The Dilemmas of Reforming Japan’s Broadcasting System: Ambivalent Implications of Its Liberalization

In the past six decades, Japan has developed into a highly media-dependent nation. Especially, television has become the most popular national medium. In 2005, the Japanese viewers watched television for more than four hours daily on average (Nippon Hoso Kyokai [NHK], 2005). It is thus fair to say that television has become an integral part of people’s life in Japan.