Statement by Takeshi Niinami, Chairperson of Keizai Doyukai on Passing of Mr. Tsuneo Watanabe, The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings Editor-in-Chief
December 19, 2024
Takeshi Niinami
Chairperson, Keizai Doyukai
I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Tsuneo Watanabe, who has led Japan's newspaper reporting for so many years.
Mr. Watanabe's outstanding news gathering and straightforward analysis, provided in his days as a young political journalist, are well remembered today as seen in his books such as "Habatsu: Hoshutō No Kaibō" or "Factions: Anatomy of the Conservative Party." He has also made great contributions to media circles and opinion leaders by implementing advocacy journalism and promoting the culture of printing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Watanabe served many key posts, including a member of the Administrative Reform Council that led the reorganization of the central government ministries and agencies. Namely, his active engagements were with many fields and went beyond the newspaper business.
Mr. Watanabe attended Keizai Doyukai's "Conference on Mass Media and Journalism in the Future" in February 2007. Citing his own wartime experiences, he lectured on the importance of a role journalism plays for avoiding populism.
We will commemorate Mr. Watanabe's wide-ranging achievements and pray for his soul to rest in peace.
