator: Professor Hayashi Kaori, University of Tokyo

Description:
Although voices critical of Japan's mass media, and in particular it's unique "kisha (reporters') club" system could be heard before 3/11, the disaster represented a turning point for media activism in Japan. The media's mishandling and failure to report on the severity of the Fukushima accident encouraged greater involvement in media reform efforts, and attempts to create independent information channels that deliver news directly to Japanese citizens independent of political and advertising influences. These new media groups largely have made use of the internet in order to stream press conferences and events directly to users (UStream, NicoNicoDouga), and to post news stories written by journalists outside of the kisha club system (Twitter, web sites, etc.)

The mounting popularity of alternate news platforms and the importance of ongoing efforts to reform the mass media in Japan have inspired us to propose an event for which we invite four different groups representing aspects of the independent media.
These are: 1. Gohoo (www.gohoo.org), who analyze newspaper journalism, identify misinformation, and publish the correct information on the basis of their research. 2. (Uesugi Takashi) The Free Press Association of Japan (www.fpaj.jp), who offer press conferences open to all journalists and regularly stream these events live to thousands of viewers. 3.( Iwakami Yasumi) Independent Web Journal, who offer unedited live coverage of press conferences held daily across Japan 4. (Hajime Shiraishi) OurPlanet Television (www.ourplanet.tv), a new venture in educational television whose staff are currently working on a diverse array of independent documentary/video journalistic projects.