An encounter with reporters after an interview at the Prime Minister’s residence reveals the persistent discourtesy and outdated habits of newspaper journalists.
A revealing episode about media culture and professional conduct.

The rudeness of asking someone’s name in a professional setting without first identifying who you are or where you are from.
2018-01-30.
The following continues from the previous section.
As we left the residence and walked through the garden toward the Prime Minister’s Office exit, we heard the sound of hurried footsteps running up behind us.
Turning around, we saw three young men, and one of them abruptly asked, “Which company are you from?”
I realized they were reporters stationed at the Prime Minister’s Office, but when I remained silent, Editor-in-Chief Hanada answered for us, “Monthly Hanada. This is Ms. Kaori Arimoto.”
Hearing only that, the reporter began to leave without another word.
I quickly asked, “And which organization are you from?”
“Oh, Asahi Shimbun,” he replied.
Fully aware I might be seen as a sarcastic middle-aged woman, I added, “You could have introduced yourselves first (laugh). You suddenly rushed up from behind, so you startled me,” and then walked toward the exit.
This is not limited to Asahi, but I wondered why newspaper reporters still behave like this.
Nowadays, even telephone operators introduce themselves first.
The only people, aside from police officers, who are allowed the discourtesy of asking someone’s name without first identifying themselves in a professional setting are newspaper reporters.
To be continued.