On 11 September 2025, UNU will host “Building Our Immunity to Mis/Disinformation Through Journalism”, a BIG IDEAS Dialogue with Ms. Hanako Montgomery, international correspondent at CNN, based in the Tokyo bureau. This hybrid event (online and in-person) will start at 18:00 on Zoom and in the 1F Annex Space at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
In an era where digital platforms rapidly amplify falsehoods, journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the spread of mis- and disinformation. Through rigorous fact-checking, transparent editorial standards and accountable storytelling, professional news media can help strengthen the public’s defences against manipulation.
In Japan’s current context — marked by rising social tensions and anti-immigration sentiments — journalists play an essential role in shaping informed public debate that serves public interests and fosters social cohesion. Independent reporting helps illuminate diverse perspectives, mute echo chambers and correct distorted narratives that can fuel fear or division.
Ms. Hanako Montgomery will join UNU Senior Vice-Rector Prof. Sawako Shirahase to discuss how journalism can not only counter disinformation but also foster a constructive public dialogue rooted in empathy and critical inquiry. Ms. Montgomery will share insights from her experience covering women’s rights, politics, the economy and social issues in Japan and across Asia.
Registration
Please note this event will be in English; Japanese interpretation will not be provided. Advance registration (by 10 Sep at 15:00) is required.
To attend this event in person at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, register at: https://go.unu.edu/OUciA
To attend this event online via Zoom webinar, register at: https://go.unu.edu/dna7r
For the in-person event, please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
About the Speaker
Hanako Montgomery is an award-winning international correspondent based at CNN’s Tokyo bureau, reporting across the network’s television and digital platforms. With a background in human rights reporting, Ms. Montgomery covers women’s rights, politics, the economy and social issues across Asia.
Before joining CNN, Ms. Montgomery was an East Asia reporter for VICE. She helped lead VICE’s coverage on numerous key stories from the region. In 2023, Ms. Montgomery won a National News & Documentary Emmy Award as well as a Front Page Award for her work covering legal child abuse manga in Japan.
Prior to joining VICE, Montgomery was a TV Japan reporter for Japan’s state broadcaster, NHK, in its New York office.
