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Mr. Yukio Ozaki, ex-Minister of Education, and now leader of the Constitutional party in the House of Representatives, had been a journalist for many years; so had Baron Suyematsu, who has occupied several important Cabinet posts under Marquis Ito. Mr. Hara, an able statesman of the younger school, formerly editor of the Osaka Mainichi, was the Minister of Communications in Marquis Ito’s last Administration; and Mr. Inukai, who presided over the Department of Education in Count Okuma’s last Cabinet, made his name in journalism. The present chief editor of the Hochi, Mr. Minoura, has been Vice-Minister of Communications, and Mr. Komatsubara, of the Osaka Mainichi, made a distinct mark in Marquis Yamagata’s last Cabinet as Vice-Minister of Home Affairs. Besides these, there are many equally distinguished politicians who graduated in the school of journalism. Such are Mr. Tokutomi, of the Kokumin; Mr. Asakina, of the Nichi-Nichi; Mr. Kuga, of the Nippon; Mr. Shinada, of the Mainichi; and Mr. Oska, of the Chuo.

Ever respected and honoured in the history of Japan must be the memory of Mr. Fukuzawa, the founder and editor of the Jiji. He did more than any other person to raise the Japanese press to its present high position, where it wields an authority commensurate with the intellect of those who direct it.

The newspapers in Japan are controlled by the Press Law, but this does not mean any serious hampering of their activities. I may safely say that it is practically as liberal as in any other country. From year’s end to year’s end the newspapers are actually criticising most freely the policy and conduct of the Government without any fear of official interference. The only restrictions imposed on the liberty of the press relates to the divulging of State and military secrets in time of contingency. Before this restriction comes in force, however, a previous notice is given to the press, so that there is no danger of a patriotic or right-minded editor being caught in the net of the law unawares.

Lady journalists are coming to the fore in Japan, and are to be found on many of the newspaper staffs. In the opinion of one leading Japanese editor, these young ladies are very clever as writers on social topics and as interviewers. It is, however, to my mind, an open point whether ladies entering journalism will not be sorry for their having taken this decided step.

The newspapers of Japan have always been encouraged by a deep feeling of friendship and admiration for the British nation—a feeling which has found unstinted expression on all important occasions. In its endeavours to lead and educate the people in politics, in commercial development, in national