Watanabe Tsuneo, the prominent figure behind the Yomiuri Shimbun Group and owner of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, passed away from pneumonia on December 19, 2023, at 2 AM. He was 98 years old.
Watanabe was born on May 30, 1926, and his contributions to both the Japanese media and sporting communities were significant. Following his graduation from the University of Tokyo, he joined the Yomiuri Shimbun company in 1950, where he quickly moved up the ranks, making his mark as the Washington Bureau chief and later as a senior editorial writer. His leadership culminated with his appointment as president and chief editor of the Yomiuri Shimbun Group, positions he held from 1991 until 2016.
According to Yomiuri Shimbun Group, "渡辺恒雄さんが肺炎のため、19日未明、東京都内の病院で亡くなりました。98歳でした。" While he was known for his fierce leadership and sometimes controversial comments, Watanabe was also appreciated for his deep commitment to the development of sports within Japan.
Watanabe became involved with the Yomiuri Giants as the executive director and eventually the owner of the team, taking over the role officially in 1996. His influence went beyond journalism and extended deeply within the world of professional baseball, where he left behind notable legacies.
One of Watanabe's most quoted moments came during the challenging times of Japan's baseball restructuring. He commented, "プロ野球の読売巨人軍のオーナーや大相撲の横綱審議委員会委員長を務めるなど、スポーツ界の発展にも尽力しました。" His involvement and decisions during this period often drew attention and sparked controversy, especially during what was referred to as the 'Ichiba Incident' and the internal 'Seibu Hino Riots.' Any discussion about Watanabe’s career would be incomplete without noting these incidents.
Through the decades, Watanabe was recognized not just for his managerial skills but also for his ability to connect with players and media personalities alike. He had relationships built on mutual respect, and even some challenges highlighted his unique approach to leadership. His legacy will influence future generations of journalists and sports executives who look up to his career.
The sports world now mourns the loss of 'Nabetsune,' as he was fondly known. His impact intersected with various aspects of Japanese society from the world of sports to the media sector, nurturing many movements, stories, and reforms.
Following the news of his passing, numerous tributes flowed from across the baseball community and media outlets. Many honored his contributions by recounting personal anecdotes alongside his professional milestones. The community of baseball players and enthusiasts noted, "たかが選手が", emphasizing the respect and gravity of his statements over the years, acknowledging his sometimes polarizing yet impactful words.
Watanabe's relentless drive and unwavering focus on development helped shape the modern structure of Japanese professional baseball. His unwavering commitment to establishing partnerships between media and sports provided fertile ground for many successful narratives and stories.
Though he has departed, his influence remains embedded within the fabric of Japanese baseball and journalism. His exceptional life, filled with high peaks and significant contributions, will continue to inspire countless individuals striving to contribute positively to their fields.
While Watanabe Tsuneo is no longer with us, the legacy he leaves behind will shape discussions about media ethics, sports management, and the responsibilities of powerful figures across industries for years to come.
