Nippon Television apologizes for false reports on Koizumi and Onoda

Nippon Television issued a formal apology on its program ‘ZIP!’ after broadcasting incorrect information regarding Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda.

The error occurred during a segment discussing cabinet reshuffles, where it was reported that both ministers had submitted surveys expressing their preferences for specific roles. However, both officials have denied these claims. Shinjiro Koizumi stated on X that he did not submit any such survey, noting that he communicated his desire to remain Defense Minister directly to the Prime Minister instead. He described the report as “completely different from the facts” and expressed surprise that the network did not contact him for verification.

Kimi Onoda also refuted the report on X, calling the information “false” and stating that no such surveys were distributed to members of the House of Councillors. The network acknowledged the inaccuracy during a broadcast on September 21, apologizing to the ministers, relevant parties, and viewers for the misinformation.