Watanabe Tsunesan, the esteemed former president and chief editor of the Yomiuri Shimbun, passed away at the age of 98 on October 19 due to pneumonia, leaving behind a formidable legacy etched deeply within the realms of both media and Japanese politics. Known colloquially as "Nabe Tsune," Watanabe's candid remarks and strong opinions shaped public discourse for over three decades during his commanding presence at Japan's largest newspaper.
Born in Tokyo in 1926, Watanabe graduated from the University of Tokyo before joining the Yomiuri Shimbun in 1950. Throughout his career, he held various pivotal roles, including Washington bureau chief, editor-in-chief, and director, whilst ascending to president and chief editor by 1991. His tenure coincided with significant transformations within both the media industry and the political infrastructure of Japan.
Watanabe was particularly known for his assertive quote from July 1991: "The editorial committee chairman is only responsible to the chief editor. The editorial stance is determined not by consensus, but by me, the chief editor," illustrating his authoritative stance on media direction.
His influence extended well beyond the newsroom. He cultivated strong relationships with several prime ministers, including Nakasone Yasuhiro, Abe Shinzo, and current Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. His pivotal advisory roles led to substantial political impacts, including his involvement with the 2007 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Democratic Party of Japan grand coalition proposal.
Watanabe also championed constitutional reform, presenting his bold proposals through the newspaper, including the push for Self-Defense Force amendments and the establishment of environmental rights, prompting public discussions previously considered taboo. His editorial influence was instrumental when Yomiuri Shimbun published its "Constitutional Reform Proposal" back in 1994, challenging the status quo.
Under his leadership, the Yomiuri Shimbun achieved unprecedented growth, surpassing ten million copies sold—a milestone reached for the first time in the industry by 1994. He earned the title of "the seller's god" credited for solidifying the foundation for the national paper's dominance.
Beyond his media success, Watanabe played notable roles outside journalism, presiding over the Yomiuri Giants, one of Japan's most storied professional baseball teams, as its owner from 1996 to 2004. His influence extended to the sports community where he served as chairman of the sumo wrestling committee and was involved with various government panels assessing public administration reform.
His contributions to the media world did not go unnoticed. Watanabe was recognized with the Newspaper Culture Award for his impact on journalism and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, for his service to the media sector. He also received France's prestigious Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, highlighting his broad influence beyond Japan.
Continuing his legacy, Watanabe remained active within the Yomiuri Shimbun until late last year, regularly attending executive meetings and editorial discussions. Even during his health struggles preceding his passing, he took the initiative to review editorials, demonstrating his dedication to the newspaper's principles.
His passing leaves not only the loss of a prominent figure who bridged the worlds of media and politics but also the echo of his impactful views and relentless pursuit of transparency, reform, and influence over Japanese journalism. Watanabe's funeral will be held privately with close family members, but plans for public memorials will be announced later, allowing those influenced by his work to pay tribute to his remarkable life.
Watanabe's philosophy reflects through his saying: "If we cannot abolish the draft system of baseball, we will form a new league." This statement made clear his readiness to challenge traditions within any institution. He leaves behind vast contributions to journalism, sports, and politics, and his complex legacies will continue to invoke discussions among future generations.
Indeed, Watanabe Tsunesan's life exemplified the intersection of journalism and political power—an enduring legacy shaping thoughts, influencing policies, and defining the media's role within society.
