Professional and Polite Japanese#

As an investigative reporter, Kayama is constantly interviewing people. Because of this, he generally maintains polite and professional language when speaking with sources, witnesses, and other members of the public. Likewise, interview subjects often respond using polite Japanese as well.

As a result, the manga contains a high amount of realistic敬語 (keigo, polite and respectful language), making it useful for learners interested in formal communication.

Source: Matsuura Shogo / Mizuho Dai , Masugomi Miman (HAKUSENSHA<)

Social and Current-Affairs Vocabulary#

Since the story revolves around journalism and investigations, many of the topics resemble those found in newspapers, television news, and public affairs programs.

Readers will encounter vocabulary related to:

• media and journalism
• politics and government
• public scandals
• crime and investigations
• social issues

These are words and expressions that do not often appear in typical entertainment manga, making the series particularly valuable for learners who want to expand their knowledge of socially relevant Japanese.

Source: Matsuura Shogo / Mizuho Dai , Masugomi Miman (HAKUSENSHA<)

What Happened?#

The controversy began with allegations surrounding a well-known television personality and a former female announcer connected to Fuji TV.

However, public criticism soon expanded beyond the original incident itself.

Many people began asking:

• How did the company respond?
• Did management act appropriately?
• Were employees adequately protected?
• Was the organization’s governance functioning properly?

As criticism intensified, numerous major advertisers suspended commercials on the network, and Fuji TV eventually announced leadership changes and external investigations.

Why Was This Different from Previous Scandals?#

Japan has experienced media scandals before. What made this case unusual was that the media itself became the target of public scrutiny.

For years, some members of the public had felt that major media organizations were quick to criticize politicians, celebrities, and corporations while treating their own scandals more gently. When Fuji TV executives found themselves facing lengthy live press conferences and repeated demands for accountability, many viewers saw an unusual reversal of roles. To some, it felt almost like watching a real-life good-versus-evil drama unfold, with a powerful institution finally being judged by the public.

This reversal attracted enormous public attention and criticism.

The Importance of Sponsors#

One reason the scandal became so significant was the reaction of advertisers. Major companies—including some of Japan’s largest corporations—paused or withdrew advertising from Fuji TV. For television broadcasters, advertising revenue is the foundation of their business. Public criticism alone can be damaging, but the loss of sponsors directly affects a company’s finances.

As a result, the controversy quickly became not only a public-relations issue but also a business crisis.

Why Many Japanese Connected It to “Masugomi”#

The term マスゴミ (masugomi) combines:

• マスコミ (masukomi) — “mass media”
• ゴミ (gomi) — “garbage”

It is a highly critical expression used by people who believe the media has become more interested in protecting itself than pursuing the truth. For years, the term was mostly used by media critics and internet communities. After the Fuji TV controversy, however, discussions about media accountability became far more mainstream.

Whether one agrees with the term or not, the scandal demonstrated why many people feel distrust toward major media institutions.

What It Means for Japanese Learners#

For learners of Japanese, the Fuji TV controversy and the discussions surrounding it offer more than just a lesson about television.

They introduce important vocabulary and concepts frequently discussed in modern Japan:

• マスコミ (mass media)
• マスゴミ (a derogatory term for the media)
• ガバナンス (governance)
• コンプライアンス (compliance)
• 第三者委員会 (independent investigation committee)
• スポンサー (sponsor)
• 説明責任 (accountability)

The controversy also helps explain why a manga like Masugomi Miman resonates with readers. What might initially seem like an exaggerated fictional critique of the media felt more relevant to many readers when similar issues became the subject of national discussion.

For learners, both the manga and the real-world controversy provide an opportunity to explore not only Japanese language, but also contemporary debates about journalism, corporate responsibility, and public trust in modern Japan.

Expect Some Frustrating Characters#

Because the story focuses on corruption and abuse of power, many characters behave in ways that readers may find unpleasant, unfair, or infuriating. At times, the story can be genuinely frustrating to read.

If that happens, remember the series’ central promise:

• “A thrilling revolutionary drama about destroying the rotten modern media.”

The satisfaction comes from watching those problems eventually be challenged and exposed.

Source: Matsuura Shogo / Mizuho Dai , Masugomi Miman (HAKUSENSHA<)