English Newspaper Publication Day

What Is English Newspaper Publication Day?

September 27th marks "English Newspaper Publication Day," commemorating the launch, on this day in 1885, of Japan's first English-language newspaper edited by Japanese staff, published in Osaka.

Japan's First English Newspaper, Edited by Japanese Hands

During the Meiji era, English-language newspapers already existed in Japan, but they were published by foreign residents for foreign settlements. The newspaper launched on this day, the "ANGLO-JAPANESE REVIEW," is regarded as the first English newspaper actually edited by Japanese people themselves.

• Date of publication: September 27, 1885 (Meiji 18)
• Place of publication: Osaka
• What made it different: Unlike earlier foreign-run English papers, this one was edited by Japanese staff
• Significance: A pioneering attempt by a modernizing Japan to communicate with the world in its own voice

The Origins of Media Connecting Modern Japan and the World

Meiji-era Japan faced growing pressure to represent itself accurately to the Western powers. Publishing an English newspaper was an important step toward that kind of outward communication.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Explore the history of media and journalism during the Meiji era
• Pick up a modern English-language newspaper, such as The Japan Times
• Try reading news about Japan in English
• Reflect on the relationship between Japan's modernization and its efforts to communicate with the world

The Pioneers Who Tried to Cross the Language Barrier

English Newspaper Publication Day looks back on a Meiji-era effort to share information with the world in Japanese hands. September 27th is a chance to reflect on the seeds of an outward-facing Japan, planted more than 130 years ago.