In January, the European Business Council in Japan will launch a new magazine called eurobiz japan. This magazine will address topics of special interest to European firms here, including the press club system — an issue that continues to rankle foreign business circles.
The press club system has long been criticized by "Reporters Without Borders" and other organizations. As recently as 2006, the Paris-based group had Japan ranked as low as No. 51 worldwide in terms of press freedom.
While praised as an efficient tool for quickly and effectively distributing information, press clubs in actuality restrict access to press conferences and information given out by various institutions — including government ministries, the police, the Diet and other public organizations — to their members.
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