Motoko Rich,
Motoko Rich is the lead reporter for The New York Times in Tokyo, covering Japan. She focuses on topics such as politics, foreign policy, demographics, culture, the arts and environment. Rich has a background in history and English and has worked at The Times for 20 years covering real estate, publishing, economics and education. Prior to her work at The Times, she was raised in New Jersey, Tokyo and California and worked at the Financial Times in London and The Wall Street Journal in Atlanta and New York. Rich takes journalistic ethics seriously, adhering to the standards of integrity outlined in The Times' Ethical Journalism Handbook. She always identifies herself as a Times reporter when working and makes sure to fact-check, source information rigorously, protect her sources, and correct any mistakes quickly.
73%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
82%
Examples:
- In one article, the author mentions that Japanese spectators are grumbling about foreign concertgoers visiting Tokyo, implying a negative perspective towards international tourists.
- The author tends to present a balanced view in her articles but occasionally includes personal opinions or interpretations.
Conflicts of Interest
58%
Examples:
- In one article, the author mentions that Japan's approach to aging and its declining birthrate are topics of interest, which could potentially create a conflict of interest as she covers Japan-related issues.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In another article, the author states that thousands of visitors from across Asia and beyond have flooded into Japan's capital as Taylor Swift performs at the Tokyo Dome for four nights this week. However, there is no evidence provided to support this claim.
- In one article, the author mentions that passengers did not stop to retrieve carry-on luggage or otherwise slow down the exit during an emergency landing, which contradicts claims made in another article that order prevailed inside the aircraft during an emergency procedure.
Deceptions
75%
Examples:
- In one article, the author claims that order prevailed inside the aircraft during an emergency procedure which is not entirely accurate as some passengers were panicking and crying. This statement misrepresents the reality of what happened on board.
- The title of another article implies that there was a major disaster on board Japan Airlines Flight 516 when in fact it was just an emergency landing due to technical issues with another plane. This is deceptive as it creates a false sense of danger and urgency for readers.
Recent Articles
Russia and North Korea Sign Mutual Defense Pact: What It Means for Asia
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024During his first visit to North Korea in 24 years on June 19, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact with the country. According to the agreement's text released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, if one party is attacked, the other will provide military aid. 
Taylor Swift's Super Bowl Performance Unlikely Due to Partnership with Coca-Cola and Busy Schedule
Broke On: Saturday, 10 February 2024Taylor Swift's busy schedule and partnership with Coca-Cola make it unlikely for her to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Her Eras Tour recently took over Japan, generating an economic impact of 34 billion yen ($230 million). Despite some complaints from Japanese spectators, Japan received over 25 million tourists last year and is the world's second-largest music market after the United States. 
Japan Airlines Flight 516: A Miraculous Escape from a Fiery Plane Crash
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 January 2024On January 3rd, 2024, a Japan Airlines passenger jet (JAL Flight 516) and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collided at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The JAL plane was carrying 379 passengers and crew members who were evacuated safely through three exit doors deemed safest.