This essay examines European media coverage of the Carlos Ghosn case, highlighting perceived bias, cultural misunderstanding, and political framing.
By analyzing French reporting and global media narratives, it questions journalistic objectivity and the impact of globalization on media discourse.

January 9, 2019
Even Le Monde, praised by many Japanese as a prestigious newspaper, invoked the unrelated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident when criticizing the length of detention.

As readers know, I have long loved France as much as Italy.
Those close to me and perceptive readers are aware of my connection with Le Clézio.

However, when French media in recent years amplified anti-Japan narratives originating from the Korean Peninsula, I felt deep disappointment.
The Ghosn case has only intensified that feeling.
Why defend such a figure?

French reactions appear inconsistent.
Yet I have calmly realized one thing.
It is not that the French people I know are like this.
Rather, across East and West, many who make their living in the media share a form of pseudo-moralism and political bias.

As today’s Sankei column also shows, there exist within the media those who are poorly informed and full of prejudice.

“France has far less understanding of Japan than you might imagine.
There are hardly any books about French literature in Japan.”
This was written by Paul Claudel, the renowned writer who served as French ambassador to Japan.
Soon after arriving in Taisho 11, he urged the reorganization of publicity efforts.

“I was shocked by the extent of France’s misunderstanding of Japan.”
Mina Mitsui, Paris bureau chief, lamented this in the magazine Sound Argument.

Coverage of the arrest of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has been particularly problematic.
Even Le Monde invoked Fukushima while criticizing Japan’s detention practices.

“The leaders of TEPCO who caused a catastrophic nuclear accident did not live in prison,” it wrote.
It also claimed that “Ghosn is being forced to speak Japanese in prison,” a description laden with bias.

Ghosn himself appeared before the Tokyo District Court and declared his innocence in English.
Reports of weight loss may intensify French media criticism of Japan.

An essay by Professor Yoshitaka Fukui in the same issue is also noteworthy.
The extraordinary compensation of Western executives is a result of globalization after the Cold War.
Neglected masses are rebelling across various regions.

This helps explain strong public support for the Yellow Vest movement.
Why similar unrest does not occur in Japan would be an interesting subject for reporting.

Of course, that is none of their concern.