Even across different newspapers, left-leaning editorials repeatedly use nearly identical language. By examining editorials from Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, and Tokyo Shimbun, this article exposes the contradiction of proclaiming respect for diverse opinions while systematically excluding dissent, revealing a structural inability to engage in genuine debate.

2017-08-02
What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Such editorials appear whenever the occasion arises.
What is striking is that even when the newspapers differ, they shout in virtually identical language, as if copied verbatim.
This too is evidence that left-leaning media all share the same mindset.
For example, Asahi Shimbun wrote the following in its March 6, 2017 editorial titled “The Peril of One-Party Dominance Without Dissent at the LDP Convention.”
“Listening to dissenting views and criticism and engaging in constant self-reflection—without such an attitude, power will腐敗. Its effects spread widely among the people. The Liberal Democratic Party should once again engrave in its heart the dangers of power that history teaches.”
Mainichi Shimbun’s May 1 editorial, “Thirty Years Since the Asahi Shimbun Attack: Rather, the Spread of Suppression of Dissent,” states the following.
“Accepting dissenting opinions and supporting a society where people can speak freely—we wish to renew our resolve as a news organization. … Refusing to acknowledge opinions one dislikes and unilaterally labeling and excluding them. Harsh criticism and extreme arguments intimidate opponents and bring about silence. … The media must serve as the watchdog to ensure that visible and invisible pressure is not suppressing minority opinions.”
What about Tokyo Shimbun?
Its November 15, 2015 editorial following Prime Minister Abe’s re-election as LDP president wrote, “Rather than freely contesting arguments, the party atmosphere favors refusing dissent and remaining ‘of one mind’… Humbly listening to the diverse opinions existing among the public—this is the royal road for the LDP to revive as a party of the people.”
In its September 4, 2014 editorial following the launch of Abe’s reshuffled cabinet, it wrote, “Can it really be said that they sufficiently took in dissenting views among the public and reflected anxiously, rather than believing only their own assertions to be correct? … One even senses signs of strengthening suppression of dissent.”
If you ask me, Tokyo Shimbun in particular is utterly laughable.
While preaching from a position of superiority, “Humbly listen to diverse opinions,” what about their own conduct?
They do not allow dissenting views to be written by their own editorial writers.
Because the left does not accept dissent, it is in fact incapable of debate.
Since the premise is that they themselves are correct and they do not listen to the other side’s arguments, genuine debate is impossible.
For example, how should one view the threat posed by China?
They say that “stoking the threat itself is the real problem.”
They do not budge an inch from the perception that “China is not a threat but a partner aiming at coexistence and mutual prosperity.”
Therefore, left-leaning media always arrive at the conclusion that “if any problem arises with China, it should be resolved through dialogue.”
Even if I say, “Isn’t China threatening the Senkaku Islands and extending its reach toward Okinawa as well?” such arguments are dismissed as dissent.
And that is the end of it.
To be continued.
What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.