Editorial

14:00 JST, January 13, 2026

False and other illicit information has spread on social media, repeatedly affecting election results at both the national and local levels.

Despite such circumstances, the ruling and opposition parties alike have failed to implement effective countermeasures. They cannot escape criticism for this negligence.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering dissolving the House of Representatives at the opening of the ordinary Diet session scheduled to be convened on Jan. 23.

If false information were to spread during the subsequent lower house election, doubts about it being a fair and just election could arise. As an immediate countermeasure, shouldn’t the parties agree to strive for the disciplined use of social media?

At last........

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