Overview

• On August 30, Yomiuri disclosed a verification report finding that a reporter presumed the investigation target and that internal vetting did not function.
• The paper clarified that the Tokyo special investigations unit’s forced search concerned Japan Innovation Party lawmaker Akira Ishii, not Takashi Ikeshita as it had reported on August 27.
• Disciplinary actions effective September 5 include two months of 30% pay returns by senior editors Riichiro Maeki and Taro Takihana, the removal of Social Affairs Editor-in-Chief Atsuko Kobayashi, and a censure of the day’s newsroom desk.
• The society desk, the judicial press club cap, and the reporter will be suspended for seven days after editors discounted contrary information and failed to secure confirmation from multiple sources.
• The review notes the paper did not consult its Adequate Reporting Committee and says it will work to correct online claims to help restore Ikeshita’s reputation.