Makoto Watanabe has emerged as a transformative figure in Japanese journalism after leaving a leading newspaper known as the Asahi Shimbun. Eleven years ago, the Asahi retracted a critical article on the Fukushima nuclear disaster, claiming it had misrepresented facts amidst political pressures. This experience left Watanabe disheartened, leading him to leave his secure position, a rare decision in Japan’s corporate landscape.
Motivated by the desire for journalistic integrity, he founded the Tokyo Investigative Newsroom Tansa, the first nonprofit organization in Japan focused solely on investigative reporting. “The newspaper was more focused on safeguarding its privileged relations than on the truth,” Watanabe explained. He was determined to forge a new path for journalism in Japan that prioritized transparency and accountability.
Today, Tansa operates with a small team of dedicated individuals who work in a modest office in Tokyo. Despite its size, Tansa has gained significant traction. Last year, it unveiled shocking findings on the long-overdue issue of forced sterilizations of mentally disabled individuals, prompting the Japanese government to issue an official apology and pledge compensation to affected victims.
The impact of Tansa's investigative work has led to collaborations with wider media, including a content-sharing agreement with Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, illustrating the power and importance of independent journalism in holding authorities accountable. Watanabe’s vision for Tansa reflects a commitment not only to uncovering uncomfortable truths but also to fostering a culture of courageous reporting in the face of adversity.
