Controversy surrounding coverage of an Okinawa lecture highlighted issues of media influence and credibility. Critical reporting sometimes produced a “boomerang effect,” drawing greater public interest instead. This section examines the challenges facing regional newspapers and modern media dynamics.

But in reality, it was you who were laughed at (laughs).
2018-01-16.
The following continues from the previous chapter.
Protecting pride above all.
Arimoto.
The circulation of the Okinawa Times is just over one hundred thousand, correct?.
Ganaha.
Yes.
Arimoto.
How has that number changed in recent years?.
Ganaha.
It is declining.
Arimoto.
Major national newspapers and other regional papers have also been losing circulation in recent years.
Even so, a newspaper that holds overwhelming share in Okinawa uses such a large amount of space to criticize the statements of a private individual, no matter how influential Mr. Hyakuta may be.
Moreover, it distorts the main point.
How does the Okinawa Times view the pressure inherent in such reporting?.
On the other hand, I also think that this article may actually serve as publicity for Mr. Hyakuta’s next lecture.
If one hundred thousand people read it, quite a few may think, “Oh, Mr. Hyakuta seems to be saying something interesting. Perhaps I should go and listen.”
Ganaha.
That is true.
I believe reporter Abe is watching this program closely right now, gathering material for further articles.
Hyakuta.
I inadvertently called him “trash” earlier, so perhaps that will also be written about (laughs).
Ganaha.
If you wish, we could send reporter Abe an invitation to the postponed lecture (laughs).
Hyakuta.
The October lecture was actually scheduled for two days, but one day was cancelled due to a typhoon.
We planned to postpone the cancelled one to December, but it has been difficult due to various commitments.
I am thinking of returning to Okinawa in January or February of the new year to give another lecture.
Arimoto.
The next lecture will surely be packed.
After all, the Okinawa Times has practically advertised it across its pages.
Ganaha.
I think there will even be standing room only.
I want as many prefectural residents as possible to know.
Regarding reporter Abe’s series of articles, a boomerang effect is occurring.
They are even using reader submissions to defend him.
For example, a self-employed man from Naha submitted a piece titled, “Reporter Abe Endured Mockery — Pride.”
They are desperately trying to protect themselves.
Even in “Daigen Shogen,” it states, “Because he abandoned his original ideals for promotion and writes biased articles, hundreds of audience members burst into laughter, and I also laughed.”
Yet somehow it is written as if they were laughing at Mr. Hyakuta.
But in fact, it was you who were laughed at (laughs).
They appear to be attacking us, but in reality they are mounting their greatest defense.
Hyakuta.
Indeed, when you look at the front-page article, it feels desperate.
To be continued.