Journalist Makoto Watanabe's significant decision to leave a leading Japanese newspaper resulted in the formation of Tansa, a nonprofit that seeks to uphold accountability and transparency through investigative journalism, highlighted by a recent exposé on forced sterilizations.
From Big Media to Nonprofit: A Journalist's Quest for Truth in Japan
From Big Media to Nonprofit: A Journalist's Quest for Truth in Japan
Makoto Watanabe leaves mainstream journalism behind to establish a nonprofit dedicated to investigative reporting after a disturbing retraction by his former employer.
In a bold departure from conventional media norms in Japan, Makoto Watanabe has taken a stand against censorship and compromised journalistic integrity. After a disheartening incident where Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan's largest newspapers, retracted a groundbreaking story on the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Watanabe chose to leave his job rather than compromise his commitment to honest reporting. The retraction came after the paper faced backlash, which he viewed as a clear indication that the media was prioritizing protection of relationships with authorities over informing the public.
Watanabe's vision led to the founding of the Tokyo Investigative Newsroom Tansa, Japan’s first nonprofit organization aimed at investigative journalism. Unlike traditional media, which often avoids contentious issues to safeguard access to information, Tansa operates with a mission to unveil truths, challenge authority, and advocate for the oppressed. “The newspaper was more interested in protecting its privileged access than informing its readers,” Watanabe stated, emphasizing his enduring commitment to journalistic independence.
Despite being a small operation with only a handful of staff members, Tansa has made substantial strides in exposing critical issues in society. A prominent example of this is the investigative series published last year that unveiled the long-hidden practice of forced sterilizations of mentally disabled individuals in Japan. This series spurred the government to issue a formal apology and enact compensation measures for the victims, illustrating the tangible impact of dedicated investigative reporting.
While the path for Tansa is fraught with challenges—ranging from limited resources to the difficulty of gaining recognition in a climate dominated by larger media organisms—the organization's recent collaborations, including a deal with Japan's public broadcaster NHK to feature some of their content, signal growing acknowledgment of their vital work. Watanabe and his colleagues remain steadfast in their quest for justice and transparency, aiming to redefine the landscape of journalism in Japan through fearless inquiry and a commitment to truth.
