When you’re staying in Japan, wouldn’t it be great to keep up with the local news in English?
Understanding current events can make your stay more insightful and connect you more deeply with the country.
But where can you find reliable Japanese news in English?
This guide will introduce you to some of the best and easiest ways to stay informed.
The Easiest Way: News Apps on Your Smartphone
For daily news at your fingertips, using a news app is the most convenient option.
SmartNews (スマートニュース)
As you mentioned, SmartNews is a fantastic choice.
It’s a hugely popular news aggregator app in Japan.
Its powerful AI delivers a personalized feed of news from various sources, and it has a robust **English-language channel** covering both Japanese and international news.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN App
For high-quality, reliable news, the NHK WORLD-JAPAN app is unbeatable.
NHK is Japan’s public broadcaster (like the BBC in the UK), and this is their official international service.
You can read articles and even watch live news streams in English.
This is especially useful for important information like weather warnings or earthquake updates.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN App Information
Classic & In-Depth: News Websites
If you prefer to read news on a computer or want more in-depth articles, these websites are excellent resources.
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN (Website): The web version of the app, offering deep dives into Japanese culture and society.
- Kyodo News Plus: The English service of Japan’s leading news agency. Great for breaking news.
- The Japan Times: Japan’s largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper. Offers great analysis and opinion pieces.
Conclusion
To stay informed in Japan, you have great options.
For a quick, personalized overview, SmartNews is perfect.
For trusted, in-depth reporting, turn to NHK WORLD-JAPAN.
Using these tools will not only keep you updated but also enrich your understanding of Japan during your stay.
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