<Articles>An Examination of Press Freedom Erosion in Japan during the Initial Phase of COVID-19

Inspired by the indicators of the Pandemic Project in V-Dem, this study goes beyond the macro data to explore the actual situation of the local media environment, especially news newspapers in Japan. Through content analysis, thiss tudye xamines the interveniton ofth e Japanese governmento n reporters in the initial stage of COVID-19. The government's restrictive measures are not simply a temporary emergency response, but a manifestation of preexisting fragility in the structural dependence caused by the Kisha club (Press club) and the increasing political pressure from the Abe administration. This study identified seven differentg overnmentin terventions and revealed polarized mediar esponses through content analysis of 28 related articles from four major national newspapers. The ability of newspapers to cater to or monitor government divisions weakens oversight. This is not just a matter of different editorial lines and positions; thisi sa p redictable resulto fy ears ofs ustained political pressure.