Watanabe Tsunesan, the influential former head of the Yomiuri Shimbun and owner of the Yomiuri Giants, passed away on December 19, 2023, at the age of 98 due to pneumonia. This event has sparked responses from across the political and sports arenas, recognizing his longstanding contributions to Japanese media and sports.
Born during the Taisho era, Watanabe began his career at Yomiuri Shimbun shortly after World War II, working his way up through various positions, including political reporter, Washington bureau chief, and later as president of the newspaper from 1991. His ascent to the top was marked by considerable influence over Japan's media narrative, often steering the Yomiuri toward alignment with political authorities.
Watanabe's tenure as owner of the Yomiuri Giants was marked by his authoritative command over the Japanese professional baseball league, earning him the nickname "the Don of Baseball." His strategic decisions had significant impacts, including his involvement during the 2004 reorganization scandal affecting the league, where he played pivotal roles amid opposition from players and public sentiment.
Among the key quotes reflecting on his impact, the Yomiuri Shimbun noted: "His efforts led to significant contributions to the development of Japanese professional baseball and journalism." Watanabe's style was often characterized as commanding yet occasionally controversial—his notorious "just players" remark during negotiations was met with backlash from the player community, illustrating the tense nature of his leadership.
Tributes have poured in following Watanabe's death, highlighting his multifaceted influence. Former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone remarked, "A giant figure whose passing marks the end of an era," reflecting the sentiment held by many political figures who recognized Watanabe's role as both advisor and critic within legislative circles.
On the sports front, colleagues and former players expressed their respects. Giants' former manager Hara Tatsuya noted, "He was not just our owner; he was pivotal in shaping careers and pushing us toward excellence," conveying the loyalty and reverence many held for him.
Watanabe's involvement went beyond baseball; he was deeply entrenched within the political framework of Japan. His connections with politicians extended to various administrations, shaping public discourse. His role during the discussions leading to the large coalition government formation had been particularly noted, showcasing his adeptness at maneuvering within the political sphere.
Reflecting on Watanabe's legacy, Akira Uozumi, author of 'Watanabe Tsunesan: The Media and Power', commented, "He shaped the media's relationship with political power, fundamentally altering how the Japanese press interacted with its leaders." This encapsulates the dual role he played, not only as media head but also as a political figure.
The Japan Newspaper Association's president Shiro Nakamura remarked: "He significantly influenced the press industry, enhancing active culture," reinforcing the idea of Watanabe's lasting legacy within journalism and media norms established during his tenure.
Watanabe's death opens the book on reflections and reassessments of his impact on the fabric of Japanese media and politics over the decades. Commentators are left to ponder what this loss means for the future—will the void he leaves be filled, or will it signify the end of an influential era? His family has announced plans for a farewell gathering, yet the date remains undetermined as many continue to process this significant loss.
Watanabe's enduring influence epitomizes the complex interplay between media, politics, and sports—an intersection he navigated with mastery for over half a century. Best remembered for both his controversial remarks and his authoritative control, his passing marks not just the loss of one man but the closing chapter of one of Japan's more extraordinary media and sports narratives.
The news of Watanabe Tsunesan's passing has certainly sent shockwaves through Japan, highlighting just how deeply his actions, decisions, and authority have shaped contemporary society. From the lush baseball fields to the corridors of political power, his presence loomed large, influencing countless narratives, decisions, and policies across the land.
His contributions will likely continue to spark discussions for years to come, exploring not only what he accomplished but what the future might hold as Japan seeks to navigate the changing landscapes of media and politics he helped define.
