Makoto Watanabe: The Man Behind Japan’s First Investigative Nonprofit
Makoto Watanabe, a 50-year-old journalist, made history by founding Japan’s first media nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism, Tokyo Investigative Newsroom Tansa. His journey into the world of journalism began with a passion for uncovering truths and challenging official narratives. Watanabe’s decision to leave his high-profile job at the Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s largest newspapers, was a turning point in his career. It was over a decade ago when the Asahi Shimbun retracted a major investigative scoop about the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Workers at the plant had reportedly fled against orders, but the newspaper faced backlash and eventually disavowed the story. For Watanabe, this incident was a clear sign that the paper prioritized maintaining its privileged access to power over serving the public interest.
The Birth of Tansa: A New Era in Investigative Journalism
In response to the Asahi Shimbun’s decision to retract the story, Watanabe decided to leave the newspaper, a rare move in Japan’s traditionally hierarchical media landscape. Instead of giving up on journalism, he took a bold step and founded Tansa, which translates to “in-depth investigation.” The nonprofit organization was established to operate independently from corporate sponsors and political influence. Watanabe’s vision was clear: to create a platform where journalists could focus on uncovering the truth without fear of retribution or pressure from powerful entities. Tansa’s early years were marked by challenges, but the organization gradually gained momentum.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Breakthroughs
Tansa’s journey was not without its struggles. Starting with a small team of just two full-time reporters, a volunteer, and an intern, the organization operated out of a modest office in Tokyo. Despite its limited resources, Tansa began to make waves in the media landscape. One of its most significant achievements came when it exposed decades of forced sterilizations of mentally disabled people in Japan. The series of articles prompted the government to issue an apology and pass a law providing compensation to the victims. This breakthrough not only solidified Tansa’s reputation but also demonstrated the power of independent journalism. The nonprofit also collaborated with Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, and saw a steady increase in readers supporting it through monthly contributions.
A Mission to Amplify Marginalized Voices
Watanabe’s commitment to investigative journalism is deeply personal. His interest in storytelling and social justice began when he was in middle school, where he saw firsthand the impact of bullying on a classmate with disabilities. By writing about the harm caused by his classmates’ behavior, he was able to bring about change. This experience shaped his approach to journalism, which he describes as starting every story by asking, “Who is hurt by this?” At Tansa, reporters are encouraged to seek out voices that are often ignored by mainstream media. This approach has been instrumental in uncovering critical issues, such as chemical pollution by major manufacturers and a suicide linked to bullying at a high school in Nagasaki.
Breaking the Mold in Japan’s Media Landscape
Japan’s media environment has long been dominated by legacy newspapers and television networks, many of which maintain close ties with the government and corporate establishments. Tansa’s emergence has been a breath of fresh air in this tightly controlled landscape. The nonprofit’s ability to produce deeply reported investigations has earned it recognition both domestically and internationally. Tansa is the only Japanese member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network, a testament to its growing influence. Despite the challenges, Watanabe remains optimistic about the future of independent journalism in Japan. He plans to expand Tansa’s team and explore more cross-border collaborations to tackle global issues.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Tansa gains momentum, Watanabe is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Right-wing populism and media-bashing are on the rise in Japan, creating a hostile environment for independent journalists. The recent raid by police on a small online media outlet in Kagoshima has raised concerns about press freedom. In this increasingly hostile climate, Watanabe believes that the need for a media outlet like Tansa is stronger than ever. He remains determined to build a platform that will not surrender to pressure, continuing to tell stories that matter and holding those in power accountable. For Watanabe, the journey is far from over, but the impact of Tansa’s work is already being felt.
