Japan’s Hidden “Oshigami” Problem: Are Newspaper Circulation Figures Reliable?

By Tetsuya Kuroyabu
The English-language Wikipedia has raised questions about the reliability of circulation figures reported by Japanese newspapers:
“Some figures are disputed; the numbers for Japanese newspapers have been subjected to claims of ‘oshigami’…”
The issue known as “oshigami” has remained largely hidden from public view in Japan for more than 50 years, with no clear solution in sight.
“Oshigami” refers to newspapers that publishers or their distribution networks supply to newspaper dealers in quantities exceeding actual subscriber demand. Dealers may still be required to pay for these unsold copies. As a result, the number of newspapers supplied to dealers can be significantly higher than the number actually delivered to paying readers.



















































