조선신보 (Choson Sinbo) is the official organ of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), first established in 1945. It originated from 민중신문 (Minjung Sinmun), launched by Korean residents in Japan during the formation of the 재일조선인연맹 (League of Koreans in Japan, Choryon). Due to the lack of Korean type, the early issues were published in Japanese, and later Korean was introduced using mimeograph technology. In 1946, 민중신문 merged with 대중신문 (Daejung Sinmun), a newspaper published in Osaka, and was renamed 우리신문 (Uri Sinmun). That same year, in September, it changed its title again to 해방신문 (Haebang Sinmun) and began publication in a larger format. Initially issued every ten days, it became a triweekly paper from August 30, 1948, and then was published every other day beginning May 25, 1949. However, on September 1949, under the directive of the General Headquarters of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (GHQ), Choryon was dissolved, and the Japanese authorities confiscated the newspaper’s printing equipment and forced its closure.
On May 20, 1952, 해방신문 was revived. After the founding of Chongryon, its title changed to 조선민보 (Choson Minbo) on January 1, 1957, and finally to 조선신보 (Choson Sinbo) on January 1, 1961. In its early years, Choson Sinbo mainly functioned as an economic newspaper, reporting on market prices, trade information, and other aspects of daily economic life. It also featured cultural content aimed at attracting Japanese readers, reflecting its hybrid identity within occupied Japan’s media environment. Surviving issues (Nos. 5–12) show that it used primarily Classical Chinese and Japanese, with Korean appearing only sparingly. This multilingual composition indicates that its readership included both Japanese merchants and educated Korean bureaucrats and intellectuals. Since Korea’s liberation, Choson Sinbo has become a crucial medium for understanding the political orientations and everyday experiences of pro–North Korean residents in Japan. Beyond being a community newspaper, it has served as an ideological instrument, conveying and interpreting North Korea’s positions to a transnational audience.
「조선신보」, 『향토문화전자대전』, 한국학중앙연구원, https://www.grandculture.net/busan/toc/GC04210383
「조선신보(朝鮮新報)」, 『한국민족문화대백과사전』, 한국학중앙연구원, https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0073574
How to Use
To access a file, first click on a year, then choose a month to view the PDF.
The publication underwent several name changes throughout its history: Minjung Shinmun, Haebang Shinmun , Uri Shinmun, Chosun Minbo ,and Choson Shinbo .