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At the Kantei are the journalists
that are dubbed the "Sori-ban (PM watchers)", responsible for
coverage of the Prime Minister. These journalists usually collect
information on the comings and goings of the Prime Minister and ask
visitors about the content of their talks with the Prime Minister,
in addition to questioning the Prime Minister himself about important
political issues.
The Prime Minister is often seen on television surrounded by journalists
interviewing him - they are the Sori-ban.
Such interviews are termed "burasagari (hangers)". This name
came about from the fact that many journalists gather around the Prime
Minister and give the impression that they are literally "hanging
on" to the Prime Minister.
There are also journalists responsible for coverage of the Chief Cabinet
Secretary and the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretaries. These are known
as the "beat reporters".
These "beat reporters" are affiliated to the "Nagata Club", commonly
known as the "Cabinet Press Club" that is situated on the first floor
of the Kantei. Of these the Sori-ban engage in the hard
physical work, constantly following the movements of the Prime Minister
closely, and for this reason most of the journalists are quite young.
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