The 5th Furusato Newspaper Award Honors Local Journalism Excellence
On November 17, the cultural organization Bunkatsushinsha, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, announced the winners of the 5th Furusato Newspaper Award. This awards program honors exceptional articles and journalists from local newspapers across the nation, covering municipalities in Japan. This year, the prestigious Grand Prize was awarded to Tono Shimbun's series entitled "Showa 100 Years: Newspapers, Times, and Tono" published weekly in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture.
The series highlights significant historical events in Japan’s Showa era, providing readers with a captivating journey through the newspaper's archives. The award ceremony is set to take place on January 28, 2026, in Tokyo, which will also include a networking event for attendees.
Since its inception in 2021, the Furusato Newspaper Award has been the only national award aimed at local newspapers. The selection process involves thorough assessments of 70 regional publications housed in the private library known as the Furusato Newspaper Library, also managed by Bunkatsushinsha.
A panel of six experts from academia and media evaluated one year’s worth of articles from these newspapers (covering the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). Each expert chose their top ten articles from self-nominated submissions. From these selections, the articles underwent peer review by the other five experts, producing a shortlist of 32 articles that advanced to the final round.
The final evaluation was conducted by five judges connected to the regions represented, culminating in the designation of the Grand Prize winner and other awards. Notably, an article or series that received the highest expert evaluation also earned a special award.
This year, as we commemorate the centenary of the Showa era, Tono Shimbun has been publishing a monthly retrospective column entitled "Showa Year Calendar," revisiting significant events and the history of the paper itself.
The series masterfully presents local events in a compact narrative that is both engaging and easy to read. It covers an array of topics, extending beyond just politics and culture to include television broadcasts and the Gifu National Athletic Meet, providing a diverse range of interest for readers. (Kozo Kaku)
The concept for the annual retrospective column is exceptional. It’s a creative idea that is hard to originate, showcasing the depth of Tono Shimbun’s history through its past editions. (Toshihiro Takahashi)
The award ceremony, which is invitation-only, will take place on January 28, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Tokutenko Ueno Main Store, located in Taito, Tokyo. Coverage of the event is also welcome; interested parties should contact for arrangements.
Founded in 1946, Bunkatsushinsha supports the publishing and book industry with a range of specialized initiatives to promote literacy. The organization publishes the weekly newspaper ‘The Bunka News’ and free publications like ‘BookLink’ for bookstores, providing insights into industry trends while promoting reading among children and youth with campaigns such as '100 Books for Children' and 'Encouraging Reading.' Through online communities and private libraries like ‘Hon no Mori,' they create spaces for connection over literature.
In addition, the annual ‘Literacy Culture Forum’ facilitates cross-industry discussions and networking opportunities. With more than 100 regional newspapers supported through initiatives like the Furusato Newspaper Award, Bunkatsushinsha plays a crucial role in revitalizing community culture. Heading into its 80th anniversary in 2026, the organization continues its mission of opening up the world of print culture and connecting the future of the newspaper and publishing industry with its readership.
For inquiries regarding the Furusato Newspaper Award, please contact:
Bunkatsushinsha Co., Ltd.
Masuda from Business Promotion Room
Phone: 03-5217-7730
Email: [email protected]
The series highlights significant historical events in Japan’s Showa era, providing readers with a captivating journey through the newspaper's archives. The award ceremony is set to take place on January 28, 2026, in Tokyo, which will also include a networking event for attendees.
Selection Process for the Furusato Newspaper Award
Since its inception in 2021, the Furusato Newspaper Award has been the only national award aimed at local newspapers. The selection process involves thorough assessments of 70 regional publications housed in the private library known as the Furusato Newspaper Library, also managed by Bunkatsushinsha.
A panel of six experts from academia and media evaluated one year’s worth of articles from these newspapers (covering the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). Each expert chose their top ten articles from self-nominated submissions. From these selections, the articles underwent peer review by the other five experts, producing a shortlist of 32 articles that advanced to the final round.
The final evaluation was conducted by five judges connected to the regions represented, culminating in the designation of the Grand Prize winner and other awards. Notably, an article or series that received the highest expert evaluation also earned a special award.
Judges
- - Kozo Kaku (Historian and Author)
- - Kundo Koyama (Television Writer and Scriptwriter)
- - Toshihiro Takahashi (CEO of Discover Japan)
- - Mayumi Yamazaki (Essayist)
- - Masaki Yokokawa (Welcome Group Representative)
Experts on the Selection Committee
- - Shinya Sengoku (Former Japan Newspaper Association)
- - Shigeo Takahashi (Former Nippon Television Network)
- - Reiji Takahashi (Ibaraki Shimbun)
- - Seijiro Tsukamoto (Professor, Nihon University)
- - Kumi Toyama (Policy Management Institute, Chairperson)
- - Satoru Honda (Professor, Edogawa University)
About the Winning Article
- - Awarded Publication: Tono Shimbun (Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture)
- - Winning Article: Series "Showa 100 Years: Newspapers, Times, and Tono"
- - Publication Date: Starting February 7, 2025
This year, as we commemorate the centenary of the Showa era, Tono Shimbun has been publishing a monthly retrospective column entitled "Showa Year Calendar," revisiting significant events and the history of the paper itself.
Comments from Judges (Excerpt)
The series masterfully presents local events in a compact narrative that is both engaging and easy to read. It covers an array of topics, extending beyond just politics and culture to include television broadcasts and the Gifu National Athletic Meet, providing a diverse range of interest for readers. (Kozo Kaku)
The concept for the annual retrospective column is exceptional. It’s a creative idea that is hard to originate, showcasing the depth of Tono Shimbun’s history through its past editions. (Toshihiro Takahashi)
Award Ceremony and Networking Event
The award ceremony, which is invitation-only, will take place on January 28, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Tokutenko Ueno Main Store, located in Taito, Tokyo. Coverage of the event is also welcome; interested parties should contact for arrangements.
About Bunkatsushinsha
Founded in 1946, Bunkatsushinsha supports the publishing and book industry with a range of specialized initiatives to promote literacy. The organization publishes the weekly newspaper ‘The Bunka News’ and free publications like ‘BookLink’ for bookstores, providing insights into industry trends while promoting reading among children and youth with campaigns such as '100 Books for Children' and 'Encouraging Reading.' Through online communities and private libraries like ‘Hon no Mori,' they create spaces for connection over literature.
In addition, the annual ‘Literacy Culture Forum’ facilitates cross-industry discussions and networking opportunities. With more than 100 regional newspapers supported through initiatives like the Furusato Newspaper Award, Bunkatsushinsha plays a crucial role in revitalizing community culture. Heading into its 80th anniversary in 2026, the organization continues its mission of opening up the world of print culture and connecting the future of the newspaper and publishing industry with its readership.
For inquiries regarding the Furusato Newspaper Award, please contact:
Bunkatsushinsha Co., Ltd.
Masuda from Business Promotion Room
Phone: 03-5217-7730
Email: [email protected]
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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