## A Legacy of Influence: Remembering tsuneo Watanabe
Tsuneo Watanabe, a towering figure in Japanese media and politics, passed away on December 19, 2024, at teh age of 98. [[1]] [[2]] His remarkable career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Japan’s media landscape and its political discourse.
Watanabe’s journey began in 1950 at The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s most influential daily newspaper. [[1]] He rose through the ranks, leading the Washington bureau and the political news department before assuming the role of president and editor-in-chief in 1991. Under his stewardship, The Yomiuri Shimbun achieved unprecedented success, boasting a circulation exceeding 10 million copies. This remarkable feat earned the newspaper a Guinness World Record in 2010, solidifying its position as the world’s highest-circulating daily. [[1]]
Beyond his journalistic achievements, Watanabe was a key player in shaping Japan’s political landscape. He forged close relationships with prominent politicians, including former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who, like Watanabe, held conservative views. [[2]] Watanabe actively participated in discussions surrounding constitutional reform, collaborating with Nakasone on drafting amendments. His commitment to revising the postwar constitution, a document he viewed as a product of foreign influence, remained a defining aspect of his political stance.
Watanabe’s views evolved over time. While he initially aligned with the Japanese Communist Party after World War II, his perspective shifted towards conservatism.[[2]] This transformation was reflected in his leadership of The Yomiuri Shimbun, where he steered the newspaper towards a more conservative editorial direction. However, he remained critical of certain aspects of Japanese nationalism, notably opposing visits by prime ministers to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site associated with Japan’s wartime past.
Watanabe’s influence extended beyond politics and journalism.He also served as president of the Yomiuri Giants, one of Japan’s most beloved professional baseball teams. [[1]] This role further cemented his status as a prominent figure in Japanese society.
Watanabe’s passing has been met with widespread tributes. Prime minister Shigeru Ishiba lauded him as a “great journalist,” while Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described him as “a witness to postwar politics who knew many politicians.” [[1]] His legacy as a media mogul, political influencer, and baseball enthusiast will undoubtedly continue to resonate in Japan for years to come.
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