The official govt controlled TV like NHK does not even make much of a comment about brainwashing. The tone is even a bit celebratory, such as "exciting! they are all here for a visit!" Very non controversial.... Much like mainline TV over in the USA does not particularly dwell on the prospect of Islamist Terrorism in the DC shootings, even though the evidence is all around them.
When you move to the private TV channels, they talk about it. The daily sports newspapers like Fuji, or Nikkan Gendai, which you can buy just before getting on the subway, at kiosks (rather lurid, throw away tabloids) are full of comments about how they have been brainwashed. These tend to be the most frank in Japan; even though they are low class, people turn to them for the most news with the limited amount of filter and bullshit. In this case, I tend to believe the tabloids in Japan and my own eyes when I see such horrid, amazing press conferences.
I must say I am surprised they admitted any of this (though I think they were mum on the "still missing" / aka murdered ones). I also believe when GW points a finger at them as he did, they get a little nervous that they may be next on the hit list. Good. Because otherwise, there would be no disclosure at all.