January 27, 2026 Request to Broadcasters Concerning the Reporting of Projected Winners in the 51st General Election of the House of Representatives

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will make a request to broadcasters concerning the reporting of projected winners in the 51st general election of the House of Representatives.

1. Targets and method of request

　Today, the MIC will issue a written request, under the name of the Director-General of the Information and Communications Bureau, to the following organizations: Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association, Satellite Broadcasting Association, Japan Community Broadcasting Association, Japan Cable Television Association, basic commercial broadcasting service providers (excluding operators that only perform text multiplex broadcasting or members of Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association, Satellite Broadcasting Association, or Japan Community Broadcasting Association), general satellite broadcasters (excluding operators that are members of Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association or Satellite Broadcasting Association) and cable-registered general broadcasters that engage in independent broadcasting (excluding operators that are members of Japan Cable Television Association).

2. Details of request

　National elections are of interest to all people. Reporting projected winners will have a significant impact on all concerned. It is imperative that broadcasters act in accordance with the purpose of the Broadcasting Act and provide highly reliable information based on news-gathering activities. The MIC has decided to request them to exercise caution in order to live up to the public’s trust in broadcasting.